Del. Margitta Mazzocchi

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the life and legacy of the late West Virginia legislator Larry D. Kump, who passed away on February 28, 2026. The resolution formally expresses the House of Delegates' condolences to Kump's family and acknowledges his service as a representative for Berkeley County across three different terms. It recognizes his career in criminal justice and mediation, his commitment to limited government, and his role as a devoted family member and church leader. The document is a ceremonial tribute rather than a law that changes policy or affects public programs.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the Capitol Building Commission and Department of Administration to assess and address hazardous trees along California Avenue and Kanawha Boulevard on the State Capitol Complex grounds. The resolution requests an immediate evaluation of trees that have caused property damage through falling limbs and broken trunks over the past two years. It specifically asks officials to trim trees back to the grass side of sidewalks or remove and replace hazardous trees to protect public safety and state property. This non-binding resolution directs state agencies to take preventative maintenance actions without mandating specific enforcement measures.

Maddy summaryHB 5661 increases Medicaid dental provider reimbursement rates in West Virginia. It expands Medicaid coverage for diagnostic/preventative and restorative dental services (excluding cosmetic procedures) to adults aged 21+ with a $2,000 per two-year spending limit. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to raise dental provider payments by at least 20% by December 1, 2028, and mandates annual reports on dental program costs. This directly affects dental providers who treat Medicaid patients and adult Medicaid beneficiaries seeking dental care.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 4604) amends West Virginia law to clarify payment procedures for public defender panel attorneys handling abuse and neglect cases. It requires attorneys to submit detailed time and expense records via electronic vouchers within 90 business days of case completion, with payments processed within 45 days if approved. If payments are rejected or reduced, the bill establishes a 15-day appeal process to the appointing court, prohibiting the requirement of privileged client information during disputes. The changes directly affect public defender offices and appointed attorneys, streamlining payment accountability without altering case handling standards.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 17) requests federal authorities - including the Justice Department and FBI - to conduct a full, transparent investigation into Jeffrey Epstein-related files and release non-classified records. It specifically urges special attention to any individuals or entities with ties to West Virginia, such as public officials or businesses. The resolution aims to restore public trust by ensuring accountability for potential violations of state law connected to Epstein’s activities. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new legal requirements but formally encourages federal action.

Maddy summaryHJR 39 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how the West Virginia State Board of Education is structured. It would replace the current system of nine governor-appointed members with five elected regional members (serving four-year terms, limited to two terms) and four appointed members (serving staggered terms). The amendment requires the Board to submit proposed policies to the Legislature for review, approval, or rejection. This change, if approved by voters in 2026, would take effect for the 2028 election cycle and directly affects how board members are selected and how education policies are reviewed.

Maddy summaryHB 4062 allows homeschool students participating in organized homeschool athletic teams to compete against West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) member schools in regular-season games. It requires homeschool organizations to follow similar health, safety, and eligibility rules as public/private schools and provide comparable insurance. Crucially, homeschool teams cannot be included in official WVSSAC rankings, standings, or postseason tournaments, and member schools may choose whether to schedule games with them. The bill ensures homeschool participation does not affect official records of WVSSAC member schools while creating a framework for their involvement.

Maddy summaryHB 5561 would require West Virginia's Secretary of State to refer potential election fraud cases directly to the state Attorney General for prosecution, rather than to a county prosecuting attorney. Currently, the Secretary refers such cases to the Prosecuting Attorneys Institute, which appoints a county-level special prosecutor. This change would shift the primary responsibility for prosecuting election fraud from local county authorities to the state Attorney General's office. The bill affects how election fraud allegations are handled, moving the referral process from county to state level.

Maddy summaryHB 5547 requires healthcare providers to obtain specific written consent from parents before conducting newborn genetic screening, which cannot be fulfilled by general consent forms signed at hospital admission. It limits blood collection to only what's necessary for screening and mandates destruction of blood samples after three weeks unless parents give additional written consent for retention. The bill also prohibits using newborn blood samples for research, law enforcement, or other purposes without separate consent from parents or the adult who was a minor when the sample was taken. Healthcare facilities must provide written information about screening options and the right to opt out during pregnancy.

Maddy summaryHB 5551 requires West Virginia to continue issuing non-REAL ID compliant driver's licenses and ID cards, clearly marked "NOT FOR REAL ID ACT PURPOSES," which remain valid for all state purposes like driving and identity verification. The bill prohibits the state from collecting biometric data (such as facial scans or fingerprints), retaining copies of identity documents (like birth certificates or Social Security cards), or sharing personal information from these licenses with federal or interstate databases. It mandates that applicants be informed of their choice between REAL ID and non-REAL ID options and provided with a list of TSA-acceptable IDs, while banning digital IDs and requiring physical licenses for all purposes. The law also prohibits state agencies from entering agreements that conflict with these protections.