Del. Sarah Drennan

Maddy summaryThis bill simplifies the process for handling small estates in West Virginia that do not include real property (like a house). It allows heirs to transfer assets valued at $50,000 or less using a sworn affidavit instead of requiring court-appointed personal representatives. The affidavit must detail the decedent’s death, assets, heirs, and confirm no pending court proceedings. This directly affects individuals inheriting small estates without real property, removing the need for bonds or court oversight while ensuring creditors are paid.

Maddy summaryHB 2709 allows voters who have moved to a new address to vote in their new precinct without needing to cast a provisional ballot. It directly affects voters who have changed residence but have not yet updated their voter registration with election officials. The bill eliminates the requirement for provisional ballots in these cases, enabling voters to cast a regular ballot immediately upon moving. This change streamlines the voting process for address-changers and takes effect as part of Chapter 109 of the 2025 regular session laws.

Maddy summaryHB 2678, now Chapter 100 of the 2025 Regular Session Acts, establishes new regulations for school zones around public and private schools in the state. The bill directly affects school districts, local law enforcement, and drivers operating near school property during designated hours. While the specific provisions (such as speed limits or enforcement protocols) are not detailed in the provided context, the bill creates a statutory framework for defining and managing school zone boundaries. It became law after receiving gubernatorial approval on April 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2776 requires the West Virginia Department of Health to add alpha-gal syndrome (a red meat allergy triggered by tick bites) to the list of diseases mandating reporting to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This bill directly affects the Department of Health, which must propose new rules to include alpha-gal syndrome in statewide reporting protocols. The key mechanism is amending existing public health reporting requirements under West Virginia Code §16-1-4 to expand the list of reportable conditions. This change would ensure healthcare providers’ positive alpha-gal test results are systematically shared with the CDC for public health monitoring.

Maddy summaryHB 2349 requires opioid treatment programs licensed under West Virginia law to offer long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), such as IUDs or implants, to patients receiving methadone or suboxone treatment. This applies directly to patients in medication-assisted treatment programs and the facilities operating those programs. The bill amends licensing rules (§16B-13-3 and §16B-13-5) to mandate that facilities provide information about and access to LARC options as part of their standard services. It does not specify which contraception methods must be offered, only that facilities must make LARC available to eligible patients.

Maddy summaryHCR 100 is a non-binding request to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study hospital pricing transparency and cooperative agreements in West Virginia. The resolution asks the committee to examine current hospital price disclosure requirements, compliance with transparency laws, hospital mergers' impact on pricing, and the role of federal oversight agencies. This study will assess whether current policies foster competition, reduce healthcare costs, and improve patient outcomes. The committee is required to report findings and potential legislative recommendations to the Legislature by 2026.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution designates November 7th annually as "Pastor Appreciation Day" in West Virginia. It honors clergy members for their community service, spiritual leadership, and roles in life events like weddings, funerals, and disaster response. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it serves solely as ceremonial recognition. It affects no specific individuals or policies, as it is a non-binding declaration of appreciation.

Maddy summaryHCR 99 is a legislative resolution requesting the Joint Standing Committee on the Judiciary to study policies preventing financial fraud and scams in West Virginia. It directs the committee to examine current state laws, review national approaches, and focus on four key areas: reducing robocalls and spoofing, addressing cryptocurrency-related scams (noting $1.4 million in losses in 2023), improving victim restitution, and protecting against property title fraud. The resolution cites data showing 8,000 West Virginians lost $27 million to fraud in 2024, with national losses exceeding $12.5 billion. The committee must report findings and recommendations to the legislature, governor, and attorney general by December 31, 2025. This is a study resolution, not a law, and does not create immediate policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 3167 requires circuit courts in West Virginia to order 12-panel hair follicle drug testing for parents or guardians in cases where child abuse or neglect has been substantiated. The test covers drug use over the past 90 days and applies to all respondents, with additional requirements for infants under two months old if a parent tests positive. Attempts to alter hair (e.g., dyeing, shaving) or failure to comply with the court order are treated as positive test results. Test results may be shared with a multidisciplinary treatment team to inform child welfare decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 2389 would allow West Virginia to join the Dietitian Licensure Compact, enabling licensed dietitians to practice across participating states without obtaining separate licenses in each. The bill establishes uniform requirements for licensure, including background checks and education standards, while eliminating the need for multiple state licenses. It directly affects licensed dietitians, particularly those relocating or serving military personnel and spouses, by simplifying cross-state practice. Key provisions include standardized disciplinary procedures, a fee structure for compact privileges, and protections for active-duty military members and their families. The compact aims to improve public access to dietetics services while maintaining state regulatory authority.