Del. Josh Holstein

Maddy summaryHB 3345 establishes a 50% tax credit for West Virginia family caregivers providing uncompensated care to eligible relatives. The credit covers eligible out-of-pocket expenses directly related to daily living needs (like home modifications, medical equipment, hiring aides, or respite care), with a maximum annual credit of $2,000. It applies to caregivers supporting family members who are 18+ and require assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing, feeding, mobility), as certified by a healthcare provider. The credit is nonrefundable and will take effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 2934 requires West Virginia's child welfare department to prioritize housing applications (like HUD or government-assisted housing) for youth aging out of foster care who have turned 18 and do not qualify for transitional living services. The bill amends §49-2-129 to mandate that housing search policies ensure dwellings are safe, affordable, and equipped for basic needs like cooking and emergency communication. It directly affects foster youth aged 18+ transitioning to independent living, who often face housing instability. The key mechanism is the new priority system for housing applications, replacing previous eligibility criteria for this vulnerable group.

Maddy summaryHB 3077 creates a tax credit for West Virginia employers who hire interns or apprentices in high-demand fields like manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and skilled trades (e.g., electricians, welders). Employers receive a 50% credit on wages paid (up to $10,000 per trainee annually), with a maximum $150,000 total credit per business yearly. The credit excludes retail, food service, administrative roles, and non-technical positions. Employers must apply for certification through the West Virginia Department of Economic Development to claim the credit and report trainee details annually.

Maddy summaryHB 3280 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Human Services to transfer ownership of state-owned land and buildings (previously leased to nonprofits) to regional mental health or intellectual disability centers operated by local nonprofit organizations. This transfer requires the facilities to be leased at a nominal rate since January 2025, used for mental health/disability services, and involves zero purchase price with nonprofits assuming maintenance, insurance, and upkeep costs. The bill exempts these transfers from standard state procurement rules like public bidding. It directly affects state facilities and qualifying nonprofit centers delivering mental health and intellectual disability services.

Maddy summaryHB 3291 (West Virginia House Bill 3291) increases penalties for employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers. It directly affects businesses and organizations in West Virginia that employ unauthorized workers, imposing escalating fines: $1,000-$10,000 for a first offense, $5,000-$20,000 for a second, and $10,000-$30,000 plus up to one year in jail for third or subsequent offenses. The bill also penalizes employers who provide false work status records or transfer assets to evade these requirements, with fines of $1,000-$5,000 or up to one year in jail. These provisions amend existing West Virginia law (§21-1B-5) to strengthen enforcement against unauthorized employment.

Maddy summaryHB 3288 requires that 5% of all elk hunting permits issued in West Virginia be reserved for West Virginia residents who are honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. armed forces. This applies specifically to permits under the state's elk restoration program in designated counties, including Logan, Mingo, McDowell, and Wyoming. The bill does not change the total number of permits but sets aside a fixed percentage for veterans, with the remaining permits available through standard application processes. The Division of Natural Resources will administer this allocation as part of the elk management plan.

Maddy summaryHB 3218 creates a tax credit program to incentivize the rehabilitation of underutilized commercial, industrial, and residential properties across West Virginia. Businesses and property owners who invest at least $250,000 in renovation, increase property value by 30%, and create or sustain five full-time jobs within three years can claim a 25% tax credit (up to $2 million) on eligible costs for business and occupation or corporate income tax, plus a 50% property tax credit on increased value for up to five years. Additional credits of up to 15% are available for projects in rural or distressed areas (10%) or for brownfield/historic properties (5% each). The bill also establishes a fast-track permitting process for qualifying projects to streamline development approvals within 90 days.

Maddy summaryHB 2139 exempts cash tips received by West Virginia residents from the state's personal income tax. It directly affects workers who earn cash tips, such as servers and bartenders, by removing tax liability on that specific income. The bill adds a new section (§11-21-12o) to the tax code, explicitly stating that cash tips from any source are not subject to state income tax. This policy change provides a direct tax benefit to individuals whose income includes cash tips.

Maddy summaryHB 2683 prohibits the use of ranked choice voting for all local, state, and federal elections in West Virginia. The bill defines ranked choice voting as a system where voters rank candidates by preference, with votes redistributed in rounds if no candidate wins a majority. It declares any election using this method invalid and prevents officials from being sworn into office based on such results. The prohibition does not apply to internal political party processes like conventions or party officer elections.

Maddy summaryHB 2135 creates a tax credit for West Virginia employers who hire individuals participating in substance abuse recovery programs. Employers can reduce their state taxes by up to $2,000 per eligible employee annually, based on the employer's total workforce size (e.g., businesses with 10+ employees can claim credits for up to 7 employees). To qualify, employees must be in good standing in a drug court program, work at least 120 hours monthly at minimum wage, and not displace existing workers. The credit is claimed annually through a state application process and expires after two years if the employee completes the program, with a yearly maximum cap of $14,000 per employer.