Maddy summaryHB 3438, titled the "Connor Drennan Substitute Teachers' Act," allows retired teachers with specialties in math, science, STEM fields, English, or foreign languages to work as long-term substitutes for up to 180 days per academic year without losing retirement benefits. It directly affects retired educators in these high-need subject areas who fill substitute roles, preventing disruptions to student learning when substitutes must leave due to prior retirement pay restrictions. The bill amends retirement rules to set a clear 180-day limit for such substitute work (up from 140 days) and clarifies that employers won’t make additional retirement contributions during this period. Retired teachers may choose to contribute to their retirement from substitute earnings, but it’s not required. This change aims to stabilize classrooms by retaining qualified retired teachers in critical subject areas.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 12 urges West Virginia's members of Congress to oppose a potential federal funding cut for the Local Food for Schools and Child Care (LFSCC) program. The LFSCC program provided $660 million over three years to help schools and child care sites purchase locally grown food, directly supporting farmers, ranchers, and local food businesses. This resolution expresses concern that terminating the program would harm rural economies and child nutrition efforts, as the funding was specifically used for fresh, minimally processed foods in school meals. The resolution does not create new policy but requests action from West Virginia's congressional delegation to preserve existing funding.
Maddy summaryHCR 40 is a resolution directing West Virginia's Economic Development Authority to identify land near Flatwoods for a tourism and entertainment complex modeled after attractions like Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It requires the Authority to locate suitable sites, secure funding, and recruit private and public developers to build facilities for tourism, entertainment, and amusement. The bill specifically targets the Flatwoods area near Interstate 79 exit 67, citing its central location and access to major regional cities. This resolution aims to replicate economic benefits seen in neighboring states through new tourism infrastructure, directly affecting Flatwoods and surrounding communities.
Maddy summaryHB 3086 establishes a minimum net enrollment requirement of 1,200 students for West Virginia counties to receive full state school funding. It directly affects smaller counties with fewer than 1,400 students, requiring their enrollment numbers to be adjusted upward to meet this minimum for funding calculations. The bill amends the school aid formula to ensure counties below 1,400 students receive funding based on the adjusted minimum, using a population density calculation to determine the adjustment amount. This policy change modifies how state education funds are distributed to counties with low student populations.
Maddy summaryHCR 72 designates March 20, 2025 as "Black Lung Awareness Day" in West Virginia. It honors coal miners affected by black lung disease (coal worker's pneumoconiosis), a preventable occupational lung condition caused by coal dust exposure. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or policy changes - it serves as a ceremonial observance recognizing the disease's impact and existing protections like the Black Lung Benefits Act. It follows the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act's emphasis on miner safety without altering current regulations.
Maddy summaryHB 2475 raises pay for special education staff in West Virginia. It matches the salary of Special Education Aides (Aide V) to Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teachers' pay scale and adds a 5% increase for those aides. It also provides a 10% pay increase for self-contained special education teachers. The bill defines a "critical vacancy" as a position needed for student safety or compliance, requiring certified staff to fill such roles immediately until a new hire is secured. This directly affects special education aides and teachers in self-contained classrooms across West Virginia school districts.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 20) is a legislative request to name a specific bridge in Wetzel County, West Virginia, the "U.S. Tustin Brothers Memorial Bridge." It directly affects the Division of Highways, which would be asked to rename bridge number 52-250/00-003.88 (currently known as Stewart Street Bridge) and install identifying signs. The resolution commemorates Vernon and Vincent Tustin, along with five of their brothers, who all served in the U.S. military, including during the Korean Conflict. The request is purely ceremonial, with no new policy or funding changes, and seeks to honor their military service and local legacy.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 11) is a concurrent resolution requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways to rename Bridge Number 54-014/00-013.22 (locally known as the Fifth Street Bridge) in Wood County as the "Thomas A. Azinger Memorial Bridge." It directly affects the bridge signage and official designation for the structure carrying WV 014 over the Little Kanawha River. The resolution, adopted by the House and referred to the Senate, formally commemorates Delegate Thomas A. Azinger, a former West Virginia House member who served from 1994-2012 and 2018, and passed away in July 2024.
Maddy summaryHB 3378 establishes a legal expectation of privacy in West Virginia legislators' private offices within the State Capitol or official legislative spaces. It makes it illegal for anyone - including staff, visitors, or journalists - to record audio, video, or electronic communications without the legislator’s prior consent, or to install surveillance devices without written permission. Exceptions include security measures by Capitol personnel, recordings with explicit consent, and court-authorized surveillance. Violating this law would be a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. The bill directly affects legislators, their staff, and anyone entering legislative offices.
Maddy summaryHB 3266 amends West Virginia's compulsory school attendance law to establish specific requirements for families choosing home instruction. It requires parents to submit a notice of intent, provide proof of educational qualifications (like a high school diploma or college degree), and have children assessed annually through standardized tests, public school testing programs, or certified teacher-reviewed portfolios. The bill also specifies that county boards may deny home instruction requests only after a court order showing clear evidence of educational neglect. This directly affects families opting for home schooling, ensuring they meet state educational standards while maintaining county oversight.