Del. Josh Holstein

Maddy summaryHB 5002 requires West Virginia coal mine operators to designate trained miners as first responders within mandatory mine safety programs. This applies to underground mines and directly affects coal mine operators, who must develop these programs within six months of final rules, and miners who will receive specific training. Key provisions mandate that designated first responders be trained in fire prevention/detection, emergency evacuation, communication, mine ventilation operations, and coordination with professional mine rescue teams. The bill does not create new penalties but integrates these requirements into existing safety program rules under §22A-1-36 of West Virginia law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax break for West Virginia taxpayers who earn tips or overtime income. For 2026-2028, it allows taxpayers to subtract federal deductions for qualified tips and overtime from their state taxable income. Starting in 2029, it caps the tip deduction at $25,000 annually and overtime at $12,500 annually, phasing out the break for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $150,000. Nonresidents only qualify for the break if their tips or overtime were earned while working in West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 4080 requires all West Virginia cities, towns, and villages to hold partisan elections for mayors and city council members starting July 1, 2032, meaning candidates will run under party labels. It prohibits appointing mayors except to fill vacancies, ensuring mayors are elected directly by voters. The bill also mandates municipalities to align local election dates with statewide primary or general elections by the same deadline. All affected municipalities must amend their charters or ordinances to comply by July 1, 2032.

Maddy summaryHB 4702 prohibits municipalities from requiring larger minimum lot sizes for properties with accessory dwelling units (ADUs), such as small secondary homes or in-law suites, compared to standard single-family homes in the same zoning district. This bill directly affects homeowners, developers, and municipalities that previously enforced such unequal lot size requirements for ADUs. The key provision amends West Virginia's zoning code to explicitly ban this specific rule, ensuring ADUs face the same minimum lot size standards as other single-family dwellings. The change aims to simplify zoning for ADU development without altering other municipal zoning authority.

Maddy summaryHB 4746, the First Amendment Preservation Act, prohibits West Virginia state agencies from entering contracts with advertising or marketing firms that use media monitoring organizations to rate news sources for bias or misinformation. It requires all companies bidding for state advertising contracts to provide written certification they comply with this rule, and mandates agencies to obtain such certification before renewing existing contracts. The law specifically targets firms that assess content accuracy or bias (like fact-checkers), but excludes those measuring audience size or compiling news clippings. It applies to all state contracts executed on or after July 1, 2026, affecting state departments, universities using state funds, and advertising agencies seeking state business.

Maddy summaryHB 4589 clarifies that time limits for filing occupational pneumoconiosis claims do not restrict when workers can seek medical evaluations from the Occupational Pneumoconiosis Board. It directly affects coal miners and others diagnosed with pneumoconiosis (like black lung disease) who need to obtain board evaluations to pursue compensation. The bill explicitly states that standard claim filing deadlines (three years for diagnosis or exposure) do not apply to the evaluation process itself. This ensures claimants can access necessary medical assessments without being barred by the usual time limits for submitting formal claims.

Maddy summaryHB 4711 requires West Virginia municipalities to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - like backyard cottages or converted garages - on single-family residential lots "by right," meaning without special permits, hearings, or variances. It prohibits municipalities from imposing restrictions such as extra parking requirements, design matching rules, occupancy mandates, impact fees, or stricter building standards for ADUs than for primary homes. The bill directly affects homeowners seeking to create ADUs and municipalities, which must revise zoning rules by January 1, 2027, to comply. It allows municipalities to charge a $250 one-time application fee but does not override building or safety codes. The law aims to increase housing options by simplifying ADU creation.

Maddy summaryHB 4708 clarifies conditions for substitute teachers serving extended periods in West Virginia schools. It allows substitutes assigned to the same classroom for over half a grading period to remain until the grading period ends, provided the principal certifies the regular teacher has prepared them or is returning. The bill also creates a process for counties to hire retired teachers as substitutes in critical shortage areas without affecting retirement benefits (unless they start working in the same fiscal year they retired, in which case they lose annuity reserve benefits for that year). Additionally, all long-term substitutes must receive training on IEP and 504 plans upon hiring.

Maddy summaryHB 4700 requires railroad companies to provide alternative entry and exit routes for communities when performing maintenance, repairs, or construction on a road that serves as the sole access point for residents or state employees for more than 24 consecutive hours. This applies specifically to roads designated as the only entry/exit way for public health and safety reasons. The bill amends existing laws (§17-4-8 and §31-2A-2 of West Virginia Code) to mandate this requirement during extended work periods. It directly affects railroad companies operating in communities reliant on single-road access during infrastructure projects.

Maddy summaryHB 4714 creates a program allowing county jails and Regional Jail Authorities to involve inmates in voluntary litter cleanup on public lands like highways, roads, and parks. Inmates participating earn sentence reduction credits, with strict safety requirements including proper equipment, supervision ratios, and compliance with occupational regulations. The program is funded through the Litter Control Fund, and proceeds from recyclable materials collected during cleanups must be returned to that fund. The bill also mandates educational materials for schools about litter reduction and requires local governments to develop recycling plans for public facilities.