Del. Kathie Hess Crouse

Maddy summaryHCR 4 requests West Virginia's Joint Committee on Technology & Infrastructure to establish a Genesis Working Group. This group will coordinate statewide planning for artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, digital infrastructure, and energy-based economic development, aligning with federal initiatives. The working group will focus on state readiness, energy-resource integration, broadband expansion, and site identification for digital infrastructure projects. The resolution does not create new laws but directs state agencies and legislators to collaborate on strategic planning.

Maddy summaryHB 5000 prohibits public school employees from using school resources (like facilities, equipment, or time during work hours) for election advocacy or political activities. It specifically bans school staff from engaging in political activity while on duty or acting on behalf of the school administration. The bill directly affects all public school employees in West Virginia, restricting their political conduct during work hours and preventing the use of school assets for election-related efforts. This is a policy restriction, not a new program or funding measure.

Maddy summaryHB 4985, the "Strategic and Critical Resources Act," defines specific minerals (like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements) as critical to West Virginia's security and economy. It prohibits local governments outside cities from regulating the extraction of these resources or the development of related facilities, preempting local ordinances. The bill also restricts foreign adversaries (entities designated by federal law) from owning or controlling land used for extracting these resources. Importantly, the law does not override federal environmental regulations or state building codes, and it aligns with existing federal restrictions on foreign ownership.

Maddy summaryHB 4946 authorizes West Virginia counties to test a four-day school week through a two-year pilot program approved by the State Board of Education. It requires counties to submit detailed plans ensuring students receive sufficient instructional time (meeting state standards), preserving teacher planning/collaboration time (at least 40 minutes daily for elementary), and maintaining school calendar approvals. The program must focus solely on improving student learning, with the State Board reviewing proposals to confirm they align with educational goals. This affects all West Virginia public school counties seeking to experiment with reduced school days while maintaining academic requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4936 removes the 140-day annual limit on retired teachers working as substitutes without penalty to their retirement benefits. It amends West Virginia law to require that the retirement board’s rule cannot set a cap below 140 days, but explicitly allows retired teachers to work beyond 140 days when teaching vacancies exist and there is a demonstrated need for teachers. The bill also clarifies that days worked are calculated by dividing total hours by the standard full-time daily teaching hours, not by calendar days. This directly affects retired teachers seeking substitute roles and county school boards responsible for tracking their work days under the retirement system.

Maddy summaryHB 4938 requires West Virginia county boards of education to train at least one professional staff member at each public school in grant writing procedures. This bill directly affects school districts and their staff members, mandating a specific training requirement for grant acquisition. The key provision specifies that each school must have one trained staff member by July 1, 2026, to improve the district's ability to secure external funding. The law aims to enhance schools' capacity to access additional resources through grant opportunities. This is a procedural requirement focused on staff development, not a change to funding levels or program content.

Maddy summaryHB 4943 requires all West Virginia high school students to learn proper American flag handling, folding, treatment, honoring, display, and retirement procedures as part of their required civics education. This would be integrated into existing civics courses mandated for graduation, with students needing to pass an exam on this topic. The bill directly affects all high school students in West Virginia public, private, parochial, and denominational schools. It amends existing curriculum requirements (§18-2-9) to add flag etiquette as a specific component of civics instruction.

Maddy summaryHB 4941 increases pay for special education staff in West Virginia. It requires special education aides (specifically Aide V) to be paid at the same rate as Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teachers, plus an additional 5% raise. Self-contained special education teachers receive a 10% salary increase. The bill also defines a "critical vacancy" as a position needed for student success and safety, mandating that certified staff fill such roles until a permanent hire is made.

Maddy summaryHB 4905 removes all fees West Virginia teachers pay to the state for obtaining or renewing teaching licenses, certifications, and registering continuing education credit hours. The bill requires the West Virginia Department of Education to eliminate these fees by January 30, 2027, and to reimburse teachers for tuition and fees related to courses taken for certification renewal or additional endorsements in subject areas with teacher shortages. Reimbursement is capped at 15 semester hours per teacher per year for either purpose. This directly affects West Virginia teachers seeking to maintain or expand their teaching credentials through state-recognized pathways.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines a "critical vacancy" as a teaching position essential for student success, safety, and compliance with certification standards. It requires school districts to have certified staff fill these vacancies immediately - without waiting for permanent hires - by assigning them to the relevant classroom. The bill also establishes a process for recruiting new teachers through posted critical need positions, temporary employment of recent graduates, and optional financial incentives like signing bonuses.