Del. Jim Butler

Maddy summaryHB 3171, the "Citizen and State Accountability Act," requires state and local government agencies to seek the Governor's approval before accepting certain grants. For grants over $1 million (defined as "major grants"), agencies must submit a detailed 60-day analysis covering costs, policy impacts, and compliance requirements to the Governor and a fiscal office. For smaller grants ($1 million or less, "minor grants"), agencies must notify the Governor one week before applying. The bill mandates public reporting of all grant applications and requires the Governor to provide written consent for major grants or block minor grants entirely, with all grant details recorded in a public database.

Maddy summaryHB 3175 prohibits public utilities (such as gas, water, and electric companies) from using funds paid by ratepayers to make political contributions or charitable donations. The bill bans these contributions to political candidates, campaigns, political action committees, and charitable organizations. Violations would be classified as criminal offenses with penalties. This applies to all public utilities operating in West Virginia under the state's regulatory code.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how election fraud cases are handled in West Virginia. Currently, the Secretary of State reports potential election fraud to local county prosecutors. Under this bill, if a county prosecutor declines to prosecute after 60 days, the Secretary of State must refer the case to the state Attorney General instead. This directly affects the Secretary of State, county prosecutors, and the Attorney General by shifting the referral pathway for election fraud investigations. The key change is the 60-day review period before cases can be escalated to the state level.

Maddy summaryHB 3113 increases the percentage of precincts required to undergo manual ballot audits during election canvassing in West Virginia. The bill mandates that a higher random selection of precincts (beyond the current threshold) must have voter-verified paper ballots manually counted. If discrepancies exceed 1% or change the election outcome in an audited precinct, all ballots in that precinct must be manually recounted, with the manual count becoming the official record. This directly affects election officials conducting canvasses and candidates who may demand recounts. The bill amends existing election code sections to implement these audit requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2383 replaces West Virginia's West Virginia Contraband Forfeiture Act with a new Criminal Forfeiture Process Act. It applies specifically to property used in or derived directly from felony violations of controlled substance laws (e.g., drug crimes), shifting forfeiture procedures from separate civil processes to the criminal court handling the underlying case. Key provisions define terms like "contraband" (unlawful items like drugs), "innocent owner" (someone unaware their property was used in a crime), prohibit civil forfeiture, and ban transferring seized property to federal agencies for federal forfeiture. This directly affects law enforcement agencies and individuals whose property is linked to drug-related felony convictions.

Maddy summaryHB 3074 requires West Virginia's Secretary of State to include "change audit data" in the existing $1,000 annual subscription service for voter registration data. This data shows monthly changes to voter records (like additions, deletions, or address updates) as a "delta" from the previous month. The bill directly affects organizations and individuals who purchase this subscription for noncommercial purposes, such as election monitoring or research. The Secretary must provide this data within 30 days via a secure digital platform, making it part of the standard subscription package. The change does not alter subscription fees or eligibility but adds transparency about voter record modifications.

Maddy summaryHB 3031 replaces West Virginia's current Fusion Center Joint Oversight Committee with a new committee effective July 1, 2025, terminating the existing committee as of June 30, 2025. The new committee, appointed by the House Speaker and Senate President (with party balance rules), will oversee the Fusion Center's handling of intelligence data, including collection, storage, and destruction. Key provisions require an annual audit by the Inspector General, grant the committee confidential access to the Fusion Center, and mandate security clearances for committee members handling classified information. Violations identified in audits may lead to disciplinary action against Fusion Center staff.

Maddy summaryHJR 31 proposes a constitutional amendment to recognize the Holy Bible (including all 66 books of the Old and New Testaments) as the "divinely inspired, inerrant foundational document" for West Virginia society and government. If approved, it would require the Bible to be given "a place of prominence and reverence" in state public buildings, laws, policies, and schools. This is a procedural resolution seeking voter approval in the 2026 general election to add the amendment to the state constitution, not an immediate policy change. The bill does not alter current laws but aims to establish constitutional recognition of the Bible as the state's moral and historical foundation.

Maddy summaryHB 2993, the Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2025, aims to boost coal-based electricity generation and coke production for steelmaking in West Virginia. It directs the Department of Economic Development to identify suitable sites near coal deposits, transmission infrastructure, and steel facilities that meet air quality standards, streamlining regulatory processes for these projects. The bill directly affects coal energy companies, steel manufacturers, and local communities by prioritizing economic development tied to West Virginia’s coal resources. Key provisions require agencies to review and simplify regulations hindering coal project approvals, with the goal of enhancing the state’s competitiveness in energy and steel production. This focuses on policy coordination rather than new taxes or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2949 prohibits individuals or organizations from charging fees for helping veterans apply for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, except as allowed under federal law. It bans compensation for preparing claims, referring veterans to others for assistance, guaranteeing specific benefit amounts, or charging excessive fees - requiring all fee agreements to follow federal standards (38 CFR §14.636). This directly affects veterans’ advocates, legal service providers, and any entity offering assistance with VA claims. Violations would be treated as breaches of West Virginia’s consumer protection laws, not as new criminal offenses. The bill does not change VA eligibility rules but aims to prevent unfair fees from being charged during the application process.