Rep. Eric Brooks

Maddy summaryHB 4431 requires West Virginia's Parkways Authority to obtain approval from both the Legislature and Governor before issuing new bonds for parkway projects. It also mandates that tolls on parkways must be removed six months after the bonds used for construction are fully paid off. The bill restricts bond proceeds to only parkway projects (not economic development or tourism initiatives) and clarifies that bonds can be issued for highways using Appalachian Regional Commission funds. This ensures legislative oversight of bond issuances and creates a clear timeline for toll removal.

Maddy summaryHB 4430 would eliminate the West Virginia Parkways Authority's power to issue new parkway revenue bonds, parkway revenue refunding bonds, or special obligation bonds after July 1, 2026. This means the Authority cannot raise additional funds for future parkway projects through these bonds after that date. The bill does not affect existing bonds or projects already funded prior to July 1, 2026. It amends specific sections of West Virginia law to set this expiration date for new bond issuances.

Maddy summaryHB 4422 permits eighth and ninth-grade students in West Virginia public schools to attend summer school specifically to improve their grades and meet academic eligibility requirements for extracurricular activities (such as sports) in the following fall. The bill amends existing law to explicitly allow this pathway, ensuring students who need grade improvement can participate in summer programs without interference with the regular school year. It does not change summer school program structure or funding but directly affects 8th and 9th graders who risk losing activity eligibility due to academic standing.

Maddy summaryHB 4991, the West Virginia First Energy Act, requires coal-fired power plants in the state to maintain a minimum 69% operational utilization rate (measured annually) and hold at least a 30-day coal supply based on average usage. It restricts utilities from retiring or reducing coal or natural-gas plants without Public Service Commission approval, which requires proof the change won’t raise rates, increase market volatility, or harm grid reliability. The bill also prohibits cost recovery for new wind or solar projects and bans power-purchase agreements for intermittent energy unless existing coal/gas capacity meets specific replacement standards. These provisions aim to stabilize electricity rates, preserve coal industry jobs, and prioritize in-state dispatchable power sources over out-of-state or weather-dependent generation.

Maddy summaryHB 4988 would impose a life sentence on individuals convicted of knowingly distributing fentanyl, either alone or mixed with other substances. This amendment to West Virginia’s drug law specifically increases penalties for fentanyl trafficking under §60A-4-401(a)(i), replacing standard prison terms with life imprisonment when the dealer knew the substance was fentanyl. It directly affects convicted fentanyl dealers (not users or other drug offenses) who meet the "knowing" threshold. The bill targets fentanyl specifically, as other drug offenses retain lower penalties under the existing code.

Maddy summaryHB 5000 prohibits public school employees from using school resources (like facilities, equipment, or time during work hours) for election advocacy or political activities. It specifically bans school staff from engaging in political activity while on duty or acting on behalf of the school administration. The bill directly affects all public school employees in West Virginia, restricting their political conduct during work hours and preventing the use of school assets for election-related efforts. This is a policy restriction, not a new program or funding measure.

Maddy summaryHJR 31 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit consecutive terms for West Virginia state legislators. If approved by voters in 2026, it would restrict senators to two consecutive terms and delegates to four consecutive terms. The limits would apply only to terms beginning after ratification, with prior terms not counting toward the limit. This amendment requires voter approval at the 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4970 requires mandatory random drug testing for all employees of West Virginia county commissions, state government, and K-12 school systems. It mandates that new hires pass a pre-employment drug test and that 10% of all employees (including volunteers like coaches) undergo random annual testing. The policy applies to county employees starting July 1, 2026, and to school employees beginning the 2026-2027 school year. County commissions, the State Board of Education, and state personnel offices must develop implementing rules for legislative approval. This bill directly affects over 100,000 public sector workers across state and local government.

Maddy summaryHB 4936 removes the 140-day annual limit on retired teachers working as substitutes without penalty to their retirement benefits. It amends West Virginia law to require that the retirement board’s rule cannot set a cap below 140 days, but explicitly allows retired teachers to work beyond 140 days when teaching vacancies exist and there is a demonstrated need for teachers. The bill also clarifies that days worked are calculated by dividing total hours by the standard full-time daily teaching hours, not by calendar days. This directly affects retired teachers seeking substitute roles and county school boards responsible for tracking their work days under the retirement system.

Maddy summaryHB 4945 prohibits the use of electronic devices like tablets, laptops, or computers for learning and testing in classrooms for students in grades three and below. The bill directly affects elementary schools, teachers, and students in these grade levels by banning device use during instructional activities. It explicitly excludes calculators from the prohibition. The law aims to limit screen time for young learners during classroom instruction. This is a direct policy change requiring schools to remove such devices from early-grade classrooms for educational purposes.