Del. Josh Holstein

Maddy summaryHB 3144 establishes clear timelines for local governments to review wireless infrastructure applications in West Virginia. It requires local authorities to approve or deny applications for colocation (adding equipment to existing structures) within 90 days or for new structures within 150 days, creating a "shot clock" mechanism. If a local government fails to act within these periods, it is presumed not to have acted within a reasonable timeframe. The bill directly affects wireless companies seeking to deploy facilities and local governments responsible for reviewing applications, while explicitly preserving existing state laws on small wireless facilities and pre-emption of local ordinances.

Maddy summaryHB 3294 creates legal protections for banks, broker-dealers, and investment advisors who intervene to prevent financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. It directly affects eligible adults (West Virginia residents 65+ or adults with significant mental impairments affecting financial decisions) and financial institutions. The bill allows these institutions to delay, refuse, or block transactions they believe risk financial exploitation, and requires them to report suspected exploitation to state agencies like the Department of Human Services. It provides legal immunity for institutions acting in good faith to protect eligible adults, without creating a duty to override customer instructions.

Maddy summaryHB 3017 requires county commissions to inspect all precinct voting machines one week before in-person voting to verify they are disconnected from the internet (no modems or SIM cards) and properly sealed. The Secretary of State must then conduct a random pre-election audit of 10% of machines across at least five counties, with public reports detailing compliance. This directly affects county election officials and the Secretary of State, mandating specific verification steps and reporting. The bill aims to ensure voting equipment remains physically isolated from internet connectivity as required by state law.

Maddy summaryHCR 88 is a ceremonial resolution honoring two West Virginia first responders nominated for the Medal of Valor. It specifically recognizes Captain Donald Lawson (New Martinsville Police) for rescuing two people from carbon monoxide poisoning despite his own hospitalization, and Darrell Lambert (Lake Volunteer Firefighter) for entering a burning building without protective gear to save a trapped resident, sustaining burns in the process. The resolution formally confirms the Legislature's approval of their award and directs the House Clerk to send a copy to Governor Morrisey. This is a symbolic honor with no new policy or funding changes, directly affecting only these two nominees. It passed unanimously in both chambers on April 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 9 is a commemorative resolution naming Dry Branch Bridge (located at CR 079/03 over Cabin Creek in Dry Branch, Kanawha County) as the "Robert S. Pomeroy Memorial Bridge." It directly affects the bridge's official designation and requires the Division of Highways to install signage identifying it by this name. The resolution honors Robert S. Pomeroy, a West Virginia National Guard soldier who died in WWI and was buried in France before being repatriated to his hometown. This is a procedural naming resolution with no policy changes or funding impacts, solely commemorating a local veteran.

Maddy summaryHB 2720 establishes the Southern Coalfield Resiliency and Revitalization Program to support communities in Boone, Logan, McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming counties, which have been significantly impacted by declines in the coal industry. The program creates a Revitalization Council coordinated by the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, including representatives from state agencies, county commissions, and educational institutions, to coordinate existing state resources and technical assistance. It directs the council to develop economic strategies, prioritize support for local industries and natural resources, and report annually - without creating new positions or hiring additional staff. The program is set to operate for five years from its effective date, focusing on revitalizing communities through existing state infrastructure and partnerships.

Maddy summaryHCR 78 is a non-binding resolution urging West Virginia's Division of Highways to prioritize completing I-73 (the "King Coal Highway") across Wayne, Mingo, McDowell, Mercer, and Wyoming counties. It requests the highway agency treat the project as a high priority to improve economic development and emergency access, especially after recent flooding exposed transportation challenges in the region. The resolution asks the state to provide necessary funding and executive support to expedite the highway's completion but does not allocate new funds or create new law. It directly affects the Division of Highways and residents of the five specified counties by formally advocating for this infrastructure project.

Maddy summaryHB 3304 (West Virginia House Bill 3304) directs the state to create four patriotic statues commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding. The bill establishes a state commission (chaired by the Tourism Secretary) to oversee construction of these statues in each of West Virginia's four geographic regions, requiring completion by the 2026 anniversary date. The statues must honor both U.S. history and West Virginia's heritage, with construction to follow state purchasing laws. This is a procedural bill focused on commemorative monuments, not policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 3305 would extend the required period of party affiliation for candidates seeking partisan office from 60 days to 180 days before filing their candidacy. This change directly affects candidates for state legislative seats, judgeships, and other partisan offices who wish to switch political parties before submitting their nomination paperwork. The bill modifies the existing requirement that candidates must have been registered with their chosen party for at least 60 days prior to filing, increasing that window to 180 days. This adjustment applies specifically to the certification process for partisan candidates, requiring them to maintain consistent party registration for a longer period before filing their candidacy.

Maddy summaryHCR 93 is a concurrent resolution requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways name a 4.3-mile bypass segment on US 33 in Roane County the "Scott Miller Bypass Road." It specifically asks the Division to install signs at both ends of the bypass to identify the road, honoring W. Scott Miller (for whom the area was named) and his grandson Scott W. Miller, a WWII soldier killed at Normandy who received a Purple Heart. This resolution has no policy or funding impact - it solely requests a ceremonial road name change. The resolution was adopted by the House on March 27, 2025, and referred to the Senate Transportation Committee.