Del. Stan Adkins

Maddy summaryHCR 78 is a non-binding resolution urging West Virginia's Division of Highways to prioritize completing I-73 (the "King Coal Highway") across Wayne, Mingo, McDowell, Mercer, and Wyoming counties. It requests the highway agency treat the project as a high priority to improve economic development and emergency access, especially after recent flooding exposed transportation challenges in the region. The resolution asks the state to provide necessary funding and executive support to expedite the highway's completion but does not allocate new funds or create new law. It directly affects the Division of Highways and residents of the five specified counties by formally advocating for this infrastructure project.

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 summaryHCR 63 is a commemorative resolution requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways rename Birch River Bridge in Nicholas County (located at 38.5011610265538, -80.7633140291533) as the "U.S. Army Spec. 4 Gary W. Spinks Memorial Bridge." It honors Specialist Gary W. Spinks, a Vietnam War veteran who received a Bronze Star and Combat Infantryman's Badge, and responds to a request from his widow. The resolution does not create new laws but formally asks for the bridge's name change and signage to memorialize his service. This is a procedural measure with no direct policy impact on residents or state operations.

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 3491 limits counties' financial responsibility for jail costs to 30 days for felony inmates awaiting transportation to a state correctional facility. Specifically, it requires counties to pay daily jail costs only during a 30-day period while inmates wait for a 60-day evaluation at a state facility. This applies to inmates incarcerated for felony convictions who are not immediately transferred to state prisons. The bill amends West Virginia law to cap county costs at 30 days, rather than covering full costs until transfer.

Maddy summaryHB 3468 modifies West Virginia tax law to expand tax exemptions for certain public safety workers' pension benefits. It removes a $2,000 annual cap on tax-free treatment for pension payments, making full pension benefits exempt for Division of Natural Resources police, deputy sheriffs, full-time firefighters, and municipal police officers. The bill amends Section 11-21-12 of the West Virginia Code to include these specific professions in the existing pension exemption, which previously applied only to some public employees. This change directly affects law enforcement and emergency service workers receiving retirement benefits under state pension systems, eliminating federal adjusted gross income tax on their full pension payments.

Maddy summaryHB 3414 automatically establishes a $100 Smart 529 savings account for every newborn in West Virginia who resides in the state at birth or is adopted by West Virginia residents. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to share birth data with the State Treasurer within 90 days of birth, triggering the grant to cover college costs at eligible institutions. It creates the "Mountaineer Scholars Grant Program," with funds drawn from the Savings Plan Trust Fund to provide one-time grants plus investment earnings for qualified higher education expenses. The program applies to children born after December 31, 2024, and excludes parents who opt out.

Maddy summaryHB 3402 creates a new property tax classification for managed timberland leased for "substantial income" in West Virginia. It defines "managed timberland" as 10+ contiguous acres devoted to forest use with sufficient trees, requiring landowners to maintain sustainable management plans approved by the West Virginia Division of Forestry. Qualifying landowners would receive a lower tax classification (Class III) instead of higher rates, based on certified assessments from the Tax Commissioner. This directly affects private timberland owners leasing land for significant income who meet the sustainability and acreage requirements. The bill is currently in the House Finance Committee after introduction on March 17, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3261 clarifies the qualifications for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to administer anesthesia in West Virginia. It requires CRNAs to hold both a registered nursing license and an advanced practice nursing license, complete a nationally accredited anesthesia program, and maintain national certification. The bill defines "cooperation" between CRNAs and physicians/dentists as a collaborative process where each contributes based on their expertise, and specifies that physicians are not liable for CRNA actions under this framework. This directly affects CRNAs, physicians, dentists, and healthcare facilities by standardizing practice requirements and supervision protocols for anesthesia administration.

Maddy summaryHB 3200 amends West Virginia's motor vehicle sales tax rules to clarify how tax is calculated when a buyer trades in a used vehicle. It allows buyers to deduct the value of a traded-in vehicle (on which tax was already paid) from the total purchase price, reducing the taxable amount. This applies to both new and used vehicle purchases and requires a notarized bill of sale for the traded vehicle, with the exchange occurring within seven days of the new vehicle's title application. The bill maintains a 5% tax rate (increasing to 6% after July 1, 2017) on the adjusted sale price, affecting anyone buying or selling used cars in West Virginia who uses a trade-in.