Del. David Green

Maddy summaryHB 2784 amends West Virginia's workers' compensation laws to clarify that employers maintaining proper coverage are generally exempt from lawsuits for employee injuries. It specifies employees cannot recover under workers' comp for self-inflicted injuries or injuries caused by their own intoxication, while requiring employers to have reasonable suspicion before testing for intoxication. The bill adds that employees may recover if an injury resulted from an employer's "deliberate intention" to cause harm. It repeals an outdated section (§23-2-6a) related to exemptions for employer officers and managers. This bill directly affects employees and employers in West Virginia's workers' compensation system.

Maddy summaryHB 2807 redirects tax revenue collected from fuel purchased at marinas and boat docks in West Virginia to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Division. The bill amends the state tax code to explicitly state that these fuel tax proceeds must be directed to the DNR Law Enforcement Division, clarifying the current funding pathway. This change directly affects the DNR Law Enforcement Division by providing it with dedicated funding from this specific tax source. The bill does not create new taxes or alter existing tax rates, only specifies where the collected revenue will go.

Maddy summaryHB 2788 allows West Virginia State Police officers to convert unused annual or sick leave into retirement credit or to help cover health insurance costs. Officers would receive two days of retirement credit for every day of accrued leave used, calculated based on 20 workdays per month of service. However, officers who joined the retirement system on or after July 1, 2015, cannot use leave to increase retirement credit (though they may still use it for health insurance). The bill applies specifically to members of the West Virginia State Police Retirement System.

Maddy summaryHB 2533 requires the West Virginia Department of Human Services to conduct drug screening for all adults applying to become foster parents, kinship parents, or caregivers for children in the department's legal custody. The bill mandates testing for substances like cocaine, marijuana, and opiates, with applicants needing to complete approved substance abuse treatment if testing positive. A second positive test results in a 12-month suspension from placement, while a third positive test leads to permanent ineligibility. The department covers initial testing costs, but applicants must pay for any requested second test, and all test results remain confidential except as specified. The law also requires annual reporting on program costs, ineligibility rates, and successful treatment completions.

Maddy summaryHB 2786 exempts the salaries of specific public safety workers from West Virginia's personal income tax. It directly affects law enforcement officers, firefighters, correctional officers, and emergency medical services personnel who meet the definitions in existing state law. The bill adds a new tax provision stating these workers' salaries are not subject to state income tax. This creates a concrete policy change by removing a tax burden on these frontline public safety professionals.

Maddy summaryHB 2791, the "Public Adjuster Professional Standards Reform Act," establishes new licensing requirements and standards for public adjusters in West Virginia. It requires all public adjusters to obtain a state license by meeting age, background, and exam criteria, and mandates financial responsibility through a $5,000 surety bond or $50,000 letter of credit. The bill also creates specific contract rules between adjusters and insured clients, defines insureds' rights, and sets penalties for violations of these standards. This directly affects public adjusters (professionals hired by policyholders to handle insurance claims) and the homeowners or businesses they represent. The law aims to strengthen oversight of this profession through clearer licensing, financial safeguards, and enforceable contract terms.

Maddy summaryHB 2654, the Food Safety Act of 2025, prohibits food manufacturers, sellers, and distributors in West Virginia from offering for human consumption any food product containing potassium bromate or propylparaben, effective January 1, 2027. It directly affects food businesses that produce or sell products with these specific substances. Violators face civil penalties of up to $5,000 for a first offense and $10,000 for each subsequent violation, enforceable by the Attorney General or local prosecutors. The law establishes these penalties as additional to any other legal remedies available under existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 2537 would amend West Virginia law to allow landlords to serve eviction notices by posting them conspicuously on the rental property (e.g., on the front door) with photographic evidence, instead of requiring personal delivery, if a tenant refuses to accept service. This change directly affects landlords seeking evictions and tenants who avoid being served personally. The bill specifies that landlords must attach photos of the posted notice to court filings as proof. It does not alter eviction standards but streamlines the service process for landlords when tenants evade contact. The bill is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2539 would provide a 25% discount on lodging and services at West Virginia State Parks for residents who present a valid West Virginia driver's license or state ID card. The bill directly affects West Virginia residents seeking to use state park facilities, requiring documented residency to qualify for the reduced fees. It amends state code to mandate this discount through the director of state parks, applying only to fees for lodging and services exclusively used by residents. The bill was introduced on February 18, 2025, and referred to the House Finance Committee, but has not yet been enacted into law.

Maddy summaryHB 2569 creates a tax credit against West Virginia's Business and Occupation tax for businesses that recycle. It directly affects businesses subject to this tax by allowing them to reduce their tax liability based on their recycling activities, with credit amounts determined by business type and the specific products recycled. The bill establishes this credit under new Section 11-13-3h of the West Virginia Code, requiring the Tax Commissioner to develop implementing regulations. The credit applies to businesses using recycling programs as defined in §22-15-1 et seq. The bill was introduced on February 18, 2025, and referred to the House Finance Committee.