Del. Jimmy Willis

Maddy summaryHB 4587 prohibits West Virginia state and local public funds from supporting postsecondary degree programs classified as "low-earning outcome" under federal standards. It requires the Higher Education Policy Council to adopt rules blocking state funding - including student aid, operational costs, and capital grants - for these programs, and to annually report on prohibited programs and fiscal impacts. The bill directly affects public colleges, universities, and students enrolled in degrees deemed low-earning by federal criteria (per Public Law 119-21, Section 84001). It takes effect immediately upon passage, restricting state and local government funding for specific degree programs without specifying exact income thresholds.

Maddy summaryHB 4989 establishes a state-funded pilot program offering free cancer screenings to West Virginia's active and retired firefighters. The program provides a comprehensive screening package including a multi-cancer blood test, abdominal/thyroid/liver ultrasound, lung CT if needed, and skin cancer screening, with a $1,300 cost limit per person. Firefighters may self-fund screenings before July 1, 2026, and seek reimbursement, while the state covers costs for the 24-month pilot starting July 1, 2026. A committee will develop the program plan, track participation and results, and report findings to state leaders after 12 and 24 months.

Maddy summaryHB 5471 increases annual salaries for West Virginia judges and magistrates, effective July 1, 2026. It raises magistrates' pay to $75,880 (from $63,250), Supreme Court justices to $154,600 (from $149,600), circuit judges to $143,600 (from $138,600), and family court judges to $126,424 (from $103,950). The bill also clarifies retirement contribution rules for judicial positions. These changes directly affect all active state judges and magistrates, with no county-level funding required for these salary adjustments.

Maddy summaryHB 4693 declassifies Community and Technical Education (CTE) teaching positions at community colleges and trades-based high school instructors teaching CTE courses, allowing counties to target additional funding to specific roles in critical need. Currently, all CTE positions are grouped together, requiring county funding to be distributed across all positions; this bill removes that classification barrier. The bill maintains existing state funding for these positions while enabling counties to add supplemental funds to high-demand roles like skilled trades or healthcare education. This change aims to help fill staffing shortages in key CTE fields by letting counties offer targeted financial incentives without reducing state support.

Maddy summaryHB 5667 directs $20 million from the Division of Economic Development to the West Virginia Division of Highways (Region 2) for accelerating road repairs in Wayne and Mingo Counties, effective July 1, 2026. It also directs $20 million from the Water Development Authority - $10 million to Wayne County Commission and $10 million to Mingo County Commission - for water infrastructure projects in those counties, effective the same date. The bill specifies these funds must be used for public road repairs and water system improvements, respectively. It does not create new taxes or alter existing programs but reallocates existing state funds to targeted local infrastructure needs.

Maddy summaryHB 4993 would amend West Virginia law to authorize the Division of Highways to use green flashing warning lights on its vehicles and equipment, at the Commissioner of Highways' discretion. Currently, only specific colors are permitted for certain emergency vehicles (e.g., blue for police, red for ambulances and fire trucks), with strict authorization rules. This bill adds green as an approved color for Highway vehicles, without mandating its use. It directly affects the Division of Highways' fleet, allowing flexibility in warning light colors for their operations. The change is procedural, focusing on updating vehicle lighting regulations rather than altering emergency response protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 4834 amends West Virginia law to explicitly permit women’s wrestling as a sanctioned sport in public high schools and public charter schools. The bill directly affects school districts and athletic programs by allowing them to officially recognize and sponsor girls' wrestling teams under existing athletic regulations. It adds women’s wrestling to the list of permitted interscholastic athletic events without changing eligibility rules for students. The change requires the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission to approve wrestling as a sanctioned sport under its authority.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative House resolution honoring former West Virginia House Speaker and Chief Justice Timothy P. Armstead following his passing. It memorializes his service, names a conference room in the House as the "Speaker Tim Armstead Memorial Conference Room," and extends condolences to his family. The resolution does not create new laws or affect policy - it formally recognizes his legacy and contributions to West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 5571 provides a $6,000 pay equity adjustment over three years ($2,000 annually) for non-uniformed administrative staff in West Virginia's Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The increases begin July 1, 2026, and apply to full-time equivalent employees not in uniformed roles, such as office or support positions. Funding comes from general revenue appropriations for state divisions, while regional jail staff receive funding from a special revenue fund. This bill directly affects non-uniformed correctional facility employees who face recruitment and retention challenges, without altering existing pay grade maximums.

Maddy summaryHB 5594 requires all American flags sold at retail in West Virginia to be manufactured in the United States. This law directly affects retailers selling American flags within the state, prohibiting the sale of flags made outside U.S. borders. The key provision adds a new section to West Virginia's consumer protection law, mandating that retailers verify and comply with U.S. manufacturing for all American flag products offered for sale. The bill does not apply to flags sold for non-retail purposes or to other flag types.