Del. Kathie Hess Crouse

Maddy summaryHCR 70 is a concurrent resolution requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways name Reedy Bridge (WV 14 over Reedy Creek in Roane County, coordinates 38.90043, -81.42299) the "U.S. Revolutionary War Patriot Private Patrick Board Memorial Bridge." It directly affects the bridge's official designation and signage, commemorating Patrick Board, a Revolutionary War soldier who farmed land granted for his service. The resolution asks the Division of Highways to implement the name change and install identifying signs. This is a commemorative measure with no substantive policy changes beyond the bridge's naming.

Maddy summaryHCR 93 is a concurrent resolution requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways name a 4.3-mile bypass segment on US 33 in Roane County the "Scott Miller Bypass Road." It specifically asks the Division to install signs at both ends of the bypass to identify the road, honoring W. Scott Miller (for whom the area was named) and his grandson Scott W. Miller, a WWII soldier killed at Normandy who received a Purple Heart. This resolution has no policy or funding impact - it solely requests a ceremonial road name change. The resolution was adopted by the House on March 27, 2025, and referred to the Senate Transportation Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 3150 amends West Virginia's medical student loan program to replace scholarship language with loan repayment terms for health science and mental health providers. It clarifies that medical student loans - maxing at $10,000-$20,000 annually for up to four years - will prioritize West Virginia residents, require service in designated shortage areas, and mandate direct payments from the state commission to federal loan servicers. The bill removes licensure requirements for repayment eligibility and updates definitions to align with current health workforce needs, such as specifying "approved service commitment areas" as locations meeting both geographic and specialty shortages. These changes aim to streamline loan administration and better target support for health professionals in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryHB 2514 is a procedural bill that removes outdated references in West Virginia law to two specific one-time reports already submitted to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education. The bill amends sections of the education code (§18-2-7f and §18-2E-10) that previously required reporting on extended learning programs and early literacy support systems. It does not change any program requirements or student eligibility - it only eliminates redundant reporting language for reports that have already been provided. This is a technical cleanup measure with no direct impact on schools, students, or program operations.

Maddy summaryHB 3452 transfers administration of Advanced Career Education (ACE) programs - from high school courses preparing students for specific careers - from county school boards to community and technical colleges. The bill amends education code to end current county board oversight (repealing §18-5-19b) and establishes community colleges as the new administrators for ACE programs, including approval of curricula and credentials. This directly affects high school students enrolled in ACE pathways, county schools currently managing these programs, and community colleges taking on this responsibility. The change aims to align career education with college-level technical training structures, though it does not alter program content or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 2780 would require West Virginia's child care department to provide state-funded child care subsidies for the children of employees working at least 20 hours per week in licensed child care centers or certified family child care homes. This directly affects child care workers in these settings, regardless of their household income level. The bill eliminates income requirements for eligibility, ensuring all qualifying employees can access subsidized child care for their children. The key mechanism is a direct state subsidy administered by the department for child care services provided to these employees' children.

Maddy summaryHB 2876 increases the Natural Resources Commission from seven to eleven members by adding four new positions. These additional members must be Division of Natural Resources staff wildlife biologists, each specializing in a specific wildlife area: deer, bears, turkeys, or fisheries. The bill directly affects the commission's structure and operations, requiring specialized expertise in key species management. This change takes effect with appointments in 2025, expanding the commission's capacity to address species-specific conservation needs.

Maddy summaryHCR 40 is a resolution directing West Virginia's Economic Development Authority to identify land near Flatwoods for a tourism and entertainment complex modeled after attractions like Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It requires the Authority to locate suitable sites, secure funding, and recruit private and public developers to build facilities for tourism, entertainment, and amusement. The bill specifically targets the Flatwoods area near Interstate 79 exit 67, citing its central location and access to major regional cities. This resolution aims to replicate economic benefits seen in neighboring states through new tourism infrastructure, directly affecting Flatwoods and surrounding communities.

Maddy summaryHB 2730 proposes a three-year pilot program to make childcare more affordable for working parents in West Virginia. The bill would require the state, employers, and employees to each pay one-third of childcare costs for children under 18, targeting households earning 150-250% of the Federal Poverty Level who don’t qualify for existing subsidies. The program would launch in 2025 across three urban and two rural counties, with the Department of Human Services developing guidelines and reporting annually on participation and outcomes. If successful, it could lead to a statewide expansion of this cost-sharing model. The bill focuses on improving childcare access, stability, and quality without changing existing subsidy programs.

Maddy summaryHCR 71 is a concurrent resolution requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways name a specific bridge in Roane County the "U.S. Army Technician Fifth Grade Leonard N. Miller Memorial Bridge." It directly affects bridge number 44-010/00-001.09 (locally known as MT Olive Bridge), which carries Reedyville Road over Left Fork Reedy Creek. The resolution cites Leonard N. Miller's military service in World War II (including his 11th Airborne Division service and awards) and post-war life in West Virginia as the reason for the memorial. The request asks the Division of Highways to install signage identifying the bridge with this new name.