Del. Chris Toney

Maddy summaryHB 5635 creates a 50% state tax credit for property owners who rehabilitate vacant or dilapidated residential properties in designated "coalfield" counties. The credit applies to eligible rehabilitation costs and requires properties to be used as workforce housing for educators, healthcare workers, first responders, and public employees. Projects supported by county commissions, housing authorities, or municipal redevelopment agencies receive priority. "Coalfield" counties are defined as those with historical or current economic ties to coal mining, including past or present coal-related industry activity. The bill is currently under review by the House Finance Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 5637 adds 50% weighted funding to West Virginia's school aid formula for students with unique learning needs, including students with disabilities and English language learners. This means schools serving these students will receive additional state funding based on counting each such student as 1.5 full-time students in enrollment calculations. The bill requires county school boards to apply to the state superintendent for this supplemental funding, which is distributed based on student proficiency levels and county capacity. It directly affects public schools and students with disabilities or limited English proficiency by increasing their funding allocation.

Maddy summaryHB 5678 amends the Build WV Act to replace a $150 million total project cost cap with a $2 million annual cap on new tax credit liability for projects approved in each fiscal year. It specifically allows smaller rural projects to qualify for credits while clarifying the cap applies only to new project approvals, not existing projects. The bill also establishes a Build WV Credit Reserve Fund (starting at $2 million) to cover refundable tax credits for completed projects, requiring annual adjustments based on demand and usage. These changes directly affect companies seeking Build WV tax credits by altering how credits are calculated and capped, with the reserve fund ensuring payment for approved credits.

Maddy summaryHB 5677 establishes the Coalfield Career Pipeline Program to expand workforce training in West Virginia's coalfield counties. The bill authorizes mobile career and technical education units, paid apprenticeships, certification programs, and employer partnerships focused on priority industries like commercial driving, healthcare, construction, and emerging energy trades. It prioritizes collaborative applications involving schools, workforce boards, and local governments. The program aims to directly support residents in these economically transitioning communities by connecting them to in-demand jobs.

Maddy summaryHB 5634, the Last-Mile Broadband for Coalfield Counties Act, aims to expand high-speed internet access in specific West Virginia counties historically tied to coal mining. It directly affects residents and institutions in "coalfield counties" (defined as areas with historical or current economic ties to coal mining) by prioritizing broadband deployment to schools, emergency services, and unserved communities. The bill requires projects to verify service availability and speed through testing, with preference given to regional efforts involving local governments. It establishes a formal framework for broadband expansion but does not specify funding sources or timelines.

Maddy summaryHB 4871 requires West Virginia public school districts to offer a vegetarian meal option that meets federal nutrition standards for students enrolled in schools. County school boards must make this option available but can require advance requests (with reasonable deadlines) and are not obligated to provide it if a request isn't submitted in time. The bill does not change existing rules for medical or religious dietary accommodations and allows school districts to set their own implementation procedures for requests and menu planning. It directly affects students seeking vegetarian meals and school nutrition programs operating under federal meal reimbursement programs.

Maddy summaryHB 5583, the West Virginia Seal of Civic Literacy Act, creates a formal recognition for high school students who demonstrate exceptional civics knowledge. It directly affects public high school students in West Virginia who complete required civics coursework and achieve specific benchmarks: scoring 90% or higher on the state civics assessment, earning a 4 or 5 on AP U.S. Government/History exams, or earning 90% or higher in dual-credit government/history courses. The seal will be affixed to diplomas or transcripts as an official academic distinction, promoting civic engagement without changing existing graduation requirements. This program aims to motivate deeper understanding of government structures, rights, and responsibilities through tangible recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 5616 modifies how "years of experience" are calculated for teachers and county-employed registered nurses in West Virginia. The bill explicitly adds military service time to the count of experience years if the individual was under a teaching contract at the time of military induction. This change directly affects teachers and nurses whose salary increments under the state minimum pay schedule will now include qualifying military service, aligning with existing provisions for other experience types. The amendment updates the statutory definition in §18A-4-1 of the West Virginia Code without creating new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative House resolution honoring former West Virginia House Speaker and Chief Justice Timothy P. Armstead following his passing. It memorializes his service, names a conference room in the House as the "Speaker Tim Armstead Memorial Conference Room," and extends condolences to his family. The resolution does not create new laws or affect policy - it formally recognizes his legacy and contributions to West Virginia.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6) expresses the West Virginia House of Delegates' support for developing natural gas pipeline infrastructure, specifically an intra-Panhandle pipeline connecting western gas fields to the Eastern Panhandle. It aims to improve access to locally produced natural gas for residents, support industrial and commercial growth, and create jobs across the state. The resolution highlights West Virginia's status as a top natural gas producer and notes that existing pipelines transport most output out of state, while Maryland's opposition to pipeline extensions is cited as a barrier. It does not create new laws or funding but urges responsible infrastructure expansion to boost economic development. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct legal effect but signals legislative backing for pipeline projects.