Del. Tom Clark

Maddy summaryHB 2965 redirects employer payments currently made to West Virginia's Public Employees Insurance Association (PEIA) into a Health Savings Account (HSA) for state employees. Starting July 1, 2025, eligible employees would receive $1,100 monthly into their HSA, which they can use to pay for healthcare insurance premiums and related expenses. Employees would choose their own healthcare plans using these funds instead of being enrolled in PEIA. The bill changes how employer contributions are delivered but does not alter existing insurance coverage options.

Maddy summaryHB 3057 would limit how much a county tax assessor can increase the property tax value of antique or classic cars each year in West Virginia. To raise a car's assessed value, the tax assessor must provide written justification based on inflation, the cost-of-living index, or actual market activity for antique/classic cars - not simply the county's revenue needs. This justification must be given to the vehicle owner before any increase takes effect. The bill directly affects owners of antique or classic cars in West Virginia counties by requiring transparency in tax assessments.

Maddy summaryHB 3065 creates new felony charges for individuals who assault West Virginia police officers or police dogs while they are performing official duties. The bill amends existing law to specifically include police dogs under the definition of "law-enforcement officer" for protection purposes. It establishes two felony levels: malicious assaults (3-15 years in prison) and unlawful assaults (2-5 years), with battery offenses escalating to felonies after a second or third violation. This bill directly affects anyone who intentionally harms officers or their working dogs during official duties, increasing penalties for such attacks.

Maddy summaryHB 3064 would add a $20,000 property tax exemption specifically for West Virginia farmers who earn more than half their income from farming. This additional exemption applies to qualifying farmers' primary residences (homesteads) beyond the existing $20,000 homestead exemption for older residents or disabled individuals. The bill directly affects West Virginia citizen farmers whose farm income constitutes over 50% of their total earnings. It provides concrete tax relief by reducing the taxable value of their primary residence by $20,000, lowering their annual property tax burden.

Maddy summaryHB 3062 would eliminate property taxes on farm structures (like barns or equipment sheds) for farmers who live on their property and earn at least 40% of their income from farming. The bill amends West Virginia law to add this exemption to existing tax rules for agricultural property. It specifically applies to structures used for farming operations, not the farmland itself, and requires farmers to reside on the property. This change directly affects qualifying farm owners by reducing their property tax burden on essential farm infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 3044 increases penalties for animal cruelty and updates protections for domestic animals in West Virginia. It directly affects pet owners, dog breeders, animal shelters, and humane officers by requiring breeders to provide written disclosures to buyers, setting minimum care standards, and defining when dogs are unfit for sale. Key provisions include raising fines for repeat cruelty offenses, creating new criminal penalties for animal hoarding and unlawful confinement, and mandating humane officers to report suspected child/elder abuse during cruelty investigations. The bill also clarifies enclosure requirements (e.g., limiting temporary confinement to 48 hours) and updates duties for animal care facilities. Introduced in February 2025, it is currently before the House Government Organization Committee.

Maddy summaryHJR 32 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase West Virginia's homestead exemption for property taxes. Currently, the exemption covers the first $20,000 of assessed value for real property or mobile homes used as a primary residence by homeowners aged 65+ or permanently disabled residents. The amendment would raise this exemption amount, though the specific new figure isn't detailed in the provided text. This change requires voter approval in the 2025 general election, as it modifies Article X, Section 1-b of the state constitution. It directly affects qualifying senior and disabled homeowners who own and occupy their primary residence.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prevent property tax increases for eligible West Virginia homeowners by freezing their tax rates at current levels. It applies to residents aged 65 or older, those certified as permanently disabled, or widowed individuals earning under $20,000 annually, provided they have lived in the state for two years (with limited exceptions for military service or returning residents). The exemption covers the first $20,000 of a home's assessed value and locks in the tax rate when the homeowner qualifies. Proof of residency, such as voter or vehicle registration, is required to claim the exemption.

Maddy summaryHB 3043 strengthens penalties for illegally parking in designated accessible spaces and for fraudulently obtaining special plates or placards for people with mobility impairments in West Virginia. It increases fines for violations, requires clearer display of valid placards (red for temporary, blue for permanent), and mandates a public awareness program about the law and consequences. The bill directly affects drivers who park in accessible spots without authorization, people with mobility impairments using special plates/placards, and organizations transporting disabled individuals. Key provisions include stricter enforcement, updated medical criteria for qualifying for placards, and requirements for organizations to move vehicles after loading/unloading. The law aims to protect accessible parking for those who need it while reducing misuse.

Maddy summaryHB 3009 requires West Virginia counties to provide emergency ambulance services at a ratio of one ambulance for every 20,000 residents, specifically where such service is not already available. This applies to county commissions, which must first confirm funds are available in their budget before being obligated to provide service at that level. Counties may deliver the service directly, through private contractors, or by forming public ambulance authorities with participating municipalities or counties. The bill establishes a clear service standard while allowing flexibility in how counties meet the requirement, without mandating new funding beyond existing budget commitments.