Maddy summaryHB 2058 establishes new protections for military-connected students in West Virginia schools. It defines these students as those with parents/guardians serving in active duty, reserves, National Guard, or who died in service, and requires schools to allow remote enrollment without physical registration for families relocating due to military orders. The bill mandates schools to accept temporary addresses (like base housing) for residency, guarantee equal access to all courses and activities, and provide counseling services when a parent is activated. It also requires schools to coordinate promptly for students with disabilities during transfers and notify teachers about military-connected students (with parent opt-out). These provisions directly affect military families moving within West Virginia and ensure smoother educational transitions.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 2116 changes how surplus funds from voter-approved county levies are handled. If a county collects more money than the specific amount approved by voters for a special levy (like for schools or infrastructure), the extra funds will stay with that county instead of going to the state. The bill amends existing law to require these surplus funds to be placed directly into the county's general fund, where they can be spent like other local budget money. This affects counties that have passed voter-approved excess levies, ensuring they retain unused funds they collected. The change is procedural, focusing on fund retention rather than altering levy amounts or voter requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 2248 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Health to implement a specific rule (64 CSR 112) governing medical cannabis dispensaries. This rule, filed on August 27, 2024, establishes operational standards for dispensaries operating under the state's Medical Cannabis Program. The bill directly affects the Department of Health, which will enforce the rule, and dispensaries that must comply with these new regulations.
Maddy summaryHB 2249 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Health to establish and enforce a "Safe Harbor Letter" rule for the state's Medical Cannabis Program. This rule, which was filed in the State Register on August 29, 2024, provides legal protection for certain activities within the program, such as protecting licensed providers from liability under specific conditions. The bill formalizes the Department's authority to implement this rule under existing law, making it official and enforceable. It directly affects the Department of Health and medical cannabis program participants by ensuring the rule is recognized as part of state regulations.
Maddy summaryHB 2251 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Human Services to create a rule (78 CSR 26) governing a pilot program that would require drug screening for applicants seeking cash assistance benefits, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The rule, previously filed with the State Register on October 22, 2024, is now formally approved by this bill. This pilot program would directly affect individuals applying for state cash assistance programs. The rule will establish specific procedures for conducting drug screenings during the pilot phase, which will be overseen by the Department of Human Services.
Maddy summaryHB 2250 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Health to implement an existing legislative rule (65 CSR 09) related to critical access hospitals. The bill formally approves a rule previously filed in the State Register on December 5, 2023, which the Department had already proposed under existing law. This procedural measure does not change hospital regulations or operations but gives official legislative approval for the Department to promulgate the rule. It directly affects critical access hospitals by allowing the Department of Health to enforce the specific rule regarding their operations.
Maddy summaryHB 2118 allows off-duty and retired law enforcement officers (LEOs) meeting specific requirements to carry concealed handguns in locations where active-duty officers could carry, including the State Capitol Complex. It requires these officers to comply with their agency's firearms policies and present agency-issued credentials upon request. The bill modifies Capitol access rules to permit concealed carry on Capitol grounds and in the Capitol building (excluding the Governor's office, Supreme Court chambers, and designated gallery areas), while maintaining restrictions on pepper spray and other weapons. This directly affects off-duty LEOs, retired officers with LEOSA certification, and Capitol security protocols. The policy change clarifies exemptions for authorized officers without altering general concealed carry laws.
Maddy summaryHB 2312 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy to implement and enforce its existing rule (15 CSR 01) governing pharmacy licensure and practice. This procedural bill formally incorporates the Board's developed rule - previously modified after legislative review - into state code, making it official. It directly affects pharmacists, pharmacies, and pharmacy technicians by establishing standardized requirements for licensure, practice, and continuing education. The rule, filed in 2024 and revised after committee feedback, clarifies how pharmacists must meet state standards. No new policy changes are created; the bill simply validates the Board's previously drafted rule.
Maddy summaryHB 2330 authorizes the State Conservation Committee to use an existing rule (63 CSR 03) for its grant program, which was filed with the State Register on October 30, 2023. This rule establishes specific guidelines for administering the grant program, including application procedures and fund distribution processes. The bill does not change the program's funding levels, eligibility criteria, or operational details but formally incorporates the pre-existing rule into the legal framework. This affects the State Conservation Committee directly and the organizations or individuals applying for or receiving grants under the program.
Maddy summaryHB 2327 authorizes the Board of Sanitarians to implement a specific rule (20 CSR 04) governing public health sanitation practices. The bill formally approves a rule that was previously filed, modified to address legislative committee objections, and refiled in the State Register. This procedural measure does not change existing sanitation requirements but legally validates the Board's adopted rule for public health sanitation practice. The rule directly affects sanitation professionals and public health operations regulated under this framework.