Del. Joe Ellington

Maddy summaryHB 2855 defines "first-generation status" for college admissions in West Virginia as applying to applicants whose custodial parents have not completed a U.S. bachelor's degree. This definition directly affects college applicants seeking admission, particularly those from families without a bachelor's degree in the immediate or extended family. The bill establishes four demographic levels to categorize applicants (e.g., parents who attended but didn't complete college, or no family college attendance) to align with federal standards. Its key purpose is to standardize how colleges collect this data to qualify students for federal benefits like scholarships and support services.

Maddy summaryHB 2187 would allow K-12 teachers in West Virginia who hold valid concealed handgun permits to carry concealed firearms on school grounds when designated as "school protection officers" by their school. The bill amends state law to create this exception, explicitly permitting teachers (but not all staff) to carry concealed weapons as part of their role, provided they meet standard concealed carry requirements. This changes existing rules that generally prohibit firearms on school premises, except for specific exemptions like law enforcement. The bill is currently under review by the House Judiciary Committee after initial referral to Education.

Maddy summaryHB 2614 allows full-time county school board employees in West Virginia to receive a lump sum payment for unused personal leave if they die before retirement. The payment, calculated at their final rate of pay (excluding weekends/holidays), goes directly to their estate's personal representative one month after a request. It excludes weekends and holidays, does not deduct retirement contributions, and cannot be used to calculate final retirement salary. This bill specifically applies to county school employees and provides a financial benefit to their estates upon death.

Maddy summaryHB 2166 establishes a Behavioral Health Workforce Education Initiative at West Virginia's Higher Education Policy Commission to address shortages in critical mental health and behavioral health fields. It creates a dedicated revolving fund to provide financial support (minimum $10,000 for most fields, $20,000 for medical/dental students) to West Virginia residents enrolled in qualifying programs like nurse practitioner, clinical psychology, or social work degrees. Recipients must agree to work in underserved areas of the state for two years after graduation or repay the support, with license renewal in West Virginia contingent on full repayment. The bill also sets eligibility criteria, repayment terms, and administrative procedures for the initiative.

Maddy summaryHB 2746 regulates vape shops in West Virginia by prohibiting retailers from selling electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes, vapes, etc.) outside original packaging, to anyone under 21, to visibly impaired individuals, or during unauthorized hours. It also bans allowing consumption on premises, altering product information, or permitting minors under 18 to sell devices (with limited exceptions for 16-17 year olds under strict supervision). Violations are misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $5,000 or up to one year in jail. The bill requires vape shops to follow state safety standards set by the Health and Agriculture Departments and coordinate with them for approved product sales. It directly affects vape shop owners and employees operating under retail licenses.

Maddy summaryHB 3124 would increase West Virginia's homestead property tax exemption from $20,000 to $40,000 of a home's assessed value for qualifying homeowners. It directly affects residents aged 65 or older, or those certified as permanently and totally disabled, who own and occupy their homes as primary residences. The bill changes the exemption amount in Section 11-6B-3 of the state code, applying to the first $40,000 of assessed value (instead of $20,000) for eligible homeowners meeting residency requirements. The change would reduce property tax bills for qualifying homeowners but does not alter the existing eligibility criteria or residency rules. The bill was introduced on March 4, 2025, and referred to the House Finance Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2515 requires West Virginia K-6 teachers to document and report student behavior that is violent, threatening, intimidating, or creates an unsafe learning environment. Teachers must file a report in the WVEIS system within 24 hours of excluding a student, and students excluded three times in a month may face in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, or alternative learning center placement. The bill clarifies it does not conflict with federal disability laws (IDEA and Section 504) and prohibits suspending students solely for absenteeism. It also mandates the State Board adopt a statewide disciplinary policy for grades 6-12. This directly affects elementary school teachers, students with disruptive behavior, and school administrators managing discipline.

Maddy summaryHB 2690, the Dental Insurance Transparency Act, requires dental insurance carriers in West Virginia to publicly report how much of collected premiums are spent on actual patient care versus administrative costs. Carriers must file annual reports with the Insurance Commissioner detailing medical loss ratios (MLRs), similar to federal standards, including enrollment data, cost-sharing details, and coverage limits. If a carrier spends less than 80% of premium funds on patient care (the MLR threshold), they must issue rebates to policyholders as reduced premiums. The law also mandates transparency around payment methods, requiring carriers to notify providers of fees for electronic payments and offer fee-free alternatives. These reports will be summarized and made publicly available yearly by the commissioner.

Maddy summaryHB 2968 ends West Virginia's Public Employees Insurance Association (PEIA) as a state-run healthcare plan and allows it to operate as a private insurance company. Instead of employer payments going to PEIA, the bill requires employers to pay $1,100 monthly directly into employees' Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for healthcare premiums or related costs. Employees can choose to use these HSA funds for any healthcare provider or continue using PEIA as a private insurer. The change takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2521 provides a one-time cost-of-living supplement to West Virginia state retirees with annual retirement benefits under $75,000. To qualify, retirees must be at least 65 years old and have been retired for five or more consecutive years as of July 1, 2026. The supplement equals 10% of their annual benefit amount below $75,000, paid as a single lump sum. This policy change specifically affects lower-income retirees under the state retirement system who meet the age and tenure requirements, effective July 2026. The bill does not create ongoing annual increases but offers a one-time adjustment to retirement benefits.