Del. Josh Holstein

Maddy summaryHCR 94 is a request for the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study establishing an artificial intelligence (AI) elective course in West Virginia public high schools. The study would assess current AI education programs, identify gaps in student access, evaluate funding options, analyze AI’s impact on future industries, and recommend legislative or partnership actions. If implemented, the proposed course would teach foundational AI concepts (like machine learning), practical applications in fields like business and defense, and hands-on tool usage. This resolution does not create the course but asks for a study to inform future decisions. The committee must report findings by the 2026 legislative session.

Maddy summaryHB 2760 establishes a partnership between Workforce West Virginia and the State Board of Education to implement a STEM-focused online learning platform for high schools and technical schools in West Virginia, with an initial emphasis on chemistry education. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, the program will begin with 10 selected schools, expanding to all participating schools after two years. Participating schools will receive instructional resources and teacher training using the platform, which complements existing digital literacy standards. The program requires an evaluation by January 2027 to assess student impact and recommend continuation, expansion, or termination.

Maddy summaryHB 2131 gives the West Virginia Legislature legal standing to sue state officials - including the Governor, Secretary of State, or election officials - who make unauthorized changes to election laws or rules, or waive those laws through settlements. It also allows the Legislature to automatically intervene as a "real party in interest" in any lawsuit challenging election laws or regulations. The bill requires courts to prioritize election-related cases, mandating decisions within five days for the Supreme Court and setting strict deadlines for election boards to finalize results before January 2nd. This directly affects the Legislature, election officials, and courts handling election disputes.

Maddy summaryHB 3451 proposes a phased increase in the homestead property tax exemption for West Virginia residents aged 65 or older, or those certified as permanently and totally disabled. Starting in 2027, the exemption for primary homes would rise from $20,000 to $40,000 over four years, contingent on a state constitutional amendment. To qualify, applicants must have lived in West Virginia for two consecutive years (with limited exceptions for military veterans or returning residents), and cannot claim a similar exemption in another state. The bill also removes limits on property tax rates and levy rates, which would allow for higher property tax collections overall.

Maddy summaryHB 3428 requires any purchaser of real property in West Virginia to record their deed with the county clerk within three months of closing the property transaction. This rule directly affects homebuyers and property purchasers who must complete this recording step within the specified timeframe. The bill amends existing law to add this deadline to the process of recording deeds, ensuring deeds are officially documented promptly after a sale. It does not change other requirements for deeds to be recorded, such as proper acknowledgment or proof.

Maddy summaryHB 3421 requires West Virginia coal-fired power plants to operate at a consistent 69% capacity level through 2040, maintain a 45-day on-site coal supply, and submit detailed operational plans to the Public Service Commission. It directly affects electric utilities operating coal plants by mandating they balance plant operations to preserve local jobs, stabilize energy costs, and avoid shutdowns without Commission approval. Key provisions include requiring utilities to provide supplemental plans for extending plant lifespans beyond retirement dates and preventing the use of securitized funds to close facilities. The bill also directs the Public Service Commission to coordinate West Virginia’s participation in regional energy markets to benefit ratepayers. These measures aim to secure coal generation as a stable energy source while protecting consumers from rate volatility.

Maddy summaryHB 3385 requires medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs in West Virginia to establish written policies for community engagement and location planning. The bill prohibits new MAT programs from locating within 0.5 miles of schools or daycares (with limited variances for existing programs), bans recruitment incentives like rewards for patient referrals, and mandates 60-day public notice before new locations. Programs must notify county commissions and mayors via certified mail, detailing their community impact plans, and obtain local approval before operating. These requirements apply to all MAT facilities, including opioid treatment programs and office-based providers, with a waiver process requiring written justification and safety documentation.

Maddy summaryHB 3082 requires parolees or probationers determined to have a history of substance abuse - based on standardized risk assessments - to participate in approved support services for a minimum of 60 days. This applies to individuals under supervision in West Virginia, as amended in §62-12-17(a)(4) of the state code. The bill mandates that supervision officers approve the service schedule, with participation being a condition of release. It directly affects those on probation or parole with documented substance abuse histories identified through required assessments. The policy change focuses on structured support rather than punitive measures for this specific group.

Maddy summaryHB 3337 clarifies rules for substitute teachers in West Virginia, primarily affecting school districts, principals, and substitute teachers themselves. The bill allows substitutes to remain in a classroom for the full school term if they've served continuously for over half the grading period, unless the principal certifies the regular teacher prepared them for the role. It also requires school districts to provide long-term substitutes with training on IEP and 504 plans (special education and accommodations). Additionally, the bill creates a new pathway for retired teachers to work as substitutes in areas with critical staffing shortages, subject to specific district policies and state approval.

Maddy summaryHB 2781 requires West Virginia judicial officers to consider a person's residency status when determining bail for specific misdemeanor offenses. It applies to cases involving violent misdemeanors, offenses against minors, weapons use, drug violations, sexual abuse, serious traffic offenses, or property crimes exceeding $250 in value. The bill mandates judges to evaluate whether the person is a resident of West Virginia or the U.S. as part of "good cause" for release, alongside other factors like community ties and flight risk. This change modifies existing bail procedures by explicitly adding residency as a consideration for these misdemeanor cases. The bill does not alter penalties but affects how bail conditions are set for eligible defendants.