Del. Roy Cooper

Maddy summaryHB 2399 changes how West Virginia property owners qualify for managed timberland tax treatment. It requires owners to certify their land meets managed timberland standards every five years (instead of annually) and to follow specific forestry practices outlined in the "Best Management Practices for Forestry" publication. This certification allows timberland to be taxed based on its productive use value rather than standard market value, directly affecting private timberland owners seeking lower property tax rates. The bill grants the Division of Forestry rulemaking authority to establish detailed certification requirements and procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 2121 extends an existing property tax exemption to widowed spouses of disabled veterans who died while receiving service-connected disability benefits. Previously, this exemption expired upon the veteran's death, but the bill allows widows to retain the tax break after their spouse's passing. It directly affects surviving spouses of veterans with service-connected disabilities who were receiving benefits at the time of death. The law, effective July 31, 2025, modifies the state's property tax code to maintain this benefit for qualifying widows.

Maddy summaryHB 2397 prohibits immediate family members (such as spouses, parents, or children) from serving in fiduciary roles - like financial or legal representatives - for the same government agency. This directly affects government employees and officials who might have family members working in comparable positions within their department. The law creates a clear restriction preventing family members from holding these trust-based roles simultaneously within one agency. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on April 25, 2025, and became Chapter 139 of the 2025 Regular Session statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 2165 allows disabled Purple Heart recipients to park for free at all municipal metered parking spaces. This law directly affects veterans who received a Purple Heart and have a disability, removing the requirement for them to pay for parking in city-owned metered spots. The key provision amends existing parking regulations to exempt these veterans from meter fees, streamlining access to public parking. The bill became law on April 25, 2025, after approval by the Governor and both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryThis bill simplifies the process for handling small estates in West Virginia that do not include real property (like a house). It allows heirs to transfer assets valued at $50,000 or less using a sworn affidavit instead of requiring court-appointed personal representatives. The affidavit must detail the decedent’s death, assets, heirs, and confirm no pending court proceedings. This directly affects individuals inheriting small estates without real property, removing the need for bonds or court oversight while ensuring creditors are paid.

Maddy summaryHB 2123 modifies the criminal penalties for parents, guardians, or custodians convicted of child abuse. It changes the sentencing structure for these specific caregivers, adjusting the severity of penalties based on the abuse's nature and impact. The bill directly affects individuals in parental or custodial roles who face criminal charges for child abuse. Signed into law on April 25, 2025, it became Chapter 77 of the 2025 Regular Session Acts.

Maddy summaryHB 3209 requires every public and charter school in the state to have at least one school counselor for every 250 students. This law directly affects all public and charter schools by mandating a specific counselor-to-student ratio. The key provision sets a clear standard: schools must maintain a minimum of one counselor per 250 enrolled students, ensuring consistent access to counseling services. The bill became law on July 30, 2025, after approval by the governor.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 86) requests the West Virginia Division of Highways to rename Indian Creek Bridge (WV 122 over Indian Creek in Monroe County) as the "U.S. Army PFC Robert F. Mann Memorial Bridge." It commemorates PFC Robert F. Mann, a West Virginia native who died in combat during WWII (March 10, 1945) while serving in Patton's Third Army. The resolution has passed both legislative chambers and is now complete; it does not create new policy or affect any residents or programs.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution requests the West Virginia Division of Highways to name Summers County's Bradshaw Creek Bridge (located at Latitude 37.54774, Longitude -80.80074, carrying County Route 12 over Bradshaw Creek) the "U.S. Army Air Force Staff Sergeant Jimmie M. Hutchison Memorial Bridge." It commemorates Staff Sergeant Jimmie M. Hutchison's WWII service in the European Theater, his 38-year career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and his community leadership in Forest Hill, West Virginia. The resolution directs the Division of Highways to install signs identifying the bridge with this name.

Maddy summaryHCR 56 is a commemorative resolution requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways name Greenbrier Avenue Bridge (located over Howard Creek in Greenbrier County, with coordinates 37.79351, -80.30456) the "U.S. Army SP4 Thomas William 'Tom Bill' Dudley, Sr. Memorial Bridge." The resolution honors Dudley, a local resident, Army veteran, and community leader who contributed to youth sports and civic service in White Sulphur Springs. The bill directs the Division of Highways to install signage identifying the bridge with this name. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy, but formally recognizes Dudley's legacy.