Del. Matthew Rohrbach

Maddy summaryThis bill simplifies the process for handling small estates in West Virginia that do not include real property (like a house). It allows heirs to transfer assets valued at $50,000 or less using a sworn affidavit instead of requiring court-appointed personal representatives. The affidavit must detail the decedent’s death, assets, heirs, and confirm no pending court proceedings. This directly affects individuals inheriting small estates without real property, removing the need for bonds or court oversight while ensuring creditors are paid.

Maddy summaryHB 2595, the Non Profit Athletics Act, allows West Virginia public universities to partner with nonprofit corporations to manage their intercollegiate athletics programs. The bill requires that all voting directors of these athletic-focused nonprofits must be employees of the university or its affiliate, ensuring university control. It permits universities to transfer property to these nonprofits and exempts their athletic operations from standard state regulatory processes. The law aims to streamline athletic program management while keeping oversight within the university system, directly affecting public higher education institutions and their athletic departments.

Maddy summaryHB 2123 modifies the criminal penalties for parents, guardians, or custodians convicted of child abuse. It changes the sentencing structure for these specific caregivers, adjusting the severity of penalties based on the abuse's nature and impact. The bill directly affects individuals in parental or custodial roles who face criminal charges for child abuse. Signed into law on April 25, 2025, it became Chapter 77 of the 2025 Regular Session Acts.

Maddy summaryHB 3521 reallocates $1,192,452 from the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Recovery Fund (fund 1509) to the State Fund’s surplus balance, then directs that same amount to the Department of Health’s Central Office for the Tobacco Education Program (fund 0407). It specifically uses excess funds identified in the Attorney General’s account, which the bill states "exceeds that which is necessary" for its purpose. The bill does not create new policy or affect public services directly - it only moves existing surplus funds between state accounts. This is a routine budget adjustment, not a substantive legislative change.

Maddy summaryHouse Concurrent Resolution 18 proposes renaming Johnsontown Bridge (located on WV 009 over Tilhance Creek in Berkeley County, West Virginia) to the "Paul J. Hofe Memorial Bridge" to honor Paul J. Hofe, a local resident who served in the U.S. Army, worked for the IRS for 35 years, and operated a well-drilling business for 50 years that provided free wells to families and community organizations. The resolution directs the Division of Highways to update the bridge's official name and install new signage identifying it as the "Paul J. Hofe Memorial Bridge." This is a commemorative resolution with no substantive policy changes beyond the bridge name and signage.

Maddy summaryHB 3520 redirects $56.2 million in unused funds from 10 specific state accounts - such as the Treasurer’s Office ($20 million) and Insurance Commission Fund ($30 million) - into the State Fund’s General Revenue surplus for the 2025 fiscal year. The bill transfers money from accounts where balances exceeded necessary funding needs, as noted in the legislature’s findings. This action increases the available surplus balance in General Revenue for potential future appropriations. The bill does not create new spending but reallocates existing unspent funds to the state’s general treasury.

Maddy summaryHB 2349 requires opioid treatment programs licensed under West Virginia law to offer long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), such as IUDs or implants, to patients receiving methadone or suboxone treatment. This applies directly to patients in medication-assisted treatment programs and the facilities operating those programs. The bill amends licensing rules (§16B-13-3 and §16B-13-5) to mandate that facilities provide information about and access to LARC options as part of their standard services. It does not specify which contraception methods must be offered, only that facilities must make LARC available to eligible patients.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution designates November 7th annually as "Pastor Appreciation Day" in West Virginia. It honors clergy members for their community service, spiritual leadership, and roles in life events like weddings, funerals, and disaster response. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it serves solely as ceremonial recognition. It affects no specific individuals or policies, as it is a non-binding declaration of appreciation.

Maddy summaryHCR 99 is a legislative resolution requesting the Joint Standing Committee on the Judiciary to study policies preventing financial fraud and scams in West Virginia. It directs the committee to examine current state laws, review national approaches, and focus on four key areas: reducing robocalls and spoofing, addressing cryptocurrency-related scams (noting $1.4 million in losses in 2023), improving victim restitution, and protecting against property title fraud. The resolution cites data showing 8,000 West Virginians lost $27 million to fraud in 2024, with national losses exceeding $12.5 billion. The committee must report findings and recommendations to the legislature, governor, and attorney general by December 31, 2025. This is a study resolution, not a law, and does not create immediate policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 3017 requires county commissions to inspect all precinct voting machines one week before in-person voting to verify they are disconnected from the internet (no modems or SIM cards) and properly sealed. The Secretary of State must then conduct a random pre-election audit of 10% of machines across at least five counties, with public reports detailing compliance. This directly affects county election officials and the Secretary of State, mandating specific verification steps and reporting. The bill aims to ensure voting equipment remains physically isolated from internet connectivity as required by state law.