Del. Bill Roop

Maddy summaryHB 5679 modifies West Virginia's school board operations by limiting assistant superintendent positions to one per 200 teachers (or fraction) and requiring professional educators in these roles (with teaching certificates) to substitute teach at least three days each school year. It clarifies that employment for these positions is at the county board's discretion and authorizes incentives for counties to share treasurers. The bill directly affects county school boards and educational staff, including assistant superintendents and directors of instruction, without changing attendance policies or other unrelated provisions.

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 5572 creates new regulations for vape and smoke shops in West Virginia, requiring them to obtain county health department permits and comply with specific operating rules. The bill sets location restrictions (e.g., distance from schools), mandates advertising that does not appeal to minors, establishes inspection standards, and imposes fines for violations. It directly affects businesses selling alternative nicotine products like e-cigarettes, requiring them to apply for permits and follow updated safety and property standards. The law also defines key terms such as "alternative nicotine product" and "permit" to clarify compliance requirements.

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 summaryHB 5365 regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that provide prescription drug coverage services to West Virginia's Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). The bill amends state code to create a special investigating unit within PEIA and grants the Insurance Commissioner authority to investigate PBM practices. It defines key terms related to PEIA operations and establishes oversight mechanisms for PBMs handling state employee health benefits. This bill directly affects PEIA and its contracted PBM providers, focusing on increasing transparency and accountability in prescription drug benefit management. The legislation is currently in committee review (House Banking and Insurance) after introduction on February 9, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5436 amends West Virginia law to classify police canines as "law enforcement officers" when actively working with human officers, directly affecting police departments and canine units. The bill specifies that officers defending a canine during duty may use the same level of force as they would to protect a human officer. It clarifies that canines are not state employees and do not receive personnel protections, but their protection during service is treated as equivalent to protecting a human officer. This is a definitional change, not a new penalty, with no specific sentencing details provided in the text.

Maddy summaryHB 4558 requires West Virginia's Division of Motor Vehicles to create a system allowing towing companies (regulated by the Public Service Commission) to instantly access vehicle owner information when a vehicle is towed or impounded. This directly affects towing companies, who can now quickly verify ownership to prevent accumulating fees, and vehicle owners, who avoid unnecessary charges. The bill mandates the state motor vehicle agency implement this system by July 1, 2026, ensuring towing companies can access owner details "at all times" without delay. It amends existing law to explicitly permit this access under the "Permitted disclosures" section for towing-related purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 4932 amends West Virginia law to allow accounting corporations to use "A.C." as a name ending instead of writing out "accounting corporation." This directly affects accounting corporations formed under West Virginia law, permitting them to use the abbreviation "A.C." in their official names. The bill specifically adds "A.C." to the list of acceptable name endings, replacing the current requirement to include the full phrase. This is a technical naming change with no impact on business operations or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 5393 amends West Virginia's bankruptcy law to allow surviving spouses to claim their deceased spouse's homestead exemption if they continue living in the home they owned together. The bill specifically adds that a surviving spouse may claim the deceased spouse's $35,000 homestead exemption (the current limit for primary residences) as long as the home remains owned by the surviving spouse. This change directly affects married couples where one spouse dies while owning a home, ensuring the surviving spouse retains protection for their primary residence in bankruptcy proceedings. The provision does not alter existing exemption amounts or create new categories beyond the surviving spouse scenario.