Rep. Doug Smith

Maddy summaryHB 5212 revises West Virginia's higher education financial aid programs to improve access and align with workforce development goals. It allows part-time enrollment for the higher education grant, combines the adult part-time grant into a new workforce-focused program, and updates medical/health sciences loan repayment programs to require direct payments to federal loan providers. The bill also adjusts eligibility for the PROMISE scholarship and WV Invests grant programs. These changes aim to better connect financial aid with employer needs as outlined in the bill's legislative findings.

Maddy summaryHB 4245 authorizes the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner to implement an existing legislative rule (114 CSR 25) related to insurance adjusters. This procedural bill formally approves a rule filed on April 16, 2025, which the Commissioner had authority to promulgate under §33-12B-12 of the West Virginia Code. The rule directly affects insurance adjusters by establishing regulatory standards for their practice. The bill does not create new policy but confirms the Commissioner’s authority to enforce the existing rule.

Maddy summaryHB 4784 extends West Virginia's Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZ) tax incentive program until July 1, 2032. This bill modifies the tax code to allow new businesses in designated opportunity zones to continue receiving a tax reduction on income derived from their operations. Specifically, it permits corporate taxpayers to subtract from federal taxable income an amount equal to net income earned by a qualified opportunity zone business (QOZB) located in West Virginia, provided the business was newly registered between January 1, 2019, and July 1, 2032. The tax benefit applies for a 10-year period starting from the business's first qualifying year, and existing businesses that registered before July 1, 2032, retain their full entitlement.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates West Virginia laws to recognize military protective orders as valid evidence of domestic violence when seeking emergency protective orders from family courts. It defines a military protective order as one issued by a commanding officer in the U.S. Armed Forces, West Virginia National Guard, or another state's National Guard against someone under their command. The legislation requires law enforcement to notify relevant agencies of potential violations of these military orders and allows them to be used in petitions for temporary personal safety orders. These changes aim to improve how courts handle cases involving service members and their families by streamlining the process for obtaining protection orders.

Maddy summaryHB 4364 establishes a formal process for West Virginia to share juvenile jurisdiction with federal courts over military installations in the state. It allows military installations to request concurrent jurisdiction for juveniles (under 18) who commit state law offenses like delinquency or status offenses (e.g., truancy or underage drinking) on federal military land. The bill requires military officials to submit a written request with specific boundaries to the Governor, who must accept it in writing and record the agreement with the Secretary of State. Once recorded, West Virginia courts gain shared authority with federal courts to handle these cases when federal courts waive exclusive jurisdiction. This applies to all military land in West Virginia, including National Guard facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 4215 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Health, Office of Inspector General, and Department of Health Facilities to promulgate specific existing regulatory rules. It directly affects water well drillers, nursing homes, clinical laboratories, local health boards, and other health service providers by enabling these agencies to enforce 18 distinct rule sets - such as water well construction standards, lead abatement licensing, emergency medical services, and patient rights at mental health facilities. The bill streamlines the rulemaking process by authorizing these rules as filed, modified, or amended by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee, without creating new policies. It does not change substantive regulations but formalizes the agencies' authority to administer current rules.

Maddy summaryHB 4265 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to implement a specific rule (61 CSR 01B) governing dog registration forms and tags for registration, taxation, and control. This rule standardizes requirements for dog owners to register their pets and pay associated fees through designated forms and tags. The bill directly affects dog owners across West Virginia who must comply with these registration procedures. It formally approves an existing rule that was developed and modified to address legislative feedback, without creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4983 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Commerce to implement a legislative rule for certifying microgrid districts and high impact data centers. The rule, which was drafted and modified after review by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee, establishes a formal process for businesses and communities to seek these certifications. This rule directly affects developers of microgrids (localized energy systems) and data centers meeting high impact criteria by setting clear certification standards. The bill does not alter the rule's content but officially authorizes its use as a regulatory tool.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the U.S. Congress to authorize the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for U.S. military personnel who served in Honduras between 1981 and 1992. It is based on the claim that American troops faced hostile conditions during this period, including combat training and exposure to gunfire, resulting in at least 46 deaths. The resolution urges federal lawmakers to recognize these veterans with a medal similar to those awarded for service in other hostile environments. If adopted, the bill would require action by the U.S. Congress to change existing military award policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks a state committee to study whether West Virginia should create a flexible respite care program for seniors and their caregivers. The proposed program would allow families to schedule short-term, on-demand assistance for specific needs like medical appointments or personal obligations, rather than being limited to fixed weekly service blocks. The study will examine costs, potential savings from delaying nursing home placement, and how to fund and manage the program, especially in rural areas with fewer resources. If the committee finds the idea feasible, it will recommend new legislation to establish the program.