Del. David Green

Maddy summaryHB 2527 creates a tuition reimbursement program for West Virginia Corrections employees. It provides 20% annual tuition coverage for undergraduate courses at state colleges/universities, with full 100% reimbursement after five years of continued employment. Employees must first exhaust other financial aid (like Pell Grants), maintain academic progress, and prove employment to qualify. The program directly affects Corrections officers seeking to earn degrees while working.

Maddy summaryHB 2493, the "Sound Science in Regulations Act," requires West Virginia state agencies to base new environmental and health regulations on "the best available science." This applies specifically to rules about drinking water, air quality, hazardous substances, and waste handling that are stricter than federal standards or created without federal counterparts. The bill defines "best available science" as reliable, unbiased research published in nonpartisan refereed journals, and mandates that such science must demonstrate a causal link between exposure to a substance and human harm. It does not affect existing regulations, federal requirements, or rules matching federal standards.

Maddy summaryHB 3417 would require the West Virginia State Police to cover the cost of incarcerating individuals they arrest until those individuals are convicted of a crime or released. Currently, counties pay for the incarceration of people arrested by local law enforcement, but this bill shifts that financial responsibility to the state police for arrests they make. The bill amends state law to specify that when an inmate is arrested by the state police, the state police must pay the per diem cost for housing in a jail facility. This change would directly affect the state police budget and reduce counties' financial obligations for cases initiated by the state police.

Maddy summaryHB 3460 would require the state of West Virginia to cover the cost of incarcerating individuals convicted of misdemeanors, starting from the time of their arrest. Currently, counties pay these costs, but this bill shifts that financial responsibility to the state by amending state law to direct the Commissioner of Corrections to use state funds for misdemeanor jail expenses. The key provision changes the funding mechanism so that counties no longer bear the cost of misdemeanor incarcerations, while the state budget would absorb these expenses. This change would directly affect counties by removing a current expense and the state by adding a new budgetary obligation for corrections.

Maddy summaryHB 3421 requires West Virginia coal-fired power plants to operate at a consistent 69% capacity level through 2040, maintain a 45-day on-site coal supply, and submit detailed operational plans to the Public Service Commission. It directly affects electric utilities operating coal plants by mandating they balance plant operations to preserve local jobs, stabilize energy costs, and avoid shutdowns without Commission approval. Key provisions include requiring utilities to provide supplemental plans for extending plant lifespans beyond retirement dates and preventing the use of securitized funds to close facilities. The bill also directs the Public Service Commission to coordinate West Virginia’s participation in regional energy markets to benefit ratepayers. These measures aim to secure coal generation as a stable energy source while protecting consumers from rate volatility.

Maddy summaryHB 3471 removes the requirement that individuals must be certified by a specific manufacturer to install, maintain, or repair fire suppression systems. Currently, roles like "Engineered Suppression Systems Installer" and "Engineered Suppression Systems Technician" require manufacturer-specific certification under West Virginia law. The bill would allow these professionals to use other recognized certifications (such as those from NICET or NFPA) instead of being tied to one manufacturer. This change directly affects fire protection workers and aims to increase flexibility in meeting certification standards.

Maddy summaryHB 3414 automatically establishes a $100 Smart 529 savings account for every newborn in West Virginia who resides in the state at birth or is adopted by West Virginia residents. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to share birth data with the State Treasurer within 90 days of birth, triggering the grant to cover college costs at eligible institutions. It creates the "Mountaineer Scholars Grant Program," with funds drawn from the Savings Plan Trust Fund to provide one-time grants plus investment earnings for qualified higher education expenses. The program applies to children born after December 31, 2024, and excludes parents who opt out.

Maddy summaryHB 3459 allows retired deputy sheriffs, correctional officers, and teachers (in substitute roles) to return to work without losing their monthly retirement benefits. It specifically permits retired deputy sheriffs in counties with the lowest per capita income or where county commissions approve rehiring, provided the sheriff has fewer than five deputies and has tried to recruit new staff. The bill removes income limits for these retirees but requires sheriff offices to report rehires annually and sets a sunset date of July 1, 2030. Correctional officers and teachers (as substitutes) can work unlimited hours without benefit loss, though teachers cannot contribute additional retirement funds from these jobs.

Maddy summaryHB 3170 requires all rental properties in West Virginia to have approved sewage systems instead of straight piping sewage. It directly affects landlords of rental properties and property owners converting previously owner-occupied homes into rentals, mandating updated plumbing to meet current standards. The bill’s key provision prohibits straight piping sewage and requires all rental properties to install certified sewage systems. This policy change applies statewide to all residential rental units, focusing on infrastructure upgrades for public health and safety.

Maddy summaryHB 3288 requires that 5% of all elk hunting permits issued in West Virginia be reserved for West Virginia residents who are honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. armed forces. This applies specifically to permits under the state's elk restoration program in designated counties, including Logan, Mingo, McDowell, and Wyoming. The bill does not change the total number of permits but sets aside a fixed percentage for veterans, with the remaining permits available through standard application processes. The Division of Natural Resources will administer this allocation as part of the elk management plan.