Rep. Stan Adkins

Maddy summaryHB 5033, the Pro-Growth Regulatory Reform Act of 2026, requires state agencies to obtain legislative approval before implementing new regulations that cost more than $500,000 over five years. Agencies must submit such proposed rules to the Legislative Rule-making Review Committee 30 days before the next regular session, and the legislature must enact ratifying legislation for the rule to take effect. If the legislature fails to approve the rule during the session, the agency must terminate the proposed rulemaking. This bill directly affects state agencies creating regulations, adding a cost-based approval step while exempting emergency rules.

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 4909 prohibits deceptive telephone solicitation in West Virginia by requiring prior written consent for automated calls (like robocalls) and banning caller ID spoofing, blocking, or calls between 8 PM and 8 AM. It directly affects consumers (protecting them from scams), businesses (requiring consent for sales calls), and telecom providers (mandating anti-spoofing technology like STIR/SHAKEN within 12 months). Violators face civil penalties of $100 per spoofed call, full reimbursement for customer damages, and a 5x restitution fee - 75% of which funds local fire and emergency medical services. Exemptions include charities, business-to-business calls, and communications within existing customer relationships.

Maddy summaryHB 4892 expands West Virginia's Literacy-Based Promotion Act to cover students in grades 4 through 8, requiring the State Board of Education to implement evidence-based literacy support systems. It mandates professional development for teachers and literacy coaches focused on scientifically backed reading instruction, including phonics, decoding, and vocabulary strategies. The bill also requires universal reading screenings three times yearly and annual reports on program implementation. These changes directly affect 4th-8th grade students and their educators by providing structured intervention resources to address reading difficulties.

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 4889 increases retirement benefits for eligible West Virginia state retirees and their beneficiaries. It provides a 10% phased increase (over three years starting July 1, 2026) to monthly benefits for retirees aged 70+ with at least 25 years of service who currently receive less than $1,000 per month, and for beneficiaries of joint survivor annuities receiving less than $500 per month. The bill applies only to those retired before the bill's effective date and does not affect benefits retroactively.

Maddy summaryHB 4856 requires all rebates from state agency purchasing cards (P-cards) to be directed entirely to the PEIA Rainy Day Fund, replacing current allocations. Currently, rebates are split between multiple funds (e.g., Purchasing Improvement Fund, Entrepreneurship Fund, Hatfield-McCoy Authority, and State Parks), but this bill eliminates those other transfers. The bill amends WV Code §12-3-10d to mandate that all remaining rebate funds - after any necessary operational costs - be transferred to the PEIA fund within three days of receipt. This directly affects state agencies using P-cards, as their card spending rebates will now solely support the PEIA fund’s stability.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises West Virginia's legal framework for the State Guard, establishing a formal structure to operate alongside the National Guard. It requires the Governor to create five regional regiments by September 2026, each with headquarters, battalions, medical units, and engineering teams staffed by volunteers aged 16+ (open to all genders). Members must complete 12 hours of monthly training, including at least one 8-hour block, with coordination allowed with local emergency services. Funding will be managed through a dedicated annual budget line item, with unused funds carrying over to future fiscal years.

Maddy summaryHB 4901 modifies West Virginia's workers' compensation system to create a new award category for miners with occupational pneumoconiosis (black lung disease) who have pulmonary massive fibroids but no current breathing impairment. This change allows affected miners to file claims earlier, before symptoms develop, addressing a gap where future impairment would otherwise fall outside filing deadlines. The bill specifically establishes payment guidelines for this condition under Section 23-4-2 of the West Virginia Code. It directly affects coal miners diagnosed with early-stage pneumoconiosis who have not yet experienced respiratory symptoms. The key mechanism is the new compensation category, enabling timely benefits for a condition that may cause future health issues.

Maddy summaryHB 4849 allows county school superintendents or school improvement committees to directly request emergency funding from the School Building Authority to repair safety hazards in school buildings caused by natural events, such as floods or landslides. The School Building Authority must quickly assess the hazard and begin a process to hire contractors for the repairs. If the repair cost is less than 50% of the school's value as determined by the Comprehensive Education Facilities Plan, the Authority must prioritize funding to preserve the existing building. This bill directly affects West Virginia county school districts and the School Building Authority in addressing urgent infrastructure risks.