Rep. Doug Smith

Maddy summaryHB 4399 clarifies the definition of a "disabled veteran taxpayer" in West Virginia law to ensure consistency for property tax benefits. The bill specifically adds that a disabled veteran must have a 90% or greater service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or qualify for individual unemployability under VA disability ratings. This change directly affects disabled veterans who seek the property tax credit authorized under §11-13MM-4 of the code, as it defines eligibility more precisely. The bill does not alter tax rates or create new benefits, but ensures the existing credit applies only to veterans meeting the clarified VA disability standard.

Maddy summaryHB 4261 authorizes West Virginia's Tax Department to create a specific rule (110 CSR 36) governing preneed cemetery companies. This rule will establish requirements for how these companies handle funds paid in advance for cemetery services. The bill directly affects preneed cemetery companies operating in West Virginia by requiring them to comply with the new rule once finalized.

Maddy summaryHB 4370 would allow individuals with a valid West Virginia concealed handgun permit to carry concealed firearms on the State Capitol grounds and inside the Capitol building. Permit holders must show their permit and firearm upon request when entering the building. However, concealed carry would be prohibited in the Governor's office and the Supreme Court chambers (including the third and fourth floors of the East wing). The Senate and House of Delegates would also have the authority to create their own rules for firearm carrying in their respective chamber galleries and floors.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a property tax exemption for homeowners in West Virginia whose household income meets federal poverty guidelines. It directly affects low-income homeowners who occupy their property as their primary residence and pay school excess levies (the portion of property taxes funding schools beyond regular levies). To qualify, applicants must file an annual application between July 1 and December 1 with proof of income, residency, and property ownership, and meet residency requirements (two years in WV or specific return-from-out-of-state rules). The exemption applies only to school excess levy taxes - not regular property taxes - and must be renewed yearly.

Maddy summaryHB 4374 allows off-duty and retired law enforcement officers (LEOs) to carry concealed handguns in the West Virginia State Capitol Complex, including the Capitol building and grounds, under specific conditions. It directly affects current and retired LEOs who meet agency requirements and out-of-state officers covered by the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA). Key provisions require officers to show agency-issued credentials when requested, prohibit carrying in the Governor’s office, Supreme Court chambers, and certain other areas, and specify that officers must comply with their agency’s firearm policies. The bill does not override federal restrictions or apply to officers denied concealed carry permits.

Maddy summaryHB 4365 modifies West Virginia's accessory-to-crime laws. It removes the legal protection previously granted to domestic partners of felony offenders, meaning they can now be charged as accessories after the fact (unlike spouses or family members). The bill also eliminates the prior restriction preventing servants from being considered accessories. Additionally, it specifies that close relatives (siblings, parents, children, or grandparents) who act as accessories to a felony commit a misdemeanor, not a felony, and clarifies that accessories to misdemeanors face misdemeanor penalties. These changes directly affect domestic partners, servants, and close family members who assist felony or misdemeanor offenders.

Maddy summaryHB 4369 exempts specific hygiene and infant products from West Virginia's sales tax. It directly affects consumers who purchase these items by removing the tax burden. The bill defines three exempt categories: disposable diapers (for infants/toddlers or incontinence), feminine hygiene products (like tampons and pads), and infant products (including baby bottles, formula, and car seats). These exemptions apply to sales under West Virginia's consumer sales tax code. The bill aims to reduce costs for households buying essential items, without altering tax rates for other goods.

Maddy summaryHB 4372 allows K-12 teachers, administrators, and support staff in West Virginia to carry concealed firearms if certified as School Protection Officers (SPOs). To qualify, applicants must complete state-developed training (including firearms instruction) through the Department of Homeland Security, meet specific qualifications, and receive county superintendent approval. The bill creates a new SPO designation with mandatory certification requirements, replacing the general prohibition on weapons in schools for these designated staff. This policy change directly affects school employees who pursue SPO certification, altering existing restrictions under §61-7-11a of the West Virginia Code.

Maddy summaryHB 4368 defines "military-connected students" as children of active-duty, reserve, or deceased military members and establishes new enrollment and support rules for them in West Virginia schools. The bill allows remote school enrollment without physical registration using military orders (with options for temporary or permanent addresses), ensures equitable access to academic courses and extracurricular activities, and requires schools to provide counseling and support services when a parent is activated for duty. It also mandates prompt coordination for students with disabilities during transfers and permits military-connected students to remain at their school until completing the highest grade level offered there. These provisions directly affect military-connected students, their families, and local education agencies across West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 4367 allows counties that receive voter approval for a special excess levy to retain any surplus funds collected above the specific amount approved by voters. These surplus funds would remain with the county and be added to its general fund, rather than being redirected elsewhere. The bill amends West Virginia Code §11-8-16 to clarify that counties must retain such surplus money, which must be accounted for in the county's general fund and used like other general fund revenues. This directly affects counties that have approved special excess levies through voter elections. The change ensures counties can use unspent levy funds for general county purposes without needing additional voter approval.