Rep. Tom Clark

Maddy summaryHB 2713 clarifies that wind power projects in West Virginia are not classified as pollution control facilities for tax purposes. The bill reclassifies wind turbines and their towers as real property (subject to standard real property tax rates) instead of allowing them to qualify for special tax treatment under pollution control facility rules. This change removes the previous provision that permitted salvage valuation (up to 79% of value) for wind project components. The bill directly affects wind power developers and property tax assessments for wind energy facilities across the state. It is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced on February 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2656 (West Virginia, 2025) would forbid people from bringing dogs, cats, or other animals into grocery stores or food-selling retail establishments unless the animal is a registered service animal. This directly affects pet owners who typically bring animals into such stores, requiring them to ensure their pets are registered service animals to enter. The bill imposes fines of up to $500 for first violations and $1,000 for repeat offenses. The bill was introduced on February 20, 2025, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, where it is currently pending.

Maddy summaryHB 2477 provides a one-time 20% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to retirement benefits for eligible retired state employees covered by the Public Employees Retirement System and State Teachers Retirement System. It directly affects retirees who voluntarily retired under normal circumstances and currently receive annual annuities, with the first payment due by June 30, 2025. The adjustment applies to both retirees and their beneficiaries (payable pro rata) and is subject to federal tax limitations. The bill corrects the title's 15% figure to the actual 20% specified in the legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 2714 requires new wind energy systems in West Virginia to maintain minimum distances from residential properties, property lines, roads, and transmission lines. Specifically, wind turbines must be placed at least 1.1 times the total height of the turbine (tower + blades) from property lines and roads/transmission lines, and 1.5 times the height from residences. Property owners can voluntarily waive these distances by signing a written agreement. The bill applies to new projects seeking a siting certificate from the Public Service Commission, directly affecting wind energy developers and nearby residents. It does not apply to modifications of existing wind energy systems.

Maddy summaryHJR 13 proposes amending the West Virginia Constitution to prohibit non-U.S. citizens from voting in any state election. It directly affects non-citizen residents who currently participate in West Virginia elections. The bill would add a new provision to Article IV of the state constitution explicitly stating that "no person who is not a citizen of the United States shall be entitled to vote at any election held within this state." This is a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval at the next general election, not an immediate law.

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 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.

Maddy summaryHB 2487 would eliminate West Virginia's twice-yearly clock changes by making Eastern Standard Time the permanent official time for all state government operations. Starting July 1, 2025, public schools, colleges, state agencies, and local governments would operate year-round on Eastern Standard Time instead of switching to daylight saving time. The bill amends state law to replace all references to daylight saving time with Eastern Standard Time after that effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 2112 amends West Virginia's excise tax code to adjust exemptions for real property transfers. The bill removes existing tax exemptions for certain gifts and quitclaim deeds while adding a new exemption for transfers between siblings. It directly affects property owners and recipients involved in real estate transactions, particularly those involving family members or specific gift scenarios. The changes aim to close perceived loopholes by tightening the definition of tax-exempt transfers under §11-22-1 of the state code.

Maddy summaryHB 2476 would increase all West Virginia state teacher salaries by 25% across every salary scale, effective for the 2024-2025 school year and continuing annually. This bill directly affects all public school teachers in the state, raising base pay rates shown in the State Minimum Salary Schedule table. The legislation amends existing law to implement this across-the-board increase, replacing current salary figures with new rates calculated at 125% of the existing amounts. It also maintains existing provisions for special education and math teachers (adding three years of experience for salary purposes) and the $600 annual payment for teachers with 20+ years of experience.