Del. Doug Smith

Maddy summaryHB 3166 requires public school districts to create and annually update detailed safety maps for all school buildings. These maps must show emergency exits, security cameras, communication systems, and other safety features, and be made available to law enforcement upon request. The bill directly affects all public school districts in the state by mandating this standardized safety documentation. It became law on April 29, 2025, after approval by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 2511 allows charitable organizations to sell and serve alcohol during bingo events they host for fundraising. It directly affects nonprofit groups, such as churches or community centers, that operate charitable bingo games. The bill removes previous restrictions by permitting alcohol sales and consumption while bingo is being played, aligning with updated regulations for these events. This change became law after the governor approved it on April 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2120 requires West Virginia's Ethics Commission to develop an online registration and reporting system by July 10, 2025, with specific functionality standards. It increases the number of annual lobbying activity reports required from lobbyists and mandates the Commission to post public resources and disclosure information on its website. The bill also adds new recusal rules for Commission members who contribute to political campaigns, requiring them to step aside from decisions involving those campaigns. These changes directly affect lobbyists, Commission members, and the public by increasing transparency and updating disclosure processes.

Maddy summaryHouse Concurrent Resolution 18 proposes renaming Johnsontown Bridge (located on WV 009 over Tilhance Creek in Berkeley County, West Virginia) to the "Paul J. Hofe Memorial Bridge" to honor Paul J. Hofe, a local resident who served in the U.S. Army, worked for the IRS for 35 years, and operated a well-drilling business for 50 years that provided free wells to families and community organizations. The resolution directs the Division of Highways to update the bridge's official name and install new signage identifying it as the "Paul J. Hofe Memorial Bridge." This is a commemorative resolution with no substantive policy changes beyond the bridge name and signage.

Maddy summaryHB 2634 doubles criminal penalties for specific offenses involving minors in West Virginia. It directly affects perpetrators convicted of sexual assault in the third degree (against minors under 16), sexual abuse by a parent/guardian/custodian or person in a position of trust (including cases where the minor "willingly participated"), and possession of child sexual abuse material by caregivers. Key provisions increase maximum prison terms (e.g., from 5 to 10 years for sexual assault in the third degree, and from 20 to 40 years for abuse by a guardian) and double fines (e.g., from $10,000 to $20,000 for sexual assault). The bill focuses on enhancing punishments for crimes against children, particularly those involving individuals in trusted caregiving roles.

Maddy summaryHCR 100 is a non-binding request to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study hospital pricing transparency and cooperative agreements in West Virginia. The resolution asks the committee to examine current hospital price disclosure requirements, compliance with transparency laws, hospital mergers' impact on pricing, and the role of federal oversight agencies. This study will assess whether current policies foster competition, reduce healthcare costs, and improve patient outcomes. The committee is required to report findings and potential legislative recommendations to the Legislature by 2026.

Maddy summaryHCR 99 is a legislative resolution requesting the Joint Standing Committee on the Judiciary to study policies preventing financial fraud and scams in West Virginia. It directs the committee to examine current state laws, review national approaches, and focus on four key areas: reducing robocalls and spoofing, addressing cryptocurrency-related scams (noting $1.4 million in losses in 2023), improving victim restitution, and protecting against property title fraud. The resolution cites data showing 8,000 West Virginians lost $27 million to fraud in 2024, with national losses exceeding $12.5 billion. The committee must report findings and recommendations to the legislature, governor, and attorney general by December 31, 2025. This is a study resolution, not a law, and does not create immediate policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2645 requires the West Virginia Parkways Authority to hold public hearings in every county along the West Virginia Turnpike before increasing tolls, rents, fees, or charges. The bill mandates at least 14 days' public notice for these hearings, where residents can speak about proposed increases. The Authority must also justify each increase by showing it addresses operational or maintenance needs tied to specific projects and bond obligations. This procedural bill directly affects the Parkways Authority and Turnpike users, ensuring transparency before any fee adjustments.

Maddy summaryHCR 88 is a ceremonial resolution honoring two West Virginia first responders nominated for the Medal of Valor. It specifically recognizes Captain Donald Lawson (New Martinsville Police) for rescuing two people from carbon monoxide poisoning despite his own hospitalization, and Darrell Lambert (Lake Volunteer Firefighter) for entering a burning building without protective gear to save a trapped resident, sustaining burns in the process. The resolution formally confirms the Legislature's approval of their award and directs the House Clerk to send a copy to Governor Morrisey. This is a symbolic honor with no new policy or funding changes, directly affecting only these two nominees. It passed unanimously in both chambers on April 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 37 is a memorial resolution requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways name a specific bridge (I-64 over Broad Hollow Road in Wayne County) the "CPT Ray Leslie Memorial Bridge." It honors Captain Ray Leslie, a WWII combat veteran who received the Combat Infantryman's Badge, France's Légion d'honneur, and served in key battles including Normandy and the Rhine River crossing. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it solely seeks to commemorate his military service through a bridge name.