Del. Daniel Linville

Maddy summaryHB 3307 requires non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and nonprofit corporations receiving $100,000 or more in state funding (grants, awards, tax credits, or other support) to limit administrative costs to 15% of that funding. These organizations must submit annual financial reports to the West Virginia State Auditor, including sworn statements verifying funds were used as intended. The bill also mandates an annual audit by the State Auditor for all qualifying NGOs to ensure compliance with the spending limits and reporting requirements. This directly affects nonprofits receiving significant state funds, adding accountability measures to their financial operations.

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 3265 establishes a $1,500 one-time fee for broadband providers to cross railroad property in West Virginia, replacing variable fees with a standardized charge. It requires providers to give railroads 30 days' written notice with construction plans, the fee amount, and contact details, and to reimburse railroads for actual flagging costs during construction. The bill mandates that crossings must not disrupt railroad operations, must use permanent structures, and must meet industry safety standards. This law directly affects broadband companies deploying fiber optic lines and railroad companies managing right-of-way access.

Maddy summaryHB 3175 prohibits public utilities (such as gas, water, and electric companies) from using funds paid by ratepayers to make political contributions or charitable donations. The bill bans these contributions to political candidates, campaigns, political action committees, and charitable organizations. Violations would be classified as criminal offenses with penalties. This applies to all public utilities operating in West Virginia under the state's regulatory code.

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 3124 would increase West Virginia's homestead property tax exemption from $20,000 to $40,000 of a home's assessed value for qualifying homeowners. It directly affects residents aged 65 or older, or those certified as permanently and totally disabled, who own and occupy their homes as primary residences. The bill changes the exemption amount in Section 11-6B-3 of the state code, applying to the first $40,000 of assessed value (instead of $20,000) for eligible homeowners meeting residency requirements. The change would reduce property tax bills for qualifying homeowners but does not alter the existing eligibility criteria or residency rules. The bill was introduced on March 4, 2025, and referred to the House Finance Committee.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's HCR 75 is a state resolution urging Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, specifically to propose repealing the 16th Amendment. This amendment authorizes Congress to levy federal income taxes, so the resolution targets the legal foundation of the federal income tax system. The resolution does not repeal the 16th Amendment itself but requests Congress to convene a limited convention for that purpose, aggregating West Virginia's application with similar efforts from other states to reach the required two-thirds state support. It also proposes potential legal action if Congress fails to act, though the resolution itself has no binding effect and must be referred to Congress for consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 3056 transfers the State Fire Marshal's office from the Fire Commission to the Department of Homeland Security and updates the position's qualifications and responsibilities. It requires the State Fire Marshal to hold a bachelor's degree plus six years in fire safety (including two years supervising), replaces the Fire Commission's appointment role with the Governor, and mandates that office employees join the state civil service. The bill adds new sections defining deputy roles and clarifies the State Fire Marshal's duties, including enforcing fire safety programs and analyzing fire loss data. This procedural bill directly affects the State Fire Marshal, their office staff, and fire safety enforcement structure in West Virginia.