Del. Eric Brooks

Maddy summaryHB 2406 requires all West Virginia state offices, departments, boards, and commissions to replace specific terms in government communications with gender-specific alternatives. It mandates replacing phrases like "pregnant people" with "pregnant women" and "chestfeeding" with "breastfeeding" in official documents, websites, literature, and in-person interactions. The bill targets language it deems "exclusionary" or "sexist," listing nine specific term replacements to be implemented by June 1, 2025. This directly affects all state government entities responsible for public communications.

Maddy summaryHB 2538 exempts retirement benefits received by retired West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Police Officers from the state's personal income tax. The bill amends the state tax code to specifically exclude these pension payments from taxation, applying only to officers who served in the DNR Law Enforcement Division. This change directly affects retired DNR officers who currently pay state income tax on their pension benefits. The policy provides a tax exemption for this specific group under existing retirement laws, without altering other tax provisions or creating new state spending.

Maddy summaryHB 2531 increases West Virginia's homestead property tax exemption from $20,000 to $40,000 for qualifying homeowners. It directly affects residents aged 65 or older or certified as permanently and totally disabled who have lived in West Virginia for two consecutive years. The bill allows these homeowners to exclude the first $40,000 of their property's assessed value from local property taxes, provided they occupy the home exclusively as their primary residence. The exemption applies starting July 1st and requires proof of residency, such as a state voter registration or vehicle registration.

Maddy summaryHB 2534 creates a voluntary registry for people with specific disabilities (like autism, Alzheimer’s, or Down syndrome) to help law enforcement better interact with them during encounters. Adults can self-enroll with medical documentation, while parents or legal guardians can enroll minors or incapacitated adults using proof of disability or guardianship. Registry information - including names, contact details, and disability type - is kept confidential and exempt from public records, but may be shared with law enforcement, emergency management, or fire departments for official duties. Individuals can request removal from the registry within five business days.

Maddy summaryHB 2570 authorizes National Park Service (NPS) officers working in West Virginia's national parks (such as Harpers Ferry and New River Gorge) to enforce state laws (excluding traffic and parking rules) when requested by local or state law enforcement or during emergencies involving immediate threats to life or safety. The bill specifically grants NPS rangers the same enforcement authority as state officers under three conditions: written requests from law enforcement, verbal requests during exigent circumstances, or when a felony occurs in their presence. It clarifies that NPS officers cannot conduct independent investigations but may preserve evidence after a felony and remain subject to federal and state legal standards, including the Federal Tort Claims Act. This change aligns NPS authority with state law enforcement protocols within national parks in West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 2529 prohibits state-funded organizations from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition for employment or participation in their programs. Covered entities - including state agencies, schools, local governments, and businesses receiving state funds - must provide exemptions for medical reasons (verified by a physician) or religious beliefs (via notarized statement), and cannot discriminate against employees using these exemptions. The law explicitly excludes Medicare/Medicaid facilities due to conflicting federal regulations. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2407 would exempt overtime pay from West Virginia's personal income tax for full-time hourly employees. Specifically, it modifies the tax code to exclude income earned for work exceeding 40 hours per week from taxable gross income. This directly affects hourly workers who receive overtime compensation, reducing their state tax burden on that additional earnings. The bill amends West Virginia Code §11-21-12 to exclude overtime income from adjusted gross income calculations for tax purposes. It is currently in the House Finance Committee following its introduction on February 17, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2488 directs West Virginia's Department of Transportation (WV DOT) to study the feasibility, costs, and effectiveness of installing suicide safety measures on the New River Gorge Bridge. The study must consult the Bridge Day Commission to ensure safety measures won't disrupt annual Bridge Day events and assess federal funding opportunities. WV DOT must submit a report to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance by December 31, 2025, using state road funds, grants, or partnerships. This bill mandates a study only - it does not require installing safety systems or allocate permanent funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2506 amends West Virginia law to expand vehicle registration fee exemptions for veterans. It lowers the required service-connected disability percentage from 100% to 50% or greater for veterans to qualify, and adds recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross to the list of eligible veterans. The bill directly affects veterans with qualifying disabilities or military honors who own non-commercial vehicles. Key provisions include modifying existing exemption criteria (§17A-10-8(5)) and adding new eligibility under subsection (7) for specific medal recipients. This change would allow more veterans to avoid paying annual vehicle registration fees.

Maddy summaryHB 2492 creates a separate pay category for non-uniform administrative staff within West Virginia's Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, directly affecting these employees. It mandates a 3% salary adjustment for eligible staff with three or more years of continuous service, effective July 1, 2025, with future adjustments for newer hires after they reach three years. Funding for these increases comes from the division's general revenue appropriations, and the bill allows employees to exceed standard pay grade maximums if the adjustment pushes them above the limit. The bill aims to address recruitment and retention challenges for these specific correctional facility staff.