Rep. Greg Watt

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 10) proposes approval of federal legislation (H.R. 5966), the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, which would establish a program to improve the Ohio River. The program would fund specific actions like cleaning polluted water, restoring fish habitats, controlling invasive species, and improving public access to the river. West Virginia directly benefits as 28% of the river’s length borders the state, providing drinking water for 700,000 residents and supporting local economies. The resolution itself does not create funding but formally supports the federal bill’s implementation. This is a procedural resolution endorsing the broader federal restoration effort.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House Resolution (not a bill), introduced by multiple West Virginia delegates. It designates the month of June as "Fidelity Month" to promote the values of faith, family, and patriotism across the state. The resolution cites declining support for these values in polling and research, and calls for the state to "rededicate" itself to them during June. It has no binding policy requirements or direct impact on specific groups; it is purely a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis West Virginia House resolution states that the U.S. national debt (over $38 trillion in 2026) poses a national security threat, citing foreign debt ownership, projected Social Security/Medicare shortfalls, and warnings from military/intelligence leaders. It urges Congress to establish regular budgeting procedures but does not create new laws or alter federal spending. As a symbolic resolution, it has no direct legal effect on national debt policy or federal budgets. The resolution focuses on raising awareness rather than implementing concrete changes.

Maddy summaryHB 5003 clarifies the process for emergency involuntary hospitalization in West Virginia, allowing authorized hospital physicians to temporarily hold individuals at risk of harming themselves or others if they are addicted or mentally ill. The bill requires physicians to file a formal petition within 72 hours to extend hospitalization beyond that period, with courts then scheduling a hearing. It specifies that individuals must be released within 72 hours unless a petition is filed, and outlines payment rules for hospitals treating uninsured patients through the Legislative Claims Commission. The law also protects medical staff from liability when acting in good faith under these procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 4979 would restore the right to file civil lawsuits in West Virginia for "alienation of affection" (when a third party causes a spouse to lose affection) and "criminal conversation" (adultery). It requires such lawsuits to be filed within three years of the last relevant act and prohibits claims based on events occurring after a permanent separation of the couple. The bill reverses a 1969 law that had banned these claims, making them available again for new cases. It applies to both individuals and organizations, but not to acts happening after a permanent separation.

Maddy summaryHB 4912 amends West Virginia's ambulance fee law to ensure equitable treatment for cabin and campsite rental owners. It specifies that owners of multiple cabins or campsites on a single property (under common ownership) pay only one emergency ambulance fee if they have fewer than 12 units, and no more than one fee per 12 units if they have 12 or more. This directly affects small cabin and campsite operators who previously faced disproportionate fees compared to hotels or motels. The bill clarifies that these fees must be applied fairly, matching the existing single-fee structure for larger lodging businesses. The change aims to prevent small lodging businesses from being charged fees that don't align with their scale.

Maddy summaryHB 4880, "The Deployed Servicemembers Protection Act," protects West Virginia service members deployed for 30+ days (including National Guard on state duty) and their families. It prohibits spouses from selling property/vehicles over $10,000, closing joint accounts, withdrawing over 50% from accounts, or removing children without the service member’s written consent during deployment and for two months afterward. The bill also requires returning children to the home of record within one week of the service member’s return. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to 30 days in jail, $5,000 fines, or civil liability. The law incorporates existing federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protections.

Maddy summaryHB 4787, the Anti-Terrorism Act, creates new felony charges for terrorism in West Virginia, directly affecting individuals or groups committing acts defined as terrorism (including violent protests, riots, or attacks on critical infrastructure). Key provisions include mandatory consecutive prison sentences with no probation, restitution payments to victims up to three times their economic harm (such as lost wages or business shutdown costs), and requiring the Attorney General to designate terroristic entities. The bill also explicitly defines fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction and prohibits "terrorist swatting" (false emergency reports to harass targets). It applies to anyone committing terrorism within West Virginia, regardless of where the act occurred.

Maddy summaryHB 4646, the Remote Schools Support Act, provides targeted financial support to "extremely remote schools" in West Virginia to help maintain operations. It requires state funding for building operations, extreme weather preparedness, and professional development for staff at these schools, while prohibiting county boards from closing them. The bill defines "extremely remote schools" and mandates reporting to the Local Office of County Education Accountability (LOCEA). It also establishes a waiver process for schools meeting specific criteria, ensuring these isolated schools receive additional state aid to address unique challenges.

Maddy summaryHB 4716 amends West Virginia law to improve how the Industrial Access Road Fund is managed, directly affecting counties and municipalities that use the fund for industrial infrastructure. The bill establishes that 0.75% of state tax collections (or $3 million annually) will fund industrial access roads, with unspent funds needing to be spent within three years or reverting to the State Road Fund. It allows counties to coordinate with regional economic development groups to fund cross-county projects and requires financial guarantees (like bonds) for new industrial sites if construction isn't already underway. The bill ensures funds are used for road construction, safety upgrades, and federal project matching, prioritizing sites with confirmed or imminent industrial development.