Del. Eric Brooks

Maddy summaryHB 2571 requires West Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles to provide towing companies with immediate 24/7 access to vehicle owner information. This directly affects towing businesses and vehicle owners, as it eliminates delays in contacting owners of towed or impounded vehicles. The bill mandates the DMV to create or adjust a portal system so tow companies can quickly verify owner details, preventing unnecessary charges that accumulate while seeking this information. The key provision (Section 17A-2A-7(7)) specifically authorizes this access "for use in providing notice to the owners of towed or impounded vehicles." This is a procedural change to DMV services, not a new tax or regulation.

Maddy summaryHB 2645 requires the West Virginia Parkways Authority to hold public hearings in every county along the West Virginia Turnpike before increasing tolls, rents, fees, or charges. The bill mandates at least 14 days' public notice for these hearings, where residents can speak about proposed increases. The Authority must also justify each increase by showing it addresses operational or maintenance needs tied to specific projects and bond obligations. This procedural bill directly affects the Parkways Authority and Turnpike users, ensuring transparency before any fee adjustments.

Maddy summaryHCR 88 is a ceremonial resolution honoring two West Virginia first responders nominated for the Medal of Valor. It specifically recognizes Captain Donald Lawson (New Martinsville Police) for rescuing two people from carbon monoxide poisoning despite his own hospitalization, and Darrell Lambert (Lake Volunteer Firefighter) for entering a burning building without protective gear to save a trapped resident, sustaining burns in the process. The resolution formally confirms the Legislature's approval of their award and directs the House Clerk to send a copy to Governor Morrisey. This is a symbolic honor with no new policy or funding changes, directly affecting only these two nominees. It passed unanimously in both chambers on April 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests that the West Virginia Division of Highways name a specific segment of Route 20 in Webster County (from the Upshur/Webster County line to Mount Zion Road) as the "U.S. Army Sergeant Major Charles Grant Hoke Memorial Road." It commemorates Sergeant Major Charles Grant Hoke, a WWII and Korean War veteran with multiple military awards, who was born in Upshur County and raised in Cleveland, Webster County. The resolution asks the Division of Highways to install signs identifying this road segment and directs the House Clerk to forward the resolution to the agency. This is a commemorative measure with no funding or policy changes, directly affecting the named road segment in Webster County.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends West Virginia law to explicitly include federal correctional facilities within the definition of "correctional facilities" for existing laws against smuggling contraband. It makes it illegal to deliver weapons, drugs, alcohol, escape tools, dangerous materials, or telecommunications devices into federal prisons in West Virginia without authorization, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors (up to $500 fines and 1 year in jail) to felonies (up to 10 years in prison). The law directly affects individuals who attempt to smuggle such items into federal correctional institutions within the state, including visitors, staff, or outsiders. It expands existing state penalties - previously limited to state facilities - to cover federal prisons, without creating new exemptions or altering inmate rights.

Maddy summaryHB 2720 establishes the Southern Coalfield Resiliency and Revitalization Program to support communities in Boone, Logan, McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming counties, which have been significantly impacted by declines in the coal industry. The program creates a Revitalization Council coordinated by the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, including representatives from state agencies, county commissions, and educational institutions, to coordinate existing state resources and technical assistance. It directs the council to develop economic strategies, prioritize support for local industries and natural resources, and report annually - without creating new positions or hiring additional staff. The program is set to operate for five years from its effective date, focusing on revitalizing communities through existing state infrastructure and partnerships.

Maddy summaryHB 3013 requires movie theater chains operating six or more theaters across multiple locations in West Virginia to provide open captioning for at least two weekly showings of films that include open captioning in their production. It also mandates that theaters offer audio description upon request for films that feature audio description. The law excludes drive-in theaters and prohibits requiring new equipment purchases if it would create an undue financial burden on theaters. This bill directly affects larger theater chains and aims to improve accessibility for deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind, and low-vision patrons.

Maddy summaryHCR 78 is a non-binding resolution urging West Virginia's Division of Highways to prioritize completing I-73 (the "King Coal Highway") across Wayne, Mingo, McDowell, Mercer, and Wyoming counties. It requests the highway agency treat the project as a high priority to improve economic development and emergency access, especially after recent flooding exposed transportation challenges in the region. The resolution asks the state to provide necessary funding and executive support to expedite the highway's completion but does not allocate new funds or create new law. It directly affects the Division of Highways and residents of the five specified counties by formally advocating for this infrastructure project.

Maddy summaryHCR 52 is a ceremonial resolution requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways name I-64 Nitro Interchange Bridge (Bridge Number 40-064/00-044.47) in Putnam County as the "Ronnie W. Matthews Memorial Bridge." It commemorates Ronnie W. Matthews, a local businessman, Putnam County Circuit Clerk (2008), U.S. Army veteran, and community leader who passed away in 2018. The resolution directs the agency to install signage identifying the bridge with this name. This is a non-binding memorial gesture with no policy or funding changes, solely honoring an individual's contributions to the Nitro community.

Maddy summaryHB 3387 creates a pilot program allowing West Virginia's State Board of Education to establish regional school districts that combine neighboring county school districts. It directly affects county districts facing shared challenges like funding gaps, rural population issues, and geographic barriers. The bill authorizes regional districts to consolidate schools, make financial decisions, and supersede county boards within their area, starting July 1, 2025. It also permits the State Board to develop rules for a smooth transition during consolidation. The program aims to address operational inefficiencies through regional planning while maintaining the same powers as current county boards.