Del. Kathie Hess Crouse

Maddy summaryHB 2605 would increase the tax credit available to West Virginia employers who provide child care for their employees. The bill amends Section 11-21-97 of the West Virginia Code to expand the credit, making it more valuable for businesses operating on-site child care facilities or sponsoring such services. It clarifies key terms like "qualified child-care property" and establishes rules for claiming the credit, including conditions for recapture if facilities are sold or repurposed. This legislation directly affects employers in West Virginia who offer child care benefits, potentially reducing their state tax liability.

Maddy summaryHB 2477 provides a one-time 20% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to retirement benefits for eligible retired state employees covered by the Public Employees Retirement System and State Teachers Retirement System. It directly affects retirees who voluntarily retired under normal circumstances and currently receive annual annuities, with the first payment due by June 30, 2025. The adjustment applies to both retirees and their beneficiaries (payable pro rata) and is subject to federal tax limitations. The bill corrects the title's 15% figure to the actual 20% specified in the legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 2700 modifies West Virginia's requirements for obtaining licenses as funeral directors and embalmers. It clarifies that applicants must complete either an associate degree in mortuary science, 60+ academic credits toward a bachelor's in mortuary science, or a bachelor's degree in mortuary science, along with specific apprenticeship hours. The bill also specifies that apprentices must perform at least 35 embalming procedures and conduct 35 funeral services during their training, and requires passing a 75% minimum score on licensing exams. These changes apply to new license applicants seeking to work in funeral services within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 2698 would remove West Virginia's legal requirement for vehicles to undergo periodic safety and emissions inspections. This change directly affects all vehicle owners in the state, eliminating the need for annual inspections at designated stations and removing associated fees. The bill repeals all existing provisions (§17C-16-1 through §17C-16-9) that mandated inspections, required inspection certificates, or imposed penalties for non-compliance. If enacted, vehicles would no longer need to be inspected to remain legally registered or operated.

Maddy summaryHB 2717 would repeal all existing laws requiring mandatory vehicle inspections in West Virginia. It directly affects vehicle owners who currently must obtain state inspections to register or operate their vehicles. The bill eliminates the legal requirement for inspections by removing sections of the state code that established the inspection process, including penalties for non-compliance. This change would end the state's requirement for vehicles to undergo safety or emissions inspections. The bill does not create new provisions but removes the current inspection mandate entirely.

Maddy summaryHB 2691 would allow public school teachers and employees with a valid concealed carry permit to carry a concealed firearm on school grounds. This change specifically applies to employees of public schools and public charter schools who meet state concealed carry requirements. The bill requires firearms to remain concealed at all times while on school property and does not alter the general prohibition on firearms for other individuals or open carry.

Maddy summaryHB 2641 provides a state tax credit to West Virginia employers (both for-profit and nonprofit corporations) who operate existing on-site or sponsored childcare facilities for their employees. The credit equals 100% of the employer’s annual operational costs (excluding property costs) for these facilities, minus any employee fees paid. Employers can apply the credit against their state corporate net income tax or personal income tax, with unused credits carryable forward for up to five years. The credit is limited to the employer’s total tax liability for the year and requires certification of employee usage to ensure compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 2650 would allow individuals aged 21 or older with a valid concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed firearm in public school property and buildings in West Virginia. The bill creates an exception to the existing ban on firearms in schools, specifically permitting licensed permit holders to carry concealed handguns while adhering to strict storage rules: firearms must be stored out of view when in a vehicle, or locked in a glove compartment, trunk, or secured container when the vehicle is unoccupied. This change directly affects licensed concealed carry permit holders who are not students and applies to public primary and secondary schools (not private schools with their own policies). The bill does not alter existing restrictions for students or other prohibited individuals.

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 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.