Del. David Green

Maddy summaryThis bill increases West Virginia's homestead property tax exemption from $20,000 to $40,000 for primary residences owned by residents who are 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled. To qualify, homeowners must have lived in West Virginia for two consecutive years before the tax year (with exceptions for returning military members or those reestablishing residency within five years). The exemption applies to the first $40,000 of a home's assessed value and becomes effective July 1 for the following tax year, though it terminates if the property is sold or transferred. Only one exemption is permitted per homestead, regardless of how many qualifying owners reside there.

Maddy summaryHB 4560 redirects the gas tax collected from fuel sold at marinas and boat docks in West Virginia to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Division. The bill amends state law to require that these specific tax proceeds - currently part of the motor fuel excise tax - must now be allocated solely to the DNR Law Enforcement Division. This change does not create a new tax but shifts existing revenue from its current allocation to fund natural resource enforcement activities. The primary effect is providing the DNR Law Enforcement Division with a dedicated funding source from marina and boat dock fuel sales.

Maddy summaryHB 4590 (West Virginia House Bill 4590) would amend state law to allow private property owners who win their case in an eminent domain proceeding to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the government entity (the "applicant" seeking to take the property). Currently, the government pays trial court costs, but this bill specifically adds that a private property owner who "substantially prevails" in either trial or appellate court could be awarded these fees. The bill directly affects private landowners facing government takings who successfully challenge the action in court. It changes the cost-shifting mechanism to make it easier for property owners to cover legal expenses when they win their case against the government.

Maddy summaryHB 4553 creates a tuition reimbursement program for West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation employees. It provides 20% annual tuition coverage at state colleges for undergraduate studies, increasing to 100% after five years of continued employment. To qualify, employees must prove employment, apply for other financial aid (like Pell Grants) first, and maintain academic progress. The reimbursement only covers tuition after other aid sources are exhausted, and the state may set additional limits.

Maddy summaryHB 4551, the West Virginia Safe Trucking Act 2026, requires non-domiciled commercial drivers (those not residents of West Virginia) operating commercial vehicles in the state to present a valid work visa and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or passport) starting July 1, 2026. This applies specifically to drivers holding non-domiciled commercial driver licenses or learner permits, as defined by federal regulations. Violations carry fines up to $2,500 for drivers per offense and up to $3,000 per violation for commercial carriers employing non-compliant drivers. The bill amends existing licensing standards to add these requirements and penalties, focusing on verifying legal work authorization for commercial truck drivers.

Maddy summaryHB 4582 increases the annual commission paid to West Virginia county sheriffs for collecting property taxes. Starting July 1, 2026, sheriffs will earn a $30,000 commission after collecting 85% of all real and personal property taxes in their county, replacing the previous $15,000 amount. The commission is paid directly from the tax funds collected, becoming part of the sheriff's regular budgeted compensation. This bill directly affects county sheriffs who serve as treasurers in their jurisdictions. It modifies existing law to adjust compensation for their ongoing tax collection duties without creating new tax obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 4594 creates a new Department of Workforce Services to consolidate workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, adult education, and public assistance programs currently managed under the Department of Health and Human Resources. It transfers the Bureau for Family Assistance and Division of Rehabilitation Services into this new department and aligns work requirements for SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid programs with federal law. The bill mandates an orderly transition of all records, personnel, and property by July 1, 2027, and terminates the Department of Health and Human Resources by devolving its functions into three new departments. This reorganization directly affects state agencies, program participants, and staff involved in workforce and human services.

Maddy summaryHB 4554 would establish a voluntary registry for individuals with certain disabilities - such as autism, Alzheimer’s, or Down syndrome - to help law enforcement better interact with them during encounters. People with disabilities, or their parents/guardians for minors or incapacitated adults, could enroll by providing medical certification (e.g., from a doctor or psychologist) or legal documentation (e.g., court orders or guardianship papers). The registry, maintained by local law enforcement, would include personal details and disability information but remain confidential and exempt from public disclosure. Individuals could request removal from the registry at any time, with law enforcement required to comply within five business days.

Maddy summaryHB 4519 requires full cash bail for individuals rearrested for violent or gun-related crimes while already out on bail for a previous violent or gun-related offense. It also mandates that if convicted of these subsequent crimes, sentences must run consecutively (one after another) rather than concurrently. This bill directly affects defendants charged with violent or gun-related offenses who are already on bail for similar crimes when re-arrested. The key provisions replace standard bail procedures with mandatory cash bail requirements for these specific re-arrests and alter sentencing structure for repeat offenses. The bill does not change general bail rules but targets repeat offenders in these categories.

Maddy summaryHB 4502 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Motor Vehicles to issue a special license plate for autism awareness upon request. Vehicle owners who apply for this plate must pay a one-time $10 application fee and an annual $15 fee, in addition to standard registration costs. The fees collected ($10 initial + $15 yearly) are deposited into the State Road Fund. This voluntary plate option allows drivers to display autism awareness support without changing existing registration requirements.