Del. Shawn Fluharty

Maddy summaryHB 3173 would temporarily cap electricity rates for all West Virginia utility customers at current levels until July 1, 2026. The bill requires the Public Service Commission to set these rates immediately upon passage and prohibits increases except for adjustments related to fuel and purchased power costs. This directly affects all residential and business electricity users, particularly lower-income households and elderly residents who face high energy costs as their largest expense. The cap aims to provide immediate relief from rapid rate hikes that have outpaced other states, though rates will return to standard regulatory processes after July 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3270 requires all West Virginia legislators to pass an annual drug test for illegal drugs and non-prescribed legal drugs to receive their pay or travel expense reimbursements. The bill applies to every legislator who receives compensation under state law, mandating testing by December 31 each year. Legislators must pay for their own tests, and failure to pass or take the test results in losing all pay and reimbursement for that legislative session. This policy change directly ties compensation to drug test compliance, with no exceptions for prescription medications.

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 summaryHouse Resolution 10 is a non-binding resolution from the West Virginia House of Delegates urging Congress to extend enhanced premium tax credits for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act beyond 2025. These tax credits, established by the American Rescue Plan and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act, have helped over 64,800 West Virginia residents afford health insurance. Without extension, premiums would more than double for many residents, making coverage unaffordable and potentially forcing people to choose between health care and basic needs like housing and food. The resolution calls on West Virginia's congressional delegation to support extending these credits to maintain affordable health care access for state residents.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 9 is a non-binding resolution urging West Virginia's Governor and federal representatives to prevent federal job losses in the state. It highlights that over 17,000 West Virginians work for federal agencies and cites recent layoffs (200-250 at a Parkersburg facility) as a threat to local economies and state finances. The resolution calls for action to protect these jobs, arguing that losing them would harm communities, small businesses, and social services. It specifically urges state leaders to oppose federal workforce cuts, though it does not create new policy or funding mechanisms. The resolution was introduced on March 18, 2025, and referred to the Rules committee.

Maddy summaryHB 3499, named "Raylee's Law," prohibits homeschooling in West Virginia when a custodial parent or the person instructing the child is under investigation for child abuse/neglect or has a prior conviction for child abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. It also allows county boards to deny homeschooling requests if they have probable cause to believe a child would suffer educational neglect. The bill requires parents to submit a notice of intent for homeschooling, including annual academic assessments, and permits county superintendents to seek court orders denying homeschooling in specific cases. This law directly affects families with documented histories of abuse or violence and will be enforced by local education authorities.

Maddy summaryHB 3502 allocates $250 million from West Virginia's Revenue Shortfall Fund ($100 million) and Income Tax Reserve Fund ($150 million) to create the West Virginia Flood Resiliency Trust Fund. This fund finances flood prevention projects in communities vulnerable to severe flooding, aiming to reduce future damage through proactive infrastructure and planning. The bill requires the State Resiliency Officer to submit annual spending reports for board review, and mandates that 6% of federal flood disaster recovery funds be dedicated to long-term resiliency planning. It directly affects state agencies managing flood response and residents in flood-prone areas by prioritizing prevention over reactive recovery.

Maddy summaryHB 3497 prohibits chairpersons of West Virginia state political parties from registering as lobbyists during their tenure or for one year after ending that role. This bill directly affects individuals serving as chairpersons of political parties (as defined by §3-1-8 of West Virginia law). It amends lobbying registration rules by adding political party chairpersons to the list of public officials barred from lobbyist registration for one year post-employment, similar to restrictions already applying to legislators and other state officials. The provision takes effect April 15, 2025, and applies to all state political party chairpersons, regardless of their prior lobbying experience.

Maddy summaryHJR 39 proposes a constitutional amendment to change West Virginia's legislative session schedule. It would alternate between a 60-day general session (for all legislation) every other year and a 30-day session solely for passing the state budget in the other years. The amendment specifies that 30-day sessions would only consider budget bills, with limited exceptions for budget-related matters or special legislative motions. This change would require voter approval in the 2026 election and would apply to sessions starting in 2027. The bill directly affects how the West Virginia Legislature organizes its annual work and budget process.

Maddy summaryHB 3340 prohibits discrimination based on hair texture or protective hairstyles (such as braids, afros, curls, and twists) in workplaces and educational institutions. It directly affects people whose hair textures or styles are historically associated with Black communities, particularly in settings with dress codes or grooming policies. The bill allows individuals to challenge discriminatory policies by showing that safety concerns are unfounded, could be mitigated with alternative tools, or are a pretext for bias. It does not ban all hair policies but requires institutions to justify restrictions that disproportionately impact textured hair. The bill is currently pending in the House Government Organization Committee after its March 13, 2025, introduction.