Del. Marty Gearheart

Maddy summaryHB 2675 ends the West Virginia Parkways Authority's power to issue new parkway revenue bonds, parkway revenue refunding bonds, or special obligation bonds after July 1, 2025. This bill directly affects the Parkways Authority by terminating its future bond-issuance authority under West Virginia Code §17-16A-10(n). The key provision sets a specific deadline (July 1, 2025) for this termination, with no new bonds permitted after that date. Existing bonds and current projects remain unaffected by this change.

Maddy summaryHB 2663 requires state agencies to surrender unused funds from "special revenue accounts" to the General Revenue Fund after periods of inactivity. Specifically, accounts with no activity (neither receiving nor disbursing funds) for 1-2 years must surrender 50% of the funds, while accounts inactive for over two years must surrender 100%. The bill prohibits agencies from spending from these accounts while awaiting forfeiture. It directly affects state departments managing special revenue accounts (e.g., for specific programs or funds) that have become inactive, ensuring unspent funds are returned to the general budget for broader state use.

Maddy summaryHB 2676 would remove specific restrictions on outdoor advertising signs in West Virginia, directly affecting businesses and property owners who display commercial signage along state roads. The bill eliminates prohibitions on motion/rotation signs (except rapid motion), using words like "stop" or "danger," copying traffic signs, unshielded lighting, flashing lights, signs on natural features, and several size limitations (including the 672-square-foot cap for single-direction signs and restrictions on stacked or side-by-side sign formations). These changes would allow more flexible signage configurations near roads, while maintaining requirements for unobstructed views and traffic safety. The bill amends West Virginia Code §17-22-4, which currently governs outdoor advertising rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires West Virginia's Legislature and Governor to approve any new bonds issued by the Parkways Authority. It applies to all additional bond issuances beyond current authorizations, adding legislative and executive oversight. The bill also mandates that tolls on parkways must be removed six months after bond debt (encumbrances) is fully paid. It does not change the permitted uses of bond funds, which remain limited to parkway projects and highway maintenance.

Maddy summaryHB 2648 establishes minimum occupancy periods for tenants in mobile home parks and similar factory-built home communities in West Virginia. It requires landlords to provide "good cause" (such as unpaid rent or property damage) to terminate a tenancy, with a 12-month minimum for single-section homes and a 5-year minimum for multi-section homes. This directly affects tenants living in mobile homes, manufactured homes, or modular homes within rental communities, preventing sudden evictions without valid reasons. The bill also defines key terms like "good cause" and "factory-built home" to clarify tenant protections.

Maddy summaryHB 2644 creates a separate "State Road Construction Account" within West Virginia's highway budget to fund road projects in 10 specific counties: Raleigh, Fayette, Wyoming, Mercer, Kanawha, Greenbrier, Monroe, Summers, McDowell, and Nicholas. It ensures that funding from this new account does not reduce the counties' existing allocations from the general State Road Fund. The bill explicitly prohibits any modification of a county's regular highway funding due to receiving money from this dedicated account.

Maddy summaryHB 2432 expands which federal law enforcement officers can enforce West Virginia state laws by adding 19 specific federal agency roles to the existing list. It allows officers from agencies like the FBI, DEA, Border Patrol, Coast Guard, and federal prisons to assist state/local agencies under three conditions: when requested in writing (or verbally in emergencies), when a local officer requests help during exigent circumstances, or when witnessing a felony. The bill clarifies these officers have the same legal authority and immunities as state officers but cannot conduct independent investigations beyond preserving immediate evidence. It directly affects state/local law enforcement agencies seeking federal assistance and the 19 federal agencies listed in subsection (b). The bill does not change existing law enforcement procedures but broadens eligibility for federal officers to collaborate with state agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 2114 repeals West Virginia Code §19-1-4b, which previously allowed the Agriculture Commissioner to increase certain agricultural fees through rules or regulations. This bill directly affects the Agriculture Commissioner, who would no longer have the authority to adjust these fees via administrative rules, and the agricultural businesses or individuals paying those fees. The key mechanism is the removal of this statutory provision, requiring any future fee changes to go through the full legislative process instead of administrative rulemaking. The bill does not create new fees or alter existing fee structures, only changing how fee adjustments can be implemented.

Maddy summaryHB 2118 allows off-duty and retired law enforcement officers (LEOs) meeting specific requirements to carry concealed handguns in locations where active-duty officers could carry, including the State Capitol Complex. It requires these officers to comply with their agency's firearms policies and present agency-issued credentials upon request. The bill modifies Capitol access rules to permit concealed carry on Capitol grounds and in the Capitol building (excluding the Governor's office, Supreme Court chambers, and designated gallery areas), while maintaining restrictions on pepper spray and other weapons. This directly affects off-duty LEOs, retired officers with LEOSA certification, and Capitol security protocols. The policy change clarifies exemptions for authorized officers without altering general concealed carry laws.