Del. Jonathan Pinson

Maddy summaryHB 4385 would cap annual rate increases by West Virginia utility companies (like electricity and gas providers) at a maximum of 5% per year. The bill requires all proposed rate hikes by public utilities to stay within this 5% limit, effective July 1, 2026. This directly affects utility companies and their customers by limiting how much rates can rise annually. The provision applies to all future rate increase requests, replacing any higher proposed increases with the 5% maximum.

Maddy summaryHB 4396 prevents credit card processing fees from being calculated on top of sales tax. It requires merchants to exclude state and local sales taxes, hotel occupancy taxes, alcohol taxes, and rental vehicle surcharges from the transaction amount used to calculate credit card interchange fees. Payment networks must either deduct the tax amount from processing fees at settlement or provide a proportional rebate to merchants. This directly affects merchants who accept credit cards and payment networks that handle transaction settlements.

Maddy summaryHB 3338, now law as Chapter 52 of the 2025 Regular Session, allows child witnesses to testify remotely in court proceedings when a judge determines in-person testimony would be traumatic for them. This directly affects minors involved in sensitive cases, such as abuse or violence, by providing an alternative to testifying in the courtroom. The key provision gives judges the authority to decide if remote testimony is necessary for the child's well-being, without requiring a separate motion. The bill does not change existing procedures for adult witnesses or alter the legal standards for admissibility of testimony.

Maddy summaryHB 2129, now law after Governor approval on April 12, 2025, establishes a "Parents Bill of Rights" for K-12 public schools. It directly affects parents and guardians by granting them specific rights regarding school curriculum, instructional materials, and communications about their child's education. Key provisions require schools to provide parents with clear notice about curriculum content and allow them to review instructional materials used in the classroom. The law creates a framework for parental involvement in educational decisions within public school settings.

Maddy summaryHB 2802 establishes a system allowing law enforcement officers to earn in-service training credits for completing approved professional development courses. It directly affects law enforcement officers in the state by creating a standardized way to accumulate credits toward career advancement or salary milestones. The key provision requires state agencies to maintain a list of approved training programs and track officer participation. This law, now enacted as Chapter 159 of the 2025 Regular Session, replaces previous informal credit systems with a formal, state-administered process. It focuses on improving officer qualifications through structured, documented training rather than altering operational procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 2836 creates a formal permit system for individuals to legally care for injured, orphaned, or ill native wildlife in West Virginia. It establishes "Wildlife Rehabilitators" who may capture, transport, provide medical care, release, or humanely dispatch such animals under permit conditions set by the Division of Wildlife Resources. The bill also allows licensed veterinarians or animal control agencies to provide emergency care (without a full permit) for up to 48 hours before transferring animals to a permitted rehabilitator. This directly affects wildlife caregivers, shelters, and veterinary professionals working with native species, while clarifying that only native wildlife is covered under the permit rules. The law amends existing wildlife possession statutes to align with these new rehabilitation protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 3181 allows all retired law enforcement officers to purchase firearms without restrictions that previously applied to them. The bill removes a prior ban on retired police and sheriff's department officers buying guns directly. It became effective on July 31, 2025, after being signed by the governor on April 28, 2025. This change directly affects retired officers who now have the same firearm purchasing rights as other state residents.

Maddy summaryHB 2880 establishes a program for "parent resource navigators" to help parents access early childhood and educational services. These navigators, appointed by local education agencies, provide guidance on resources like childcare, health programs, and school support systems. The bill became law on April 30, 2025, and directly affects parents seeking assistance with public service programs in their communities. It creates a formal role for navigators but does not specify new funding or eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2575 establishes a permanent, full-time position for a Dementia Services Director within the state Department of Health. This position directly affects state agencies responsible for managing dementia care programs and services. The bill requires the Department of Health to appoint this director to coordinate dementia-related services, ensuring consistent oversight and program management across state initiatives. The law, enacted without the Governor's signature on April 12, 2025, formalizes this role to improve the structure of dementia care delivery.

Maddy summaryHB 2164 allows West Virginia public and private K-12 schools to directly hire security personnel without needing separate state approval. The bill updates existing law to remove previous restrictions on school security staffing, streamlining the process for schools to employ officers or guards. This change directly affects all schools seeking to enhance safety measures through on-site security. The law took effect on July 30, 2025, after being signed by the governor.