Rep. Bill Roop

Maddy summaryHB 5101, the Joanna Phillips Domestic Violence Prevention Act, increases penalties for specific domestic violence offenses in West Virginia. It raises the minimum prison sentence for strangulation, suffocation, or asphyxiation of a family or household member (causing injury or loss of consciousness) from one year to two years, and for repeat offenders from one year to three years. For second offenses of domestic battery or assault, the bill sets a minimum jail term of 60 days and increases the maximum fine from $500 to $4,000. The bill also alters bail requirements for domestic violence cases to enhance victim safety protections.

Maddy summaryHB 5182 authorizes security personnel employed by West Virginia's State Treasurer to carry concealed firearms while performing official duties. To qualify, staff must obtain the Treasurer's written approval, hold a valid concealed handgun license, pass firearms training equivalent to police academy standards, and maintain annual requalification. The State Treasurer may reimburse staff for training costs, and the state assumes liability for security personnel acting in good faith during official duties. This bill directly affects the Treasurer's security team and establishes specific safety requirements for firearm use.

Maddy summaryHB 5401 expands absentee voting eligibility in West Virginia to citizens temporarily residing overseas. To qualify, voters must have been residents of West Virginia before leaving, hold a U.S. passport, not have established permanent residency abroad, and intend to return. They must also be registered or eligible to vote in another U.S. jurisdiction. The bill updates both mail-in and electronic absentee ballot rules to include this group, aligning with federal voting protections for overseas citizens.

Maddy summaryHB 5382 extends the expiration date of West Virginia's Neighborhood Investment Program from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2031. This program provides tax credits to taxpayers who contribute to certified neighborhood development projects. Contributions made before July 1, 2031, will still qualify for the credit, but no new credits will be available for contributions after that date. The bill ensures continued support for community investment projects through 2031 while clarifying the program's termination timeline.

Maddy summaryHB 4425 would repeal a West Virginia law (§18-2-25e of the Code) that currently allows student-athletes to maintain athletic eligibility when transferring to a new school. This change would directly affect students transferring between schools in the state, as they would no longer retain immediate eligibility to participate in sports upon moving. The bill targets the specific provision permitting this exception, removing it from state law. If enacted, transfer students would lose eligibility to compete in school athletics right after transferring, ending the current exception.

Maddy summaryHB 4561 clarifies how West Virginia sheriff's offices fill deputy sheriff vacancies and handle chief deputy/jailer positions. It requires vacancies to be filled primarily through promotions from lower grades based on merit and competitive exams, with a two-year service requirement for promotions. The bill also specifies that chief deputies and jailers (appointed under §7-8-2) retain certain benefits and their time in those roles counts toward promotion eligibility, even if removed without cause. Sheriffs may appoint multiple chief deputies with county commission approval. This bill directly affects county sheriff's offices and deputy sheriff staffing.

Maddy summaryHB 4756 requires commercial truck drivers in West Virginia who cannot comprehend English to pay triple the standard compensation for all accident-related damages and medical expenses if they cause an accident. It directly affects non-English-speaking commercial truck drivers and their employing companies. The bill’s key provision replaces standard damages with automatic "treble damages" (triple the usual amount) for qualifying accidents, without requiring separate legal proceedings. This policy change specifically targets language barriers in commercial driving incidents, mandating higher financial accountability for drivers unable to understand English during operations.

Maddy summaryHB 4007 amends West Virginia's Industrial Access Road Fund rules to clarify how state funds can be used for constructing or maintaining access roads to industrial sites. The bill directly affects counties and municipalities seeking funding for roads leading to approved manufacturing, distribution, or processing facilities (including West Virginia Business Ready Sites), while restricting the fund from covering roads to schools, hospitals, shopping centers, or private property. Key changes include raising the annual funding cap to $6 million per fiscal year, setting a $800,000 maximum for unmatched funds per county, and requiring counties to certify site construction or provide surety before funds are allocated. The bill also clarifies that funds cannot be used for utility adjustments or roads on private property, and mandates the Division of Highways must review location requests within 90 days.

Maddy summaryHB 4463 amends West Virginia's sanitarian licensing laws to modernize training requirements and clarify licensing authority. It authorizes the Board of Sanitarians to offer online training as an alternative to in-person sessions, allowing applicants to complete training anytime during the year and finish within six months of hire (excluding on-the-job training). The bill also clarifies that Registered Sanitarians may license applicants who complete approved training and on-the-job experience. Additionally, it requires the Board to establish reciprocity standards for out-of-state licensure by May 1, 2026. These changes directly affect sanitarian applicants, current license holders, and the Board's regulatory processes.

Maddy summaryHB 4088 updates West Virginia's regulations for certified public accountants (CPAs), affecting current and future licensees, accounting firms, and out-of-state applicants seeking to practice in the state. The bill revises education, examination, and experience requirements for CPA certification, clarifies licensing processes for out-of-state applicants, and updates rules for "substantial equivalency" practice privileges. It also modifies the Board of Accountancy's rule-making authority, establishes new conditions for issuing and renewing authorizations to perform accounting services, and updates prohibited actions and disciplinary measures for licensees and firms.