Del. Jarred Cannon

Maddy summaryHB 2378 makes syringe services programs unlawful in West Virginia, prohibiting operators from providing sterile syringes or needles without a prescription. It requires all such programs to cease operations immediately upon the bill's effective date, with a 120-day administrative transition period solely for care referrals (no syringe exchanges allowed during this time). The bill permits harm reduction services like overdose prevention education and referrals to treatment programs, as long as they do not involve syringe exchanges. Violators face civil penalties up to $2,500 per day, and the Office of Health Facilities Licensure and Certification may seek injunctive relief for noncompliance. This replaces all previous regulations on syringe services programs (repealing §16-64-1 through §16-64-10).

Maddy summaryHB 2493, the "Sound Science in Regulations Act," requires West Virginia state agencies to base new environmental and health regulations on "the best available science." This applies specifically to rules about drinking water, air quality, hazardous substances, and waste handling that are stricter than federal standards or created without federal counterparts. The bill defines "best available science" as reliable, unbiased research published in nonpartisan refereed journals, and mandates that such science must demonstrate a causal link between exposure to a substance and human harm. It does not affect existing regulations, federal requirements, or rules matching federal standards.

Maddy summaryHB 3337 clarifies rules for substitute teachers in West Virginia, primarily affecting school districts, principals, and substitute teachers themselves. The bill allows substitutes to remain in a classroom for the full school term if they've served continuously for over half the grading period, unless the principal certifies the regular teacher prepared them for the role. It also requires school districts to provide long-term substitutes with training on IEP and 504 plans (special education and accommodations). Additionally, the bill creates a new pathway for retired teachers to work as substitutes in areas with critical staffing shortages, subject to specific district policies and state approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates West Virginia's campaign finance rules by allowing corporations and membership organizations (including nonprofits and LLCs) to directly contribute to candidates, candidate committees, or political action committees. It clarifies reporting requirements for these contributions and defines key terms like "corporation" and "contribution" to improve transparency. The changes affect candidates, their committees, and corporate donors by streamlining disclosure rules for campaign spending. The bill focuses on modernizing reporting standards rather than restricting contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 3345 establishes a 50% tax credit for West Virginia family caregivers providing uncompensated care to eligible relatives. The credit covers eligible out-of-pocket expenses directly related to daily living needs (like home modifications, medical equipment, hiring aides, or respite care), with a maximum annual credit of $2,000. It applies to caregivers supporting family members who are 18+ and require assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing, feeding, mobility), as certified by a healthcare provider. The credit is nonrefundable and will take effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 3264 changes how certain high-tech property is taxed in West Virginia. It requires that servers and equipment used in data centers, AI computing, blockchain operations, and internet advertising businesses be valued for property tax purposes at their salvage value (the value if sold for parts), rather than their full market value. This directly affects businesses operating data centers, AI infrastructure, and digital advertising services that rely on specialized high-tech equipment. The bill aims to reduce property tax burdens on these businesses by lowering the taxable value of their key physical assets.

Maddy summaryHB 2139 exempts cash tips received by West Virginia residents from the state's personal income tax. It directly affects workers who earn cash tips, such as servers and bartenders, by removing tax liability on that specific income. The bill adds a new section (§11-21-12o) to the tax code, explicitly stating that cash tips from any source are not subject to state income tax. This policy change provides a direct tax benefit to individuals whose income includes cash tips.

Maddy summaryHB 3196 establishes West Virginia's first comprehensive regulations for teledentistry, requiring dentists and dental hygienists to hold valid state licenses and maintain professional liability insurance when providing remote dental services. The bill mandates that teledentistry services meet the same standard of care as in-person care, prohibits treatment based solely on online questionnaires, and requires providers to establish a "bona fide" provider-patient relationship through review of medical records and an in-person examination before offering ongoing care. It specifically defines key terms like "teledentistry" (including real-time and store-and-forward technology), "distant site," and "originating site," while allowing exceptions for emergent dental conditions requiring immediate treatment. This legislation directly affects dental providers offering remote services and patients receiving teledentistry in West Virginia, aiming to ensure safety and accountability in virtual dental care.

Maddy summaryHB 3165, the Streaming Rights and Equality Act, sets maximum fees for streaming high school sports in West Virginia: $250 per football game and $100 for other sports, with annual increases capped at 5%. It requires publicly funded high schools to allow West Virginia-based streaming producers to broadcast events at these rates, ensuring equal access statewide. The bill mandates that schools cannot deny local producers access to regular-season or playoff games if fees are paid, and requires the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) to make championship events available to local producers under the same terms as regular season. Violations incur penalties, including double the streaming fee for non-compliance or failure to provide required on-camera oversight during events.

Maddy summaryHB 3131, the First Amendment Preservation Act, prohibits West Virginia state agencies from contracting with media monitoring organizations or advertising agencies that use them. The bill defines "media monitoring organizations" as entities that rate news sources for accuracy, bias, or journalistic standards (excluding those tracking audience size or demographics), and requires agencies to obtain written certification from bidders that they comply with this prohibition. It applies to all state departments, boards, institutions, and political subdivisions using state funds for advertising or marketing services. The law aims to prevent state funds from being used in ways that could lead to viewpoint discrimination in advertising. This bill directly affects state agencies and advertising/marketing contractors bidding on state contracts.