Rep. Josh Holstein

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 summaryHB 4587 prohibits West Virginia state and local public funds from supporting postsecondary degree programs classified as "low-earning outcome" under federal standards. It requires the Higher Education Policy Council to adopt rules blocking state funding - including student aid, operational costs, and capital grants - for these programs, and to annually report on prohibited programs and fiscal impacts. The bill directly affects public colleges, universities, and students enrolled in degrees deemed low-earning by federal criteria (per Public Law 119-21, Section 84001). It takes effect immediately upon passage, restricting state and local government funding for specific degree programs without specifying exact income thresholds.

Maddy summaryHB 4989 establishes a state-funded pilot program offering free cancer screenings to West Virginia's active and retired firefighters. The program provides a comprehensive screening package including a multi-cancer blood test, abdominal/thyroid/liver ultrasound, lung CT if needed, and skin cancer screening, with a $1,300 cost limit per person. Firefighters may self-fund screenings before July 1, 2026, and seek reimbursement, while the state covers costs for the 24-month pilot starting July 1, 2026. A committee will develop the program plan, track participation and results, and report findings to state leaders after 12 and 24 months.

Maddy summaryHB 5228 clarifies West Virginia's definition of "electioneering" to prohibit campaign-related activities near polling places. It bans displaying candidate logos, campaign materials, or verbally advocating for/against candidates or ballot questions within 100 feet of polling entrances on election day. The bill exempts news media conducting exit polls and vehicle bumper stickers parked within 100 feet while voters are entering. Violations carry fines of $100-$1,000 or up to one year in jail, and election officials or law enforcement may enforce these rules.

Maddy summaryHB 4958 establishes the Southern Coalfield Resiliency and Revitalization Program to support Boone, Logan, McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming counties (the "Southern Coalfield" area), which have suffered economic decline due to coal industry challenges. The bill creates a Revitalization Council - including county commissioners, state agency heads, and college representatives - to coordinate resources, prioritize economic development, and develop strategies for these counties. Key provisions include requiring annual reports, authorizing reduced-cost access to state property/equipment for qualifying businesses, and directing the Division of Economic Development to facilitate incentives. The program operates for five years with no new state positions created, focusing on streamlining existing state and partner resources for community revitalization.

Maddy summaryHB 5471 increases annual salaries for West Virginia judges and magistrates, effective July 1, 2026. It raises magistrates' pay to $75,880 (from $63,250), Supreme Court justices to $154,600 (from $149,600), circuit judges to $143,600 (from $138,600), and family court judges to $126,424 (from $103,950). The bill also clarifies retirement contribution rules for judicial positions. These changes directly affect all active state judges and magistrates, with no county-level funding required for these salary adjustments.

Maddy summaryHB 4709 gives the West Virginia Legislature legal standing to sue state officials (like the Governor or Secretary of State) who make unauthorized changes to election laws or rules. It also requires courts to allow the Legislature to automatically intervene as a "real party in interest" in any lawsuit challenging election law legality or constitutionality. This directly affects election officials and changes how election-related court cases are handled in West Virginia. The bill clarifies the Legislature’s role in election litigation but does not alter election rules themselves.

Maddy summaryHB 5667 directs $20 million from the Division of Economic Development to the West Virginia Division of Highways (Region 2) for accelerating road repairs in Wayne and Mingo Counties, effective July 1, 2026. It also directs $20 million from the Water Development Authority - $10 million to Wayne County Commission and $10 million to Mingo County Commission - for water infrastructure projects in those counties, effective the same date. The bill specifies these funds must be used for public road repairs and water system improvements, respectively. It does not create new taxes or alter existing programs but reallocates existing state funds to targeted local infrastructure needs.

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 5558 creates the West Virginia Child Investment Account Matching Program, which provides a one-time state matching contribution (up to $250 per child) to existing federal "Trump Accounts" for eligible children born in West Virginia. The program prioritizes households with incomes under 300% of the federal poverty level and limits annual spending to $2.5 million. The West Virginia State Treasurer administers the program, verifying eligibility and preventing duplicate benefits, but the contributions require annual legislative appropriation and are not guaranteed. This bill directly affects families with children who already participate in the federal Trump Account program.