Del. Corby Dillon

Maddy summaryHB 3197 clarifies when West Virginia's DMV can issue a new vehicle title after a title is lost, damaged, or illegible. It requires owners to provide a notarized bill of sale signed by both parties and confirm the vehicle isn’t reported stolen, with simplified proof needed for vehicles 25+ years old. If a vehicle appears on a stolen list, the new title is void and triggers a law enforcement investigation. This bill directly affects vehicle owners seeking replacement titles and streamlines the process for older vehicles while enhancing theft prevention.

Maddy summaryHB 3216 requires West Virginia poll workers to manually count physical ballots at each precinct after voting ends, using the printed audit trail from electronic voting machines. This applies to all precincts conducting elections statewide and mandates that poll workers reconcile the manual count with the electronic tally to verify accuracy. The bill also requires transparency by allowing observers to witness the count, securely storing all records, and providing training for election staff on these procedures. It does not change voting methods or eligibility but adds a verification step to election processes.

Maddy summaryHB 3198 prohibits West Virginia state agencies from using taxpayer funds to subsidize private businesses. The bill defines "private enterprise" as businesses managed by independent companies or individuals and requires all current subsidies to end by July 1, 2025. It also bans future use of state funds for such subsidies, applying to all taxpayer-derived monies. This directly affects private businesses currently receiving state subsidies, eliminating both existing and future financial support from the state budget.

Maddy summaryHB 3106 would increase the retirement multiplier for West Virginia deputy sheriffs from 2.75% to 3.0% of their final average salary per year of service. This change directly affects current and future deputy sheriffs enrolled in the state's Deputy Sheriff Retirement System by increasing their pension benefits. The bill amends Section 7-14D-2 of West Virginia Code to adjust the calculation method for accrued retirement benefits. This is a specific policy change to the pension formula, not a new benefit program.

Maddy summaryHB 3105 would amend West Virginia's Deputy Sheriff Retirement System Act to allow deputy sheriffs to retire after 20 years of service with full benefits, aligning their retirement eligibility with corrections officers. This change directly affects county deputy sheriffs covered under the retirement system who currently may have different service requirements. The bill modifies §7-14D-5 to establish 20 years as the qualifying service period for full retirement benefits, matching the existing standard for corrections officers. The policy change would apply to new hires and potentially existing members who elect to transfer into this system under the revised terms.

Maddy summaryHB 3204 requires West Virginia's Secretary of State to verify that voters live at the physical address listed on their registration records. This applies directly to all registered voters in the state, ensuring their address information matches their actual residence. The bill mandates the Secretary of State implement a process to confirm voter addresses, either directly or through authorized third parties, to prevent registration inaccuracies. It does not change penalties for false registration but adds this verification step to the existing voter registration system.

Maddy summaryHB 3203 revises how West Virginia fills vacancies in the state legislature and county commissions. For legislative vacancies (House or Senate), the Governor appoints from a list of three candidates provided by the same-party committee within 15 days, or a special election is held for expulsions or prevention from taking office. County commission vacancies require the county commission to appoint a replacement from the same party (with 60 days of prior party membership), or if they fail within 30 days, a party committee submits a list and commissioners eliminate names until one remains. These changes clarify timelines, party requirements, and backup procedures for all vacancy scenarios.

Maddy summaryHB 3205, the "Uniform Public Expression Protection Act," creates a special legal process to quickly dismiss lawsuits targeting protected speech. It applies when someone is sued for expressing views on public issues (like in government proceedings or matters of public concern), directly affecting individuals, journalists, activists, or organizations facing such lawsuits. Key mechanisms include a 60-day deadline for defendants to file a motion to dismiss, an automatic stay of all other court proceedings during the motion, and expedited hearings. The law excludes cases involving government officials acting in their official capacity or threats to public health/safety.

Maddy summaryHB 3202 establishes a process for recalling county commissioners and county board of education members in West Virginia. It requires petitions with handwritten signatures from at least 10% of qualified voters to initiate a recall, and at least 20% to hold a vote on the recall. If approved, a special election would be held to decide whether the official is removed, with no more than one recall election allowed per term. The bill directly affects county elected officials and provides voters with a mechanism to remove them before their term ends.

Maddy summaryHB 3107 creates West Virginia's State Black Lung Program to provide pain and suffering benefits to coal miners diagnosed with black lung disease (occupational pneumoconiosis). It establishes automatic eligibility for miners with 10+ years of mining exposure in West Virginia over a 15-year period, eliminating the need for total disability proof. Benefits include a $200 monthly base payment plus $15 per additional year of exposure (calculated by work hours), with a tax credit against state income tax. The program is funded by a 0.1x increase on existing severance taxes for coal, natural gas, oil, and electricity generated by solar/wind sources, deposited into the State Black Lung Fund. This bill directly affects current and former West Virginia coal miners with qualifying exposure.