Del. Matthew Rohrbach

Maddy summaryHCR 94 is a request for the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study establishing an artificial intelligence (AI) elective course in West Virginia public high schools. The study would assess current AI education programs, identify gaps in student access, evaluate funding options, analyze AI’s impact on future industries, and recommend legislative or partnership actions. If implemented, the proposed course would teach foundational AI concepts (like machine learning), practical applications in fields like business and defense, and hands-on tool usage. This resolution does not create the course but asks for a study to inform future decisions. The committee must report findings by the 2026 legislative session.

Maddy summaryHB 2635 sets specific classroom size limits for West Virginia public schools in kindergarten through sixth grade, requiring counties to maintain ratios of no more than 20 students per teacher in kindergarten (with one aide for classes over 10 students) and 25 students per teacher in grades 1-6 (with aides for grades 1-3 starting 2023-2026). It mandates that if classrooms exceed these limits, they must be split into two equally sized classes by the 2025-2026 school year to preserve aide coverage and individualized teacher time. County boards must implement these changes or use full/part-time interventionists as alternatives, and teachers in oversized classrooms face additional pay based on the excess student count. The bill directly affects K-6 public schools, teachers, and aides across West Virginia, with compliance deadlines phased through 2026.

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 summaryThis bill amends a law to allow the Cabell County Board of Education to redirect certain funds it receives from special and excess property levies to the Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District. The change directly affects the park district (by expanding its potential funding sources) and the school board (by creating a new allocation option for specific levies). It does not alter existing fee structures, bond issuance rules, or operational requirements for the park district. The amendment specifically enables the transfer of school district funds that would otherwise be used for educational programs to support park operations.

Maddy summaryHB 3082 requires parolees or probationers determined to have a history of substance abuse - based on standardized risk assessments - to participate in approved support services for a minimum of 60 days. This applies to individuals under supervision in West Virginia, as amended in §62-12-17(a)(4) of the state code. The bill mandates that supervision officers approve the service schedule, with participation being a condition of release. It directly affects those on probation or parole with documented substance abuse histories identified through required assessments. The policy change focuses on structured support rather than punitive measures for this specific group.

Maddy summaryHB 2473 increases annual taxes on health insurance companies (known as "certified HMOs") operating in West Virginia, based on their Medicaid and non-Medicaid member enrollment. The bill sets tiered tax rates per member month - higher for Medicaid plans with more members and lower for non-Medicaid plans - with rates increasing annually based on changes in West Virginia’s Medicaid funding rates. Starting July 1, 2025, tax rates for Medicaid plans will rise significantly (e.g., $78.75 per Medicaid member month under 250,000), and future rates will be adjusted to maintain the maximum federal limit allowed under federal law (42 C.F.R. § 433.68). This directly affects all HMOs holding a certificate of authority to operate in the state under West Virginia law.

Maddy summaryHB 3290 creates a dedicated fund called the Tobacco Cessation Initiative Program Special Revenue Account to support tobacco use cessation programs. The bill mandates an annual transfer of $5 million from the interest and returns earned on the Revenue Shortfall Reserve Fund - Part B into this account, starting July 30, 2025. The Bureau for Public Health will manage these funds exclusively for tobacco cessation initiatives, such as quitting support services. Any unspent balance at year-end will remain in the account rather than reverting to the general fund.

Maddy summaryHB 3066 requires West Virginia's Corrections Commissioner to create an "Orange Alert" system that notifies registered crime victims within a 40-mile radius when a prisoner escapes or is released from a state correctional facility or jail. Victims must proactively register to receive these alerts, with registration details published in local newspapers. The bill mandates this system for all state correctional facilities and jails, making registration the victim's responsibility rather than automatic notification. This policy change establishes a formal notification framework but does not require automatic alerts for all victims.

Maddy summaryHB 3236 requires West Virginia's Secretary of Health to establish a new long-term psychiatric and mental health facility specifically designed to serve homeless individuals. The bill mandates this facility as part of state-owned health infrastructure, directly affecting homeless residents needing sustained mental health care. Key provisions include the Secretary adopting operational rules for the facility and implementing performance metrics by January 1, 2025. This policy change creates a dedicated state-run resource for homeless individuals with mental health needs, rather than relying on existing services.

Maddy summaryHB 3088 requires homeowners' fire insurance policies in West Virginia to include a minimum $2,000 coverage amount for fire department response to fire calls. This directly affects homeowners (whose insurance policies must include this minimum) and fire departments (which can now recover at least $2,000 per incident). The bill adds a new section to state insurance law mandating insurers include this minimum coverage in all fire insurance policies covering real property. It ensures fire departments have a guaranteed minimum recovery amount for services provided during fire emergencies, without changing existing insurance requirements beyond this specific dollar amount.