Del. Jordan Bridges

Maddy summaryHB 3106 would increase the retirement multiplier for West Virginia deputy sheriffs from 2.75% to 3.0% of their final average salary per year of service. This change directly affects current and future deputy sheriffs enrolled in the state's Deputy Sheriff Retirement System by increasing their pension benefits. The bill amends Section 7-14D-2 of West Virginia Code to adjust the calculation method for accrued retirement benefits. This is a specific policy change to the pension formula, not a new benefit program.

Maddy summaryHB 3105 would amend West Virginia's Deputy Sheriff Retirement System Act to allow deputy sheriffs to retire after 20 years of service with full benefits, aligning their retirement eligibility with corrections officers. This change directly affects county deputy sheriffs covered under the retirement system who currently may have different service requirements. The bill modifies §7-14D-5 to establish 20 years as the qualifying service period for full retirement benefits, matching the existing standard for corrections officers. The policy change would apply to new hires and potentially existing members who elect to transfer into this system under the revised terms.

Maddy summaryHB 3100 would align retirement and disability benefits for dependents of West Virginia State Police officers who take disability retirement with the benefits provided to dependents of officers who retire after 20 years of service. Currently, dependents of disability retirees receive less than those of regular retirees under the existing §15-2-33 formula. The bill proposes amending the law to ensure surviving spouses and dependents of disability retirees receive the same monthly benefit amount as those of regular retirees - calculated as three-fourths of the retired officer's benefits (with a minimum $5,000 annual payment). This change directly affects dependents of State Police officers who must leave service due to disability before reaching 20 years. The bill is currently in the House Finance Committee after introduction on March 4, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3185, the Taxpayer Protection Act, prevents employers from misclassifying workers as independent contractors when they should be treated as employees for tax purposes. It requires West Virginia’s Tax Commissioner to apply an "ABC test" to determine worker status: whether the worker has no employer control, performs unusual work for the business, and operates as a separate business. Employers must prove all three criteria to classify a worker as independent; otherwise, the worker is presumed an employee. This directly affects individual taxpayers (workers) and employers who may have misclassified workers, ensuring the state collects proper employment taxes. The bill aims to clarify tax obligations without changing tax rates or creating new revenue streams.

Maddy summaryHB 3107 creates West Virginia's State Black Lung Program to provide pain and suffering benefits to coal miners diagnosed with black lung disease (occupational pneumoconiosis). It establishes automatic eligibility for miners with 10+ years of mining exposure in West Virginia over a 15-year period, eliminating the need for total disability proof. Benefits include a $200 monthly base payment plus $15 per additional year of exposure (calculated by work hours), with a tax credit against state income tax. The program is funded by a 0.1x increase on existing severance taxes for coal, natural gas, oil, and electricity generated by solar/wind sources, deposited into the State Black Lung Fund. This bill directly affects current and former West Virginia coal miners with qualifying exposure.

Maddy summaryHB 3110 allocates $5,000 per deputy sheriff position in each West Virginia county from the state general revenue fund, with funds required to be used **only** for deputy pay raises. This directly affects all counties with deputy sheriff positions by providing dedicated state funding specifically for increasing deputy salaries. The bill’s key provision mandates that counties cannot use these funds for any other purpose, ensuring the money is solely directed toward compensating deputies. It does not change existing pay structures but creates a new funding stream for raises. (This is a procedural funding bill, so the summary is concise as requested.)

Maddy summaryHB 3102 would change West Virginia's required school year from 180 to 160 instructional days. This affects all public schools in the state, requiring them to meet a reduced minimum of 160 days of student instruction annually. The bill allows counties to compensate for fewer days by lengthening daily instructional time (by at least 30 minutes) or using alternative instruction methods for up to five days during closures. Schools must still begin no earlier than September 1 and end no later than May 31, with the new standard applying to all grade levels.

Maddy summaryHB 3103 would exempt the first $2,000 of retirement benefits received from West Virginia public employee systems, state teachers' retirement systems, or qualifying federal retirement systems from West Virginia personal income tax. This tax modification applies to retirees moving to West Virginia or already residing there, directly affecting individuals receiving these retirement benefits. The bill amends Section 11-21-12 of West Virginia's tax code to exclude this portion of retirement income from taxable income. It aims to encourage retirees to relocate to or remain in West Virginia by reducing their state tax burden on retirement income. The bill is currently pending in the House Finance Committee after its March 4, 2025, introduction.

Maddy summaryHB 3137 creates tax incentives to attract data center operators to West Virginia by offering property tax exemptions and credits for facilities powered by coal-generated electricity. The bill directly affects data center developers and operators, requiring them to use electricity from West Virginia coal-fired power plants to qualify. Key provisions include defining eligibility criteria, establishing a streamlined application process, and requiring compliance to maintain tax benefits. The legislation aims to boost economic growth by drawing private investment, creating jobs in construction and technology, and supporting the state's coal industry.

Maddy summaryHB 3101 mandates that public schools in West Virginia must begin the instructional term no earlier than the Tuesday after Labor Day and end no later than the Friday before Memorial Day, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. This bill directly affects all public school districts and county boards of education across the state by setting fixed calendar boundaries for the school year. The legislation specifies that the instructional term must include at least 180 separate instructional days, with defined minimum daily instructional minutes per grade level (e.g., 345 minutes for high school). It also includes provisions for handling weather-related closures through alternative instruction methods and adjusts noninstructional day allocations, but does not alter the required instructional time per day.