Del. Chris Toney

Maddy summaryHB 3150 amends West Virginia's medical student loan program to replace scholarship language with loan repayment terms for health science and mental health providers. It clarifies that medical student loans - maxing at $10,000-$20,000 annually for up to four years - will prioritize West Virginia residents, require service in designated shortage areas, and mandate direct payments from the state commission to federal loan servicers. The bill removes licensure requirements for repayment eligibility and updates definitions to align with current health workforce needs, such as specifying "approved service commitment areas" as locations meeting both geographic and specialty shortages. These changes aim to streamline loan administration and better target support for health professionals in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryHB 2514 is a procedural bill that removes outdated references in West Virginia law to two specific one-time reports already submitted to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education. The bill amends sections of the education code (§18-2-7f and §18-2E-10) that previously required reporting on extended learning programs and early literacy support systems. It does not change any program requirements or student eligibility - it only eliminates redundant reporting language for reports that have already been provided. This is a technical cleanup measure with no direct impact on schools, students, or program operations.

Maddy summaryHB 3507 requires counties participating in a 10-county pilot program to ensure every public school has at least one qualified mental health professional (QMHP). A QMHP is defined as a professional registered with the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling, and the bill explicitly classifies school counselors as QMHPs for this purpose. The pilot program, to be administered by the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education and Accountability, will operate for two years in 10 designated counties. This policy change directly affects public school students and staff in those 10 counties by mandating mental health support access in every school. The bill does not apply statewide but is limited to the designated pilot counties.

Maddy summaryHB 3508 modifies West Virginia's school funding formula to provide increased support for public schools in rural counties with low population density. It adjusts how "net enrollment" is calculated for counties where student population density is low (specifically, counties with fewer than 1,400 students), using a formula that accounts for the ratio of students to square miles. This adjustment increases funding for these counties by effectively raising their calculated enrollment, with a specific provision also giving special education enrollment a 1.5 weighting for funding special education aides. The bill directly affects school districts in rural areas, particularly those with sparse populations, by changing the calculation method used to distribute state education funds.

Maddy summaryHCR 40 is a resolution directing West Virginia's Economic Development Authority to identify land near Flatwoods for a tourism and entertainment complex modeled after attractions like Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It requires the Authority to locate suitable sites, secure funding, and recruit private and public developers to build facilities for tourism, entertainment, and amusement. The bill specifically targets the Flatwoods area near Interstate 79 exit 67, citing its central location and access to major regional cities. This resolution aims to replicate economic benefits seen in neighboring states through new tourism infrastructure, directly affecting Flatwoods and surrounding communities.

Maddy summaryHCR 72 designates March 20, 2025 as "Black Lung Awareness Day" in West Virginia. It honors coal miners affected by black lung disease (coal worker's pneumoconiosis), a preventable occupational lung condition caused by coal dust exposure. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or policy changes - it serves as a ceremonial observance recognizing the disease's impact and existing protections like the Black Lung Benefits Act. It follows the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act's emphasis on miner safety without altering current regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the West Virginia House of Delegates' support for the Southern Regional Education Board's (SREB) Crisis Recovery Network, which would provide long-term mental health counseling support to schools after crises like natural disasters or shootings. It recognizes that schools - especially rural ones - often lack sufficient counselors to address ongoing student and staff needs during recovery. The resolution does not create new programs or funding but affirms state participation in the existing SREB network, which coordinates specialized counselors and resources for schools in extreme need.

Maddy summaryHB 2020 prohibits anyone from selling, giving, or furnishing e-cigarettes, vapes, or vape cartridges to individuals under 18 years old. This law directly affects businesses (like vape shops or convenience stores) and employees who sell these products to minors, as well as individuals who give them to minors. Violators face misdemeanor charges with fines starting at $50 for a first offense, increasing to up to $5,000 for repeat violations within specific timeframes. The bill focuses exclusively on e-cigarette products (defined as "vapor products" or "electronic smoking devices") and does not apply to FDA-approved nicotine products. It amends West Virginia law to strengthen penalties for selling these items to minors.

Maddy summaryHB 2143 requires all West Virginia Kindergarten through Grade 5 public school teachers providing literacy instruction to complete approved professional development in the science of reading. Current teachers must finish the training by the 2027-2028 school year, while new teachers must complete it in their first year of employment. The training includes classroom application activities and live sessions over multiple years, approved by the West Virginia Department of Education. Teachers who complete it receive a free endorsement, though public charter schools may opt out of these requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 3099 permits law enforcement officers to issue citations to students in West Virginia public and charter schools who possess nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and tobacco, on school property or at school events. The bill does not change the existing ban on student nicotine possession but adds a new enforcement mechanism by allowing police to handle violations through a citation process instead of relying solely on school disciplinary actions. This requires students cited to face a court process, though the bill does not specify penalties like fines. The bill directly affects students in public and charter schools and law enforcement agencies by expanding their role in enforcing school nicotine policies.