Del. Joe Ellington

Maddy summaryHB 5012 amends West Virginia law to allow school superintendents, with board approval, to reassign school personnel (like teachers and support staff) during the school year to address unexpected enrollment changes. It directly affects teachers and staff who might be moved between schools or grade levels when actual student numbers differ from projected numbers after May 1. Key provisions require superintendents to notify affected employees in writing by April 1, provide a hearing opportunity before May 1, and prioritize less senior staff for reassignment. The bill specifically permits these adjustments to meet pupil-teacher ratios or class size standards during the school year, but prohibits reassignments after the second school month.

Maddy summaryHB 5074 changes how revenue from West Virginia's medical cannabis program is allocated. For fiscal year 2026, it directs $3 million to the Supreme Court for a child protection pilot, $10 million each to West Virginia University and Marshall University for ibogaine research, and $5 million to homelessness services, with remaining funds reverting to general revenue. Starting July 1, 2026, annual allocations will be: 15% to the Medical Cannabis Bureau for administration, 15% to the Department of Agriculture for cannabis testing, and 45% split among the Fight Substance Abuse Fund (20%), university research (10% each to Marshall and WVU), a Child Protection Commission (10%), and law enforcement training programs (40%). These changes apply to ongoing revenue from medical cannabis taxes, not new taxes or fees.

Maddy summaryHB 4002 establishes the West Virginia Collaboratory at Marshall University to connect state university research with practical needs of government and citizens. It directs the Collaboratory to focus on workforce development, education, economic growth, and environmental research, requiring state and local agencies to provide free access to infrastructure, personnel, and data for its projects. The bill sets specific funding rules, prohibiting university overhead fees on allocated funds and ensuring funds remain available until spent. An advisory group of legislators, university leaders, and public experts will guide research priorities and review reports, all while exempting advisory meetings from public record requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5510 removes a requirement that private wedding venues in West Virginia must own or lease at least two acres of land in a rural area to operate. This change directly affects private wedding venues, particularly those in rural locations that previously faced this land-use barrier. The bill amends West Virginia Code §60-7-2 (relating to private club licenses) to eliminate the two-acre minimum, simplifying licensing for these venues. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2026, after passing through legislative committees.

Maddy summaryHB 5537 repeals four outdated sections of West Virginia's Education Code: §18-2E-5 and §18-2E-12 (related to education performance audits and digital literacy projects), §18-2I-1 (professional development for educators), and §18-8-6 (High School Graduation Improvement Act). The bill directly affects the state's education code by removing obsolete provisions that no longer apply. This is a procedural update to streamline the code, with no new policies or funding changes. The bill passed the House on March 3, 2026, and is now in the Senate for review.

Maddy summaryHB 5453 modifies West Virginia's school funding formula, shifting to a block grant of $6,100 per student for county school districts starting in 2029-2030 (with a minimum 1,200-student threshold per county), while public charter schools receive $8,600 per student. It creates a "Supplemental School Aid Fund" to provide additional per-pupil funding for Tier II ($3,050) and Tier III special needs students beginning in 2029-2030. School districts may also request supplemental funding for specific needs like transportation, vocational centers, or pilot programs through this fund. The bill requires annual oversight reports by the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability and defines "maladministration" as financial mismanagement that could trigger funding restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 4573 requires West Virginia high schools to provide foster youth (current or former foster care) with information about post-secondary education, job training, housing, healthcare, and independent-living support before graduation. The bill mandates school counselors and graduation coaches receive training on these resources and directs the state Department of Education to create and maintain a Foster Youth Resource Guide. County school districts must ensure eligible students receive this pre-graduation information. The law aims to improve transition planning for foster youth entering adulthood, without requiring disclosure of a student’s foster care status.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the severance tax rate on metallurgical coal produced in West Virginia, affecting coal mining companies that extract this type of coal. The new rates will take effect in stages starting July 1, 2026, lowering the tax from 5% to 4.5% for the first year, then to 4% the following year, and finally to 3.5% beginning July 1, 2028. Metallurgical coal is defined as coal used for making steel and other metals, distinct from thermal coal used for electricity generation. The tax reduction applies to the gross value of coal produced and includes additional local taxes that are normally part of the total severance tax.

Maddy summaryHB 4656 modifies West Virginia's school attendance laws by ending the compulsory attendance requirement at age 18 (previously 17), meaning 18-year-olds no longer face penalties for chronic absenteeism. It replaces "truancy" with "chronic absenteeism," removes criminal penalties for 18-year-olds, and requires schools to notify them directly about unexcused absences - same as parents. The bill establishes new referral pathways to human services for wrap-around support, shifts handling of chronic absenteeism to juvenile welfare (not criminal) proceedings, and defines key terms like "student support specialist." It directly affects students aged 17-18, school staff, and county human services departments.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 13) honoring the late Senator Tony Eugene Whitlow, a longtime West Virginia legislator who served in the House (1970-1982) and Senate (1984-1992), including as Senate President pro Tempore. The resolution commemorates his life, military service, public career, family, and community contributions, directing the Clerk to send a copy to his surviving family members. It has no policy provisions or direct impact on constituents.