Rep. Jeff Eldridge

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House Resolution (not a bill), introduced by multiple West Virginia delegates. It designates the month of June as "Fidelity Month" to promote the values of faith, family, and patriotism across the state. The resolution cites declining support for these values in polling and research, and calls for the state to "rededicate" itself to them during June. It has no binding policy requirements or direct impact on specific groups; it is purely a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis West Virginia House resolution states that the U.S. national debt (over $38 trillion in 2026) poses a national security threat, citing foreign debt ownership, projected Social Security/Medicare shortfalls, and warnings from military/intelligence leaders. It urges Congress to establish regular budgeting procedures but does not create new laws or alter federal spending. As a symbolic resolution, it has no direct legal effect on national debt policy or federal budgets. The resolution focuses on raising awareness rather than implementing concrete changes.

Maddy summaryHB 5033, the Pro-Growth Regulatory Reform Act of 2026, requires state agencies to obtain legislative approval before implementing new regulations that cost more than $500,000 over five years. Agencies must submit such proposed rules to the Legislative Rule-making Review Committee 30 days before the next regular session, and the legislature must enact ratifying legislation for the rule to take effect. If the legislature fails to approve the rule during the session, the agency must terminate the proposed rulemaking. This bill directly affects state agencies creating regulations, adding a cost-based approval step while exempting emergency rules.

Maddy summaryHB 4985, the "Strategic and Critical Resources Act," defines specific minerals (like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements) as critical to West Virginia's security and economy. It prohibits local governments outside cities from regulating the extraction of these resources or the development of related facilities, preempting local ordinances. The bill also restricts foreign adversaries (entities designated by federal law) from owning or controlling land used for extracting these resources. Importantly, the law does not override federal environmental regulations or state building codes, and it aligns with existing federal restrictions on foreign ownership.

Maddy summaryHB 5002 requires West Virginia coal mine operators to designate trained miners as first responders within mandatory mine safety programs. This applies to underground mines and directly affects coal mine operators, who must develop these programs within six months of final rules, and miners who will receive specific training. Key provisions mandate that designated first responders be trained in fire prevention/detection, emergency evacuation, communication, mine ventilation operations, and coordination with professional mine rescue teams. The bill does not create new penalties but integrates these requirements into existing safety program rules under §22A-1-36 of West Virginia law.

Maddy summaryHJR 28 is a constitutional amendment proposal (not a bill) that would require voter approval to allow West Virginia's legislature to later create a law exempting owner-occupied primary residences from property tax once the mortgage is paid off. It does not create the exemption itself but would permit future legislation to do so for homes with no outstanding mortgage. This would directly affect homeowners who pay off their mortgages and occupy the property as their primary residence. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4887 would amend West Virginia's retirement law to allow sheriffs who are members of the public retirement system to retire at age 62 with eight years of service, rather than the 10 years required for other new members under current rules. This provision applies specifically to sheriffs not participating in another retirement system administered by the retirement board. The bill adds a new subsection to the retirement law creating this exception for sheriffs. It directly affects sheriffs who meet the age and service requirements under this revised provision.

Maddy summaryHB 4890 would provide a 10% annual pay increase for non-uniformed administrative staff and personnel at West Virginia's Division of Corrections, Division of Juvenile Services, and the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority, effective July 1, 2026. This adjustment aims to address staffing challenges by helping retain current workers and attract new employees to these correctional facilities. Funding would come from general revenue for the Division of Corrections and Juvenile Services, and from a special revenue fund for the Regional Jail Authority, avoiding additional general fund appropriations. The bill also requires that the pay increase be applied even if it exceeds the current maximum pay grade for an employee's position.

Maddy summaryHB 4715 removes the requirement for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in West Virginia to practice under direct physician supervision. The bill repeals sections §30-3E-10a and §30-3E-11 of the state code, which previously mandated supervision, and amends related provisions to allow these providers to practice independently. This change directly affects licensed nurse practitioners and physician assistants who will no longer need a collaborating physician's oversight for their scope of practice. The bill focuses on updating regulatory language to eliminate supervision barriers, without altering prescribing rules or other practice parameters.

Maddy summaryHB 4773 would increase the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retired state employees by 20% - not 15% as the title states - applying to retirees from the Public Employees Retirement System and State Teachers Retirement System who voluntarily retired in good standing. The bill requires the first full payment of this 20% adjustment to be issued by June 30, 2026, with benefits also shared proportionally to eligible beneficiaries. The adjustment is subject to IRS limits and mandates a legislative review every decade to assess future COLA increases.