Del. Elliott Pritt

Maddy summaryHB 4431 requires West Virginia's Parkways Authority to obtain approval from both the Legislature and Governor before issuing new bonds for parkway projects. It also mandates that tolls on parkways must be removed six months after the bonds used for construction are fully paid off. The bill restricts bond proceeds to only parkway projects (not economic development or tourism initiatives) and clarifies that bonds can be issued for highways using Appalachian Regional Commission funds. This ensures legislative oversight of bond issuances and creates a clear timeline for toll removal.

Maddy summaryHB 4430 would eliminate the West Virginia Parkways Authority's power to issue new parkway revenue bonds, parkway revenue refunding bonds, or special obligation bonds after July 1, 2026. This means the Authority cannot raise additional funds for future parkway projects through these bonds after that date. The bill does not affect existing bonds or projects already funded prior to July 1, 2026. It amends specific sections of West Virginia law to set this expiration date for new bond issuances.

Maddy summaryHB 4422 permits eighth and ninth-grade students in West Virginia public schools to attend summer school specifically to improve their grades and meet academic eligibility requirements for extracurricular activities (such as sports) in the following fall. The bill amends existing law to explicitly allow this pathway, ensuring students who need grade improvement can participate in summer programs without interference with the regular school year. It does not change summer school program structure or funding but directly affects 8th and 9th graders who risk losing activity eligibility due to academic standing.

Maddy summaryHB 4874 requires West Virginia's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to provide the Tax Assessor's Office with vehicle registration records. This change would streamline annual personal property tax assessments by eliminating duplicate data collection, as the Assessor's Office would use the DMV's existing vehicle records instead of gathering them separately. The bill directly affects the Tax Assessor's Office and the DMV, mandating the DMV to share these records. It does not change tax rates or assessment methods, only the process for compiling property data.

Maddy summaryHB 5002 requires West Virginia coal mine operators to designate trained miners as first responders within mandatory mine safety programs. This applies to underground mines and directly affects coal mine operators, who must develop these programs within six months of final rules, and miners who will receive specific training. Key provisions mandate that designated first responders be trained in fire prevention/detection, emergency evacuation, communication, mine ventilation operations, and coordination with professional mine rescue teams. The bill does not create new penalties but integrates these requirements into existing safety program rules under §22A-1-36 of West Virginia law.

Maddy summaryHB 4946 authorizes West Virginia counties to test a four-day school week through a two-year pilot program approved by the State Board of Education. It requires counties to submit detailed plans ensuring students receive sufficient instructional time (meeting state standards), preserving teacher planning/collaboration time (at least 40 minutes daily for elementary), and maintaining school calendar approvals. The program must focus solely on improving student learning, with the State Board reviewing proposals to confirm they align with educational goals. This affects all West Virginia public school counties seeking to experiment with reduced school days while maintaining academic requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4835 requires all traffic-control lights on divided highways in West Virginia to include a three-second pause between when one set of lights turns red and the opposite set turns green. This change directly affects drivers and traffic flow on state highways with divided roadways. The bill amends state law to mandate this specific timing adjustment for all such traffic signals. It does not alter other traffic rules or affect undivided highways. The provision aims to improve safety by adding a brief pause during light transitions.

Maddy summaryHB 4936 removes the 140-day annual limit on retired teachers working as substitutes without penalty to their retirement benefits. It amends West Virginia law to require that the retirement board’s rule cannot set a cap below 140 days, but explicitly allows retired teachers to work beyond 140 days when teaching vacancies exist and there is a demonstrated need for teachers. The bill also clarifies that days worked are calculated by dividing total hours by the standard full-time daily teaching hours, not by calendar days. This directly affects retired teachers seeking substitute roles and county school boards responsible for tracking their work days under the retirement system.

Maddy summaryHB 4938 requires West Virginia county boards of education to train at least one professional staff member at each public school in grant writing procedures. This bill directly affects school districts and their staff members, mandating a specific training requirement for grant acquisition. The key provision specifies that each school must have one trained staff member by July 1, 2026, to improve the district's ability to secure external funding. The law aims to enhance schools' capacity to access additional resources through grant opportunities. This is a procedural requirement focused on staff development, not a change to funding levels or program content.

Maddy summaryHB 4947 allows state employees and school children to claim religious exemptions from required vaccines by submitting a notarized certification of religious belief. For employees, the exemption also covers conscientious objections, and employers cannot penalize them through withheld bonuses, pay raises, or denied promotions. Schools must accept the certification for enrollment without requiring additional medical documentation, while the list of required vaccines remains unchanged. The bill expands existing exemption options without altering vaccine requirements.