Del. Sean Hornbuckle

Maddy summaryHB 4014, the Workforce Readiness and Opportunity Act, creates a state-run micro-credential program to recognize skills gained through project-based learning (like critical thinking or trade skills) outside traditional classroom settings. It expands tax credits for businesses funding apprenticeships, modifies tax rules to allow portable benefits contributions for independent contractors without creating employer-employee relationships, and removes proficiency exam requirements for military-trained individuals seeking professional licenses. The bill directly affects workers (especially in skilled trades), employers, training programs, and veterans pursuing licenses. Key mechanisms include standardizing micro-credential recognition across education and employers, and streamlining licensing for military veterans. The bill is currently in the House Finance Committee after passing the Education Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4832 creates a program to support data center development in West Virginia by requiring "high impact" data centers (those meeting specific water and energy use thresholds) to report their water needs and obtain environmental certification that their operations won't harm state water resources. The environmental agency can limit or stop water withdrawals if adverse impacts are likely, and must hold public hearings for these facilities. The bill mandates transparency through standardized reporting while exempting certain business information from public disclosure requests. This aims to balance economic growth from data centers with protection of local water resources.

Maddy summaryHB 4821 creates a new state-run health insurance program in West Virginia that allows eligible residents to "buy in" to a Medicaid-like plan. It directly affects adults who are ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare but remain enrolled in employer-sponsored coverage (and whose employers haven’t denied them coverage due to this program). The plan uses a sliding-scale premium based on income, covers essential services like hospital care, mental health, prescriptions, and preventive care, and must coordinate with existing Medicaid to avoid coverage gaps. The West Virginia Department of Human Services will administer the program, prioritizing those transitioning from Medicaid, and must apply for federal funding to maximize cost efficiency.

Maddy summaryHB 4822 redirects tax revenue from "High Impact Data Centers" (as defined under West Virginia law) to three specific recipients: the Public Employees Insurance Association (PEIA) fund, local counties, and public school boards. The bill amends tax distribution rules to require that incremental property tax revenue from these data centers - calculated using a new formula based on assessed value and levy rates - be reallocated instead of following previous distribution methods. This change directly affects data centers certified as "High Impact" under §11-6N-2, ensuring their tax contributions support state health insurance programs, county services, and school funding. The policy shift replaces prior tax allocation rules with a fixed distribution structure for these facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 4021 creates the "Bring Them Home Fund" to finance renovating existing state properties for in-state residential treatment facilities serving children requiring acute psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, or trauma services. Managed by the West Virginia Department of Human Services, the fund will be funded through state appropriations, grants, donations, and investment income, with savings from reduced out-of-state placements reinvested into the fund. Key provisions authorize the department to renovate state properties, develop targeted treatment programs matching historically out-of-state placements, and partner with private entities to operate state-owned facilities. This aims to expand West Virginia’s child welfare provider network, keeping children closer to family support while lowering costs associated with out-of-state care.

Maddy summaryHB 4717 adds $199.48 million in federal funds to West Virginia's Rural Health Transformation Program for fiscal year 2026. This supplemental appropriation directly affects the Department of Health's Central Office (fund 8802, org 0506) by providing additional funding for the program. The bill supplements existing appropriations using unspent federal moneys remaining for the 2026 fiscal year, specifically to support rural health initiatives as outlined in the program's purpose.

Maddy summaryHB 4509 prohibits counties and municipalities from imposing local zoning, building permits, licensing, or other regulations on certified microgrid districts and certified high impact data centers. It bans local governments from enacting ordinances that restrict the development, operation, or expansion of these specific projects. The bill designates a "Data Economy Liaison" at the Department of Commerce to coordinate with developers and expedite project approvals. This measure removes local regulatory authority over these projects, directly affecting county/municipal governments and the owners of certified microgrid and data center facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 4017 would allow West Virginia's Department of Human Services to contract with both secular and faith-based organizations to provide child welfare services, including foster care and family support. It protects the religious identity of faith-based providers by prohibiting the state from requiring them to remove religious symbols, alter governance, or change their religious practices to receive contracts. If a parent or guardian objects to placing a child at a faith-based provider due to religious beliefs, the department must find an alternative placement - unless the child or another guardian requests to stay. The bill directly affects child welfare providers, parents/guardians making placement decisions, and the Department of Human Services' contracting procedures under Chapter 49.

Maddy summaryHB 4015 amends West Virginia's Tourism Development Act to expand eligibility for tax credits by adding lodging facilities (like hotels) to the definition of "tourism attraction." This change directly affects tourism businesses that own or operate lodging properties, allowing them to claim credits for eligible project costs such as construction, equipment, and utilities. The bill modifies the existing definition in §5B-2E-3 of the code to include lodging facilities as qualifying projects under the Tourism Development Act. It does not change the credit calculation or other program requirements, only broadening the types of facilities that can participate. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process.

Maddy summaryHB 4018 amends West Virginia's Flood Resiliency Trust Fund rules to require that at least 50% of disbursements benefit low-income areas/households and 50% fund nature-based flood solutions (like wetland restoration or floodplain acquisition). It mandates that political subdivisions receiving funds must adopt specific flood mitigation measures, such as updated road standards, flood hazard bylaws, or FEMA-approved local emergency plans. The bill directly affects local governments, state agencies, and residents in flood-prone areas - particularly low-income households and communities with frequent flooding. All disbursements must align with the state’s Flood Resiliency Plan and require explicit approval from the State Resiliency Officer.