Rep. Brandon Steele

Maddy summaryHB 2210 establishes a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit in licensed child care zones, directly affecting drivers near licensed child care facilities. The bill defines a child care zone as all licensed child care property, including grounds and adjacent streets or highways within 125 feet, with signage required by the West Virginia Division of Highways. This applies during child care recess or when children are arriving or departing during opening/closing hours. The measure mirrors existing school zone rules but specifically targets licensed child care centers and Head Start programs, aiming to improve safety in these areas.

Maddy summaryHB 2200 provides discounted fees at West Virginia state campgrounds and golf courses for specific groups. Eligible West Virginia residents (with a valid WV driver's license) receive a 25% campground fee reduction from Labor Day to four days before Memorial Day, and 15% for other dates. Employees of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation get 50% off campground fees and 50% off green/cart fees at state golf courses. Seniors aged 62+ with a valid WV driver's license qualify for 50% campground discounts during off-season dates (Labor Day to Memorial Day period) and 25% during peak season. The bill applies only to state-managed facilities.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 2197 would add bladder cancer, mesothelioma, and testicular cancer to the list of conditions for which West Virginia firefighters are presumed to have developed their illness due to job-related exposure. This means firefighters diagnosed with one of these cancers can claim workers' compensation benefits without proving direct work connection, shifting the burden to employers to disprove a job-related cause. The presumption applies only to firefighters covered under state workers' compensation law and would expire on July 1, 2028, unless extended by the legislature. The bill directly affects eligible firefighters seeking compensation for these specific cancers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 2195) amends West Virginia law regarding compensation for **panel attorneys** in public defender services (not Guardians Ad Litem, as the title incorrectly states). It establishes clear procedures for attorneys to submit time and expense records, with vouchers due within 90 business days. Key provisions require Public Defender Services to process approved payments within 45 days, provide detailed rejection reasons within 30 days, and allow attorneys to appeal denials through court review after internal dispute resolution. The bill focuses on streamlining payment processes and dispute resolution for public defender panel attorneys.

Maddy summaryHB 2201 requires West Virginia's Department of Human Services to pay attorney fees directly to lawyers representing adoptive parents in cases stemming from juvenile abuse or neglect proceedings. It establishes a clear process for adopting children who have been declared legally free for adoption following such cases, ensuring adoptive parents receive financial assistance for legal costs. The bill also outlines eligibility for adoption subsidies (including attorney fee coverage) based on a child's special needs, such as disabilities, age, or being part of a sibling group. These provisions aim to streamline adoptions for vulnerable children while requiring the department to provide Medicaid or health insurance for children with special medical needs.

Maddy summaryHB 2212 shortens the time limit for filing medical malpractice lawsuits against nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and certain hospital units (like skilled nursing care areas) from two years to one year after injury, while maintaining a 10-year maximum. It also specifies that abortion-related medical care (including services to induce abortion or change gender attributes) is exempt from these liability rules, meaning lawsuits about such care aren't subject to the shortened time limits. The bill directly affects patients seeking to sue medical providers for negligence, particularly in facilities serving vulnerable populations or providing specific medical services. Key provisions adjust statute of limitations periods and clarify which medical practices fall under the liability framework.

Maddy summaryHB 2204 creates a state registry for individuals convicted of specific felony animal abuse crimes in West Virginia. It requires adults convicted under sections 19-20-12, 61-8-9, 61-8-9a, or 61-8-9b to register with local law enforcement within 11 days of entering the state or moving within it, providing detailed personal information including address, Social Security number, and photo/fingerprints. Registered individuals must renew annually for 15 years, with failure to register or provide false information punishable as a misdemeanor (or felony for repeat offenses). The State Police will maintain a central registry with public access to most information (excluding Social Security numbers), and local agencies must notify nearby residences, schools, and animal shelters about registered individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 2219 would abolish spousal support in West Virginia by removing it from state law. The bill states that spousal support is "hereby abolished," making any existing court orders, prenuptial agreements, or separation agreements requiring spousal payments void and unenforceable. This change would directly affect individuals involved in divorce or separation cases who have such agreements in place. The bill repeals all existing provisions governing spousal support, including its classifications (like temporary or rehabilitative support) and payment mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 2194 would create a new felony crime of "torture" in West Virginia law. It defines torture as intentionally causing cruel or extreme physical or mental pain while a person is in the perpetrator's custody or physical control (e.g., forced restraint without consent). The bill specifies that serious bodily injury (like disfigurement, permanent harm, or life-threatening wounds) or severe mental suffering (profound psychological harm from threats, drugs, or other acts) must occur, but proof of pain itself is not required. A conviction carries a mandatory minimum 15-year prison sentence, and does not prevent separate charges for related offenses. This bill directly affects individuals who inflict such harm under custody, including potential cases involving law enforcement or caregivers.

Maddy summaryHB 2213 would repeal West Virginia Code §61-7-9, which currently prohibits the possession of machine guns and imposes criminal penalties for violations. This bill directly affects individuals who might be subject to this law, removing both the possession ban and its associated criminal penalties. The bill makes a concrete policy change by eliminating this specific legal restriction, with no new provisions or mechanisms added.