Del. Margitta Mazzocchi

Maddy summaryHB 4523 would move the election of West Virginia Supreme Court justices from the primary election to the general election. The bill requires justices to be elected on a nonpartisan ballot during the general election, with multiple seats handled through numbered divisions on the ballot. Voters would select one candidate per division, and the candidate receiving the most votes in each division would win the seat. This change does not alter the current method of electing justices statewide (by all voters in the state) or the vote-counting process.

Maddy summaryHB 4486 establishes fines for employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers in West Virginia. It directly affects businesses and organizations that employ individuals without proper immigration authorization. The bill sets tiered penalties: $1,000-$10,000 for a first offense, $5,000-$20,000 for a second, and $10,000-$30,000 or up to one year in jail for third or subsequent offenses. Additional penalties apply for falsifying records or transferring assets to evade these requirements. The bill amends existing law to strengthen enforcement against employers who knowingly violate immigration hiring rules.

Maddy summaryHB 4090 allows West Virginia county school boards to hire or accept as volunteers certified chaplains to provide support services for students, staff, and parents. The bill requires chaplains to undergo background checks like child care workers but exempts them from needing state certification or licensing. School boards must also prohibit sex offenders or child predators from serving. Chaplains are granted liability protection for actions taken in their role, unless those actions were maliciously intended to harass or intimidate. The bill directly affects public school districts across West Virginia by expanding their ability to provide spiritual support services.

Maddy summaryHB 4525 would change the election date for West Virginia's Intermediate Court of Appeals judges to coincide with the state's general election, rather than holding separate elections. This aligns judicial elections with the larger general election cycle, which typically sees higher voter turnout, as stated in the bill's findings. The election would use a nonpartisan ballot, meaning candidates' political party affiliations would not appear on the ballot. The bill directly affects voters in West Virginia who would cast ballots for these judges during general elections, and judicial candidates who would campaign under this new schedule.

Maddy summaryHB 4524 requires West Virginia state agencies and public entities to obtain written certification from companies they contract with (for goods or services valued at $100,000 or more) that the companies are not boycotting Israel. It defines a "boycott of Israel" as actions intended to penalize or harm economic relations with Israel or Israeli businesses. Contracts lacking this certification would be void, and the rule applies to all public entities - including those previously exempt from similar contracting requirements. The bill clarifies that the prohibition extends to all state spending units, ensuring consistent application across government procurement.

Maddy summaryHB 4448 removes exemptions that currently protect bona fide schools, public libraries, and museums from criminal charges when distributing or displaying obscene material to minors. The bill amends West Virginia law to eliminate these specific protections, meaning these institutions would no longer be shielded from prosecution under the existing obscenity statute (§61-8A-3). Previously, schools were exempt when showing material as part of approved curriculum, and libraries/museums were exempt if minors were accompanied by parents. This change directly affects how these public institutions handle materials accessible to minors. The bill does not alter other existing exemptions, such as those for medical professionals or internet service providers.

Maddy summaryHB 4436 requires that child abuse and neglect investigations by West Virginia's Child Protective Services (CPS) must conduct face-to-face interviews with children at designated Child Advocacy Centers (CACs), where available. This directly affects children involved in CPS cases, CPS workers, and local CACs that would serve as the mandated interview location. The bill amends existing law to specify that interviews must occur at a CAC under county protocol, aiming to provide a more child-friendly environment during sensitive questioning. It does not create new centers but mandates using existing ones when accessible, focusing on improving interview conditions for child safety.

Maddy summaryHB 4153 creates a tax credit for West Virginia employers who hire interns or apprentices in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, IT, healthcare, and skilled trades. Eligible employers receive a 50% tax credit on wages paid to qualifying interns/apprentices, up to $10,000 per person annually (capped at $150,000 total per employer yearly). To qualify, positions must include at least 120 hours of structured training and exclude retail, food service, janitorial, and general administrative roles. Employers must apply for certification through the West Virginia Department of Economic Development and report details annually to claim the credit.

Maddy summaryHB 4162 creates a tax credit program to encourage property rehabilitation in West Virginia. It provides businesses and property owners a 25% credit (up to $2 million) on eligible renovation costs or a 50% credit on increased property value (annual for 5 years), requiring a $50,000 investment, 30% value increase, and 5 years of active commercial use. Additional credits (up to 15% total) apply for projects in rural areas (population <50,000, high unemployment, or designated zones), brownfield sites, or registered historic properties. The program is budget-neutral, capped at $50 million annually, and requires annual reporting on investments, jobs created, and property use.

Maddy summaryHB 4163 requires all West Virginia public agencies to maintain a publicly accessible online database tracking Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and outcomes. It protects the privacy of individuals making FOIA requests by mandating that their names, contact details, and other personal information be redacted from all public records and databases. Agencies must update their online FOIA logs within 90 days of the law’s passage and face penalties, including potential damages of up to $5,000 per violation, for failing to redact personal information. This bill directly affects government agencies handling FOIA requests and all residents who submit such requests.