Maddy summaryHB 5602 allows property owners of undeveloped land (less than 2% impervious surfaces) within city limits to petition for annexation into the county. It requires written owner consent, county commission approval, and eligibility for potential future purchase by a county development authority. The bill establishes an application process including a map, proof of undeveloped status, and county development authority confirmation, with municipalities notified and allowed 30 days to comment. If approved, the property leaves the city and becomes unincorporated county land, with the county development authority gaining a five-year right of first refusal to purchase at fair market value. This applies only to land not yet developed, aiming to streamline annexation for specific property types.
Del. Daniel Linville
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 5538 creates a new "Master Esthetician" license in West Virginia for professionals seeking to perform advanced, noninvasive skin treatments beyond basic esthetics. To qualify, applicants must hold a current esthetician license, complete 600 hours of advanced training (including skin analysis and safety protocols), pass an exam, and pay fees. The bill defines the scope of practice to include advanced services affecting the epidermis/superficial dermis but explicitly prohibits medical procedures or deeper skin penetration. It establishes renewal requirements with continuing education and grants the Cosmetology Board authority to set safety rules for these advanced services. This directly affects estheticians aiming to expand their practice and aims to enhance consumer safety through clearer licensing standards.
Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative House resolution honoring former West Virginia House Speaker and Chief Justice Timothy P. Armstead following his passing. It memorializes his service, names a conference room in the House as the "Speaker Tim Armstead Memorial Conference Room," and extends condolences to his family. The resolution does not create new laws or affect policy - it formally recognizes his legacy and contributions to West Virginia.
Maddy summaryHB 5553 allows West Virginia's Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) and the Department of Human Services to voluntarily join federal prescription drug pricing programs, such as those using international reference pricing models. The bill permits these agencies to negotiate drug prices directly with manufacturers or use federal benchmarks for reimbursement, but only if it saves money for the state and maintains beneficiary access to necessary medications. It explicitly prohibits requiring the state to adopt federal drug lists or override existing state pharmacy benefit rules. Both agencies must report annually to the legislature on program participation, estimated savings, and any access issues.
Maddy summaryHB 5066 would amend West Virginia election law to prohibit the public release of employers' names and addresses for individuals who contribute more than $250 to political campaigns in a single election cycle. Currently, campaign finance reports require disclosure of contributors' major business affiliation and occupation (including employer details) for such contributions, but this bill would make it illegal to share that specific information with the public. The measure directly affects donors who give over $250, shielding their employer information from public view. Violations would be punishable as a misdemeanor under the new provisions.
Maddy summaryHB 5390 establishes that fiscal notes (financial impact statements) submitted to the West Virginia Legislature by state agencies, political subdivisions, or public officials are legally considered sworn testimony. The bill imposes criminal penalties for knowingly submitting false or misleading fiscal notes, treating such acts as perjury, while creating a safe harbor for those who voluntarily correct errors made in good faith before a bill's final vote. Key provisions require corrected notes to clearly identify changes and explain the reason for corrections, and mandate referral to prosecutors if credible evidence of intentional falsification exists. This directly affects state agencies and officials preparing fiscal notes, ensuring accountability for financial impact assessments used in legislative decision-making.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6) expresses the West Virginia House of Delegates' support for developing natural gas pipeline infrastructure, specifically an intra-Panhandle pipeline connecting western gas fields to the Eastern Panhandle. It aims to improve access to locally produced natural gas for residents, support industrial and commercial growth, and create jobs across the state. The resolution highlights West Virginia's status as a top natural gas producer and notes that existing pipelines transport most output out of state, while Maryland's opposition to pipeline extensions is cited as a barrier. It does not create new laws or funding but urges responsible infrastructure expansion to boost economic development. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct legal effect but signals legislative backing for pipeline projects.
Maddy summaryHB 5509, the Mountain Homes Act, establishes a state-funded program to support housing construction for workers in West Virginia as the state's economy diversifies beyond energy. The bill creates the Mountain Homes Fund, which will provide financial assistance for new housing projects targeting the workforce needed to support businesses and economic development. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and submit detailed applications, with the Department of Economic Development administering the fund and reporting to the legislature on its use. The program aims to remove funding barriers for housing construction, directly benefiting workers and businesses by improving housing availability in growing economic sectors.
Maddy summaryHB 5461 creates the "Financial Accountability Stable Token Act" (FAST Act), authorizing West Virginia to use U.S.-dollar-backed stable tokens for payments to state vendors and contractors. The bill establishes strict requirements for qualifying tokens, including 1:1 U.S. dollar backing, U.S. corporate control, quarterly audits, and public reserve reports, all overseen by the State Treasurer. Participation by vendors and contractors is voluntary - no one can be forced to accept token payments - and the state will maintain a public list of approved tokens. The law also mandates annual reporting on transaction volumes, cost savings, and risk assessments to ensure fiscal safety.
Maddy summaryHB 4011 creates a certification framework for verifying that recycled materials used in manufacturing actually contribute to the final product, through third-party certification of "mass balance attribution." This directly affects manufacturers who want to use recycled feedstock (like plastic waste) in new products, as it standardizes how recycled content is measured and verified. The bill amends West Virginia's solid waste laws to clarify that advanced recycling facilities (which convert waste plastics into raw materials) are not considered waste disposal sites, supporting their role in recycling. By streamlining certification, the bill aims to reduce barriers for businesses adopting recycled materials in production.