Del. Jim Butler

Maddy summaryHB 2663 requires state agencies to surrender unused funds from "special revenue accounts" to the General Revenue Fund after periods of inactivity. Specifically, accounts with no activity (neither receiving nor disbursing funds) for 1-2 years must surrender 50% of the funds, while accounts inactive for over two years must surrender 100%. The bill prohibits agencies from spending from these accounts while awaiting forfeiture. It directly affects state departments managing special revenue accounts (e.g., for specific programs or funds) that have become inactive, ensuring unspent funds are returned to the general budget for broader state use.

Maddy summaryHB 2676 would remove specific restrictions on outdoor advertising signs in West Virginia, directly affecting businesses and property owners who display commercial signage along state roads. The bill eliminates prohibitions on motion/rotation signs (except rapid motion), using words like "stop" or "danger," copying traffic signs, unshielded lighting, flashing lights, signs on natural features, and several size limitations (including the 672-square-foot cap for single-direction signs and restrictions on stacked or side-by-side sign formations). These changes would allow more flexible signage configurations near roads, while maintaining requirements for unobstructed views and traffic safety. The bill amends West Virginia Code §17-22-4, which currently governs outdoor advertising rules.

Maddy summaryHB 2658 would require county commissions to oversee all fire departments within their county when a county fire board does not exist and the departments are not already managed by a city government. The bill amends West Virginia Code sections 7-1-3d and 7-1-3 to clarify that county commissions assume administrative responsibility for these fire departments. This change aims to create consistent oversight for fire services in counties without a dedicated fire board, replacing fragmented management. The bill does not alter funding, create new departments, or affect fire departments already under municipal control.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires West Virginia's Legislature and Governor to approve any new bonds issued by the Parkways Authority. It applies to all additional bond issuances beyond current authorizations, adding legislative and executive oversight. The bill also mandates that tolls on parkways must be removed six months after bond debt (encumbrances) is fully paid. It does not change the permitted uses of bond funds, which remain limited to parkway projects and highway maintenance.

Maddy summaryHB 2662 creates a new felony offense called "aggravated vehicular homicide" for reckless driving causing death when the driver shows "reckless disregard of human life," raising the penalty to 2-5 years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines. It also amends existing law to clarify that both the driver and an unborn child (embryo or fetus) are considered separate victims in vehicular homicide cases. This directly affects drivers convicted of causing death through extreme recklessness while operating a vehicle, and expands legal recognition of unborn victims in criminal prosecutions. The bill maintains the existing misdemeanor "negligent vehicular homicide" standard but distinguishes felony-level offenses with stricter criteria and harsher penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 2617 amends West Virginia law to require law enforcement to obtain a warrant before entering privately owned land that is posted with "No Trespassing" signs, except in emergencies. The bill directly affects landowners who post their property and law enforcement agencies by clarifying that warrantless entry is generally prohibited. Key provisions include updating §20-1-7 (which governs Natural Resources entry powers) to add these warrant requirements and clarifying that surveillance cameras on or near posted private lands must comply with these rules. The bill does not change existing emergency exceptions for law enforcement entry during immediate threats.

Maddy summaryHCR 53 is a House Concurrent Resolution (not a law) affirming West Virginia's constitutional right to legal standing in matters affecting its residents. It states the state recognizes no judicial authority that denies West Virginia's standing in issues impacting its people, citing the Tenth Amendment, the Declaration of Independence, and West Virginia's own Constitution. The resolution declares any effort to restrict this standing "illegal, void, and an attack on the sovereignty of the People and State." As a concurrent resolution, it expresses the legislature's position but does not create new law or directly affect residents.

Maddy summaryHB 2506 amends West Virginia law to expand vehicle registration fee exemptions for veterans. It lowers the required service-connected disability percentage from 100% to 50% or greater for veterans to qualify, and adds recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross to the list of eligible veterans. The bill directly affects veterans with qualifying disabilities or military honors who own non-commercial vehicles. Key provisions include modifying existing exemption criteria (§17A-10-8(5)) and adding new eligibility under subsection (7) for specific medal recipients. This change would allow more veterans to avoid paying annual vehicle registration fees.

Maddy summaryHB 2432 expands which federal law enforcement officers can enforce West Virginia state laws by adding 19 specific federal agency roles to the existing list. It allows officers from agencies like the FBI, DEA, Border Patrol, Coast Guard, and federal prisons to assist state/local agencies under three conditions: when requested in writing (or verbally in emergencies), when a local officer requests help during exigent circumstances, or when witnessing a felony. The bill clarifies these officers have the same legal authority and immunities as state officers but cannot conduct independent investigations beyond preserving immediate evidence. It directly affects state/local law enforcement agencies seeking federal assistance and the 19 federal agencies listed in subsection (b). The bill does not change existing law enforcement procedures but broadens eligibility for federal officers to collaborate with state agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 2489 requires West Virginia election officials to make all public election data - including cast vote records (CVRs), audit logs, and election management system files - publicly available under the state's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This applies to all registered voters who can request the data without needing to reference FOIA specifically. The bill mandates random physical and code inspections of electronic voting systems, restricts certain voting software, and establishes new requirements for maintaining election records. It directly affects voters seeking transparency and election officials managing election data. The bill is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee after being introduced on February 17, 2025.