Del. Joe Ellington

Maddy summaryHB 2164 allows West Virginia public and private K-12 schools to directly hire security personnel without needing separate state approval. The bill updates existing law to remove previous restrictions on school security staffing, streamlining the process for schools to employ officers or guards. This change directly affects all schools seeking to enhance safety measures through on-site security. The law took effect on July 30, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 2576, the NIL Protection Act, protects college student-athletes' rights to earn income from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) without penalty from public universities. It directly affects student-athletes at public institutions in the state by prohibiting colleges from restricting or penalizing them for participating in NIL deals, such as endorsements or social media promotions. The law ensures athletes can monetize their personal brand without losing eligibility or facing disciplinary action from their schools. Effective July 30, 2025, this legislation aligns with broader state efforts to support student-athlete financial opportunities.

Maddy summaryHB 2411 updates high school graduation requirements and revises academic content standards for public schools. It directly affects high school students, school districts, and educators by changing the specific courses and assessments needed for graduation. The bill modifies the existing standards to align with updated educational goals, requiring schools to adjust their curriculum and assessment methods accordingly. This law became effective upon the Governor's approval on April 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2595, the Non Profit Athletics Act, allows West Virginia public universities to partner with nonprofit corporations to manage their intercollegiate athletics programs. The bill requires that all voting directors of these athletic-focused nonprofits must be employees of the university or its affiliate, ensuring university control. It permits universities to transfer property to these nonprofits and exempts their athletic operations from standard state regulatory processes. The law aims to streamline athletic program management while keeping oversight within the university system, directly affecting public higher education institutions and their athletic departments.

Maddy summaryHB 2123 modifies the criminal penalties for parents, guardians, or custodians convicted of child abuse. It changes the sentencing structure for these specific caregivers, adjusting the severity of penalties based on the abuse's nature and impact. The bill directly affects individuals in parental or custodial roles who face criminal charges for child abuse. Signed into law on April 25, 2025, it became Chapter 77 of the 2025 Regular Session Acts.

Maddy summaryHB 2678, now Chapter 100 of the 2025 Regular Session Acts, establishes new regulations for school zones around public and private schools in the state. The bill directly affects school districts, local law enforcement, and drivers operating near school property during designated hours. While the specific provisions (such as speed limits or enforcement protocols) are not detailed in the provided context, the bill creates a statutory framework for defining and managing school zone boundaries. It became law after receiving gubernatorial approval on April 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3209 requires every public and charter school in the state to have at least one school counselor for every 250 students. This law directly affects all public and charter schools by mandating a specific counselor-to-student ratio. The key provision sets a clear standard: schools must maintain a minimum of one counselor per 250 enrolled students, ensuring consistent access to counseling services. The bill became law on July 30, 2025, after approval by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 2897 requires the West Virginia Legislative Auditor to conduct regular performance and financial audits of the West Virginia Department of Education. The bill authorizes the Auditor to examine the Department’s finances, records, and operations while protecting the confidentiality of any protected information. It mandates that the initial audit be completed by December 1, 2025, and reported to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance and the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 3412 would exempt the West Virginia legislative branch from public records disclosure requirements under state law, provided the legislature adopts its own rules governing record access. This bill amends existing public records law to add a new provision (§29B-1-8) stating the law does not apply to the legislative branch once it establishes its own disclosure rules. The bill directly affects the legislature itself, not other government entities or the public. It does not change current disclosure practices but creates a pathway for the legislature to develop its own procedures for handling public records. The exemption is procedural and requires the legislature to act first - no immediate change occurs without adopted rules.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution designates November 7th annually as "Pastor Appreciation Day" in West Virginia. It honors clergy members for their community service, spiritual leadership, and roles in life events like weddings, funerals, and disaster response. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it serves solely as ceremonial recognition. It affects no specific individuals or policies, as it is a non-binding declaration of appreciation.