Del. Adam Vance

Maddy summaryHB 5038, the Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2026, directs West Virginia's Department of Economic Development to identify suitable sites for coal-fired electricity generation and coke production facilities near coal deposits, transmission infrastructure, and steel manufacturing locations. It requires state agencies to streamline regulations and review existing rules to reduce delays for projects using locally mined coal. The bill aims to support economic development by making it easier to build facilities that produce electricity and coke (used in steelmaking) within the state. This directly affects coal producers, steel manufacturers, and state regulatory agencies responsible for permitting and oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 4991, the West Virginia First Energy Act, requires coal-fired power plants in the state to maintain a minimum 69% operational utilization rate (measured annually) and hold at least a 30-day coal supply based on average usage. It restricts utilities from retiring or reducing coal or natural-gas plants without Public Service Commission approval, which requires proof the change won’t raise rates, increase market volatility, or harm grid reliability. The bill also prohibits cost recovery for new wind or solar projects and bans power-purchase agreements for intermittent energy unless existing coal/gas capacity meets specific replacement standards. These provisions aim to stabilize electricity rates, preserve coal industry jobs, and prioritize in-state dispatchable power sources over out-of-state or weather-dependent generation.

Maddy summaryHJR 31 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit consecutive terms for West Virginia state legislators. If approved by voters in 2026, it would restrict senators to two consecutive terms and delegates to four consecutive terms. The limits would apply only to terms beginning after ratification, with prior terms not counting toward the limit. This amendment requires voter approval at the 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4956 sets fixed start and end dates for West Virginia public school years, requiring the instructional term to begin no earlier than the Tuesday after Labor Day and conclude no later than the Friday before Memorial Day starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill mandates a minimum of 180 separate instructional days per year, allowing counties to use "alternative methods" (like remote learning) for up to five weather-related closures without counting as lost days. It also requires counties to maintain 200 employment days for staff while defining non-instructional days for holidays, elections, and professional development. This law directly affects all West Virginia public school students, teachers, and county school boards by standardizing the academic calendar framework.

Maddy summaryHB 4970 requires mandatory random drug testing for all employees of West Virginia county commissions, state government, and K-12 school systems. It mandates that new hires pass a pre-employment drug test and that 10% of all employees (including volunteers like coaches) undergo random annual testing. The policy applies to county employees starting July 1, 2026, and to school employees beginning the 2026-2027 school year. County commissions, the State Board of Education, and state personnel offices must develop implementing rules for legislative approval. This bill directly affects over 100,000 public sector workers across state and local government.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs West Virginia's Economic Development Authority to identify land near Flatwoods (specifically near Interstate 79 Exit 67) for developing tourism and entertainment facilities, similar to attractions like Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It requires the Authority to secure funding and recruit private/public developers to create these facilities. The resolution aims to boost tourism, economic activity, and job growth in the Flatwoods area by establishing a major entertainment complex accessible to both West Virginia residents and visitors from neighboring states. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new law but instructs state agencies to pursue this development initiative.

Maddy summaryHB 4969 increases retirement benefits for eligible retired state employees and teachers by a total of 5% over three years, starting July 1, 2026. It applies to retirees aged 70+ with at least 25 years of service as of July 1, 2023, including those receiving minimum benefits under existing law. The increase is phased: 2.5% on July 1, 2026, 1.5% on July 1, 2027, and 1% on July 1, 2028. The bill amends provisions for both the Public Employees Retirement System and the State Teachers Retirement System. It does not affect current retirees' benefits retroactively but adjusts payments for those already retired as of the effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 4957 would reduce the required number of school days in West Virginia from 180 to 160 per year for public school districts. It directly affects all West Virginia public schools and their districts by changing the mandated instructional calendar. The bill allows districts to maintain equivalent instructional time by lengthening the daily school schedule (e.g., adding 30+ minutes per day) instead of adding days, and permits using up to five days of this extended time for weather-related closures or staff development. This change simplifies calendar management while requiring districts to ensure students still receive the same total instructional hours.

Maddy summaryHB 4953 requires all West Virginia high school students to pass a civics examination and the U.S. Naturalization Examination as a prerequisite for graduation. This bill directly affects all public, private, parochial, and denominational high school students in West Virginia who are nearing graduation. Key provisions mandate that schools teach U.S. government history, civics, and the Constitution (as outlined in §18-2-9), provide standardized tests aligned with these standards, and make the two exams mandatory for graduation. The bill does not change existing curriculum requirements but adds the passing of these specific exams as a new graduation requirement.

Maddy summaryHJR 28 is a constitutional amendment proposal (not a bill) that would require voter approval to allow West Virginia's legislature to later create a law exempting owner-occupied primary residences from property tax once the mortgage is paid off. It does not create the exemption itself but would permit future legislation to do so for homes with no outstanding mortgage. This would directly affect homeowners who pay off their mortgages and occupy the property as their primary residence. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.