Del. Corby Dillon

Maddy summaryHB 3050, the "Community School Funding Formula Revision Act," requires the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) to review school closures and consolidations considered during the current year and the previous four fiscal years. Within 180 days of the bill's passage, WVDE must propose changes to the School Aid Formula intended to prevent at least 80% of closures that were due to financial or operational reasons. The bill mandates this review process to address the root causes of school closures without altering existing funding allocations, directly affecting how state education funding is evaluated and adjusted. It aims to stabilize school districts by modifying the funding formula to prevent future closures based on financial challenges.

Maddy summaryHJR 31 proposes a constitutional amendment to recognize the Holy Bible (including all 66 books of the Old and New Testaments) as the "divinely inspired, inerrant foundational document" for West Virginia society and government. If approved, it would require the Bible to be given "a place of prominence and reverence" in state public buildings, laws, policies, and schools. This is a procedural resolution seeking voter approval in the 2026 general election to add the amendment to the state constitution, not an immediate policy change. The bill does not alter current laws but aims to establish constitutional recognition of the Bible as the state's moral and historical foundation.

Maddy summaryHB 3021 requires West Virginia's Department of Commerce to develop a "competition plan" allowing electricity consumers to choose among multiple utility providers within the same geographic area. The bill mandates that any approved deregulation plan must include specific disclosures for consumers: energy sources used, federal/state subsidies received, environmental management practices, and detailed rate options. It also sets technical requirements for utility operators, including a 75% average daily utilization rate and 10% reserve capacity beyond peak demand to ensure grid reliability. Additionally, the bill separates grid maintenance responsibilities from utility operators, requiring utilities to contract with independent maintenance providers and include those costs in consumer rates.

Maddy summaryHB 3015 amends West Virginia's computer crime law (§61-3C-14b) to clarify that investigations into computer solicitation of minors can be conducted by any law enforcement officer, removing a previous restriction limiting such investigations to only those overseen by officers. The bill targets individuals over 18 who use computers to solicit, entice, or lure minors (defined as under 18 or anyone posing as a minor) for illegal sexual acts, with penalties up to 10 years in prison or $5,000 fines for initial solicitation and up to 30 years or $25,000 for meeting the minor. It does not create new offenses but adjusts investigation protocols for existing violations under sexual offense statutes. The change specifically removes language requiring such investigations to be "conducted or overseen by law enforcement officers."

Maddy summaryHB 3006, the Non-Profit Transparency and Accountability Act, requires nonprofit organizations in West Virginia that receive any public funding (state or federal) to comply with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests just like government bodies. This means these nonprofits must publicly disclose records and respond to requests within standard timelines. The bill also mandates that such organizations enroll in the state’s Open Checkbooks system to track public funds. It directly affects nonprofits relying on public money, aiming to increase transparency in how these funds are used.

Maddy summaryHB 3019 requires West Virginia public school districts to provide parents with specific information whenever sending school immunization-related notices. Schools must include two key items: the FDA's patient package insert for each required vaccine and details about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (with its website link). This notification must be sent to parents of new students before enrollment and to all current students' families at least once yearly. The law applies to all public school districts in West Virginia and aims to ensure parents receive clear, factual information about immunization requirements and available resources.

Maddy summaryHB 2993, the Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2025, aims to boost coal-based electricity generation and coke production for steelmaking in West Virginia. It directs the Department of Economic Development to identify suitable sites near coal deposits, transmission infrastructure, and steel facilities that meet air quality standards, streamlining regulatory processes for these projects. The bill directly affects coal energy companies, steel manufacturers, and local communities by prioritizing economic development tied to West Virginia’s coal resources. Key provisions require agencies to review and simplify regulations hindering coal project approvals, with the goal of enhancing the state’s competitiveness in energy and steel production. This focuses on policy coordination rather than new taxes or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 3018 prohibits West Virginia's environmental agency from creating new rules to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in key sectors (like utilities, industry, and transportation) to comply with the Kyoto Protocol or Paris Agreement. It also bans the state from making legally binding commitments to federal agencies regarding emissions cuts under these international agreements. The bill explicitly allows continued participation in voluntary programs, such as the EPA's "Green Lights" initiative. It directly affects West Virginia's regulatory approach to climate policy, preventing state action aligned with these global accords.

Maddy summaryHB 2997 creates the "Support for Neglected Schools Act" to allocate state funds for school construction and major improvements in West Virginia. It authorizes up to 10% of available funds for school facility projects, including vocational programs at high/middle schools and multicounty arrangements, requiring comprehensive 10-year plans approved by the state board. An additional 2% of funds is set aside as an emergency reserve for urgent projects. The bill directs the School Building Authority to evaluate projects and prioritize those addressing statewide educational needs, with specific provisions for vocational education partnerships. The legislation applies directly to school districts, vocational centers, and the state board of education.

Maddy summaryHB 2988 requires the West Virginia Water Development Authority to transfer $15 million to the Wayne County Commission for the Crum Public Service District to build a water treatment plant in southern Wayne County. The bill aims to address recurring water supply disruptions in southern Wayne and northern Mingo Counties during 2023-2025, which impacted thousands of residents. The funds must be placed in a dedicated account to support construction, as outlined in an engineering report. This transfer directly affects Wayne County residents and the Crum Public Service District by funding infrastructure to improve water reliability.