Del. David Green

Maddy summaryThis bill amends West Virginia law to explicitly include federal correctional facilities within the definition of "correctional facilities" for existing laws against smuggling contraband. It makes it illegal to deliver weapons, drugs, alcohol, escape tools, dangerous materials, or telecommunications devices into federal prisons in West Virginia without authorization, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors (up to $500 fines and 1 year in jail) to felonies (up to 10 years in prison). The law directly affects individuals who attempt to smuggle such items into federal correctional institutions within the state, including visitors, staff, or outsiders. It expands existing state penalties - previously limited to state facilities - to cover federal prisons, without creating new exemptions or altering inmate rights.

Maddy summaryHB 2787 permits West Virginia county commissions to lease, rent, or allow the use of county-owned wireless towers (or portions) to private entities, subject to specific security and eligibility requirements. It prohibits leasing to entities associated with foreign adversaries, terrorist organizations, or those engaging in unconstitutional surveillance, and mandates non-compromised cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure like voting systems. Public safety agencies (including 911, law enforcement, and emergency services), the West Virginia Department of Highways, and other state agencies may use tower space without charge, provided they meet the same security standards as other lessees. The bill also restricts the use of foreign-owned or foreign-produced technology that could threaten critical infrastructure, ensuring local control over tower usage while prioritizing security.

Maddy summaryHB 2720 establishes the Southern Coalfield Resiliency and Revitalization Program to support communities in Boone, Logan, McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming counties, which have been significantly impacted by declines in the coal industry. The program creates a Revitalization Council coordinated by the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, including representatives from state agencies, county commissions, and educational institutions, to coordinate existing state resources and technical assistance. It directs the council to develop economic strategies, prioritize support for local industries and natural resources, and report annually - without creating new positions or hiring additional staff. The program is set to operate for five years from its effective date, focusing on revitalizing communities through existing state infrastructure and partnerships.

Maddy summaryHCR 78 is a non-binding resolution urging West Virginia's Division of Highways to prioritize completing I-73 (the "King Coal Highway") across Wayne, Mingo, McDowell, Mercer, and Wyoming counties. It requests the highway agency treat the project as a high priority to improve economic development and emergency access, especially after recent flooding exposed transportation challenges in the region. The resolution asks the state to provide necessary funding and executive support to expedite the highway's completion but does not allocate new funds or create new law. It directly affects the Division of Highways and residents of the five specified counties by formally advocating for this infrastructure project.

Maddy summaryHB 3387 creates a pilot program allowing West Virginia's State Board of Education to establish regional school districts that combine neighboring county school districts. It directly affects county districts facing shared challenges like funding gaps, rural population issues, and geographic barriers. The bill authorizes regional districts to consolidate schools, make financial decisions, and supersede county boards within their area, starting July 1, 2025. It also permits the State Board to develop rules for a smooth transition during consolidation. The program aims to address operational inefficiencies through regional planning while maintaining the same powers as current county boards.

Maddy summaryHB 2543 requires state agencies to prepare and submit detailed economic impact statements for certain proposed legislative rules before they are finalized. These statements must analyze potential costs to the public, including regulatory expenses, effects on business competitiveness, job creation, private investment, and economic growth. The bill applies specifically to "legislative rules" (rules that have legal force, impose liability, or grant/deny specific benefits), excluding interpretive or exempt rules. This change aims to provide transparency about the economic consequences of new regulations before they take effect.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 12 urges West Virginia's members of Congress to oppose a potential federal funding cut for the Local Food for Schools and Child Care (LFSCC) program. The LFSCC program provided $660 million over three years to help schools and child care sites purchase locally grown food, directly supporting farmers, ranchers, and local food businesses. This resolution expresses concern that terminating the program would harm rural economies and child nutrition efforts, as the funding was specifically used for fresh, minimally processed foods in school meals. The resolution does not create new policy but requests action from West Virginia's congressional delegation to preserve existing funding.

Maddy summaryHB 3168, titled "The Rossi Act," requires businesses providing goods, services, or utilities in West Virginia to allow customers to modify their online accounts via phone or mail, with identity verification. It directly affects utility companies, telecom providers, and other service entities operating in the state. The law mandates this change to replace current online-only account management options and specifies that violations will be enforced under the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act by the Attorney General. The bill focuses on expanding customer access to account changes through traditional channels, not on specific outcomes or political implications.

Maddy summaryHCR 72 designates March 20, 2025 as "Black Lung Awareness Day" in West Virginia. It honors coal miners affected by black lung disease (coal worker's pneumoconiosis), a preventable occupational lung condition caused by coal dust exposure. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or policy changes - it serves as a ceremonial observance recognizing the disease's impact and existing protections like the Black Lung Benefits Act. It follows the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act's emphasis on miner safety without altering current regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 3190 expands West Virginia's public intoxication law to include intoxication from controlled substances, not just alcohol. It defines "intoxicated" to cover impairment from any controlled substance under state law, directly affecting individuals appearing in public while impaired by such substances. The bill establishes misdemeanor penalties for violations, including fines ($5-$100) and optional alcohol/controlled substance education programs for first offenses, with stricter penalties for repeat violations. It also updates provisions for law enforcement arrests and handling of intoxicated individuals in public settings.