Del. Elliott Pritt

Maddy summaryHB 4657 would allow West Virginia public employees to count unused sick leave toward their retirement benefits. Currently, members who joined the West Virginia Public Employees Retirement System after July 1, 2015, cannot use sick leave for retirement credit; this bill would remove that restriction for all members. The bill specifies that each unused sick leave day would count as two workdays toward retirement credit, with credit calculated in monthly increments (20 workdays per month, and 10 or more additional workdays counting as a full month). It directly affects public employees with unused sick leave who are members of the retirement system.

Maddy summaryHB 4658 would add a new pay increment for teachers with a Master's degree plus 60 credits (or equivalent) to West Virginia's teacher salary schedule, which currently only includes increments up to Master's plus 15. The bill establishes a base salary amount for this category and an additional $69 per year of experience (up to 35 years), matching the structure of existing increments like "A.B. + 30" and "M.A. + 15." This change would directly increase pay for teachers meeting this specific qualification, including those with a Master's degree and 60 additional credits beyond the degree. The bill does not affect the existing "Bachelor’s Plus 30" increment, which is already listed in the current salary schedule.

Maddy summaryHB 4659 transfers oversight of most childcare services in West Virginia from the Department of Human Services to the West Virginia Department of Education. It requires residential child-care centers, day-care centers, and family day-care facilities to obtain licenses, certifications, or registrations from the Department of Education instead of the previous agency. The bill also updates requirements for evacuation plans, facility registrations, and exemptions (like public schools or summer camps) while maintaining existing standards for care. This change directly affects childcare providers operating under state oversight, shifting their regulatory authority to the education department.

Maddy summaryHB 4549 requires West Virginia local governments to award public construction contracts over $50,000 to the lowest qualified responsible bidder - defined as the lowest-priced bidder meeting standards for ability, compliance with state laws, and a valid bid bond. The bill also permits political subdivisions (like counties, cities, and school boards) to enter into project labor agreements (pre-hire union contracts) for construction projects. Additionally, for projects exceeding $250,000, the winning bidder must provide a list of subcontractors performing over $25,000 in work within one business day of the bid opening. This directly affects local governments and contractors involved in public construction projects across West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 4562 lowers the required service time from 25 to 20 years for certain retirees to qualify for a minimum $1,000 monthly retirement benefit under West Virginia's Public Employees and State Teachers Retirement Systems. It applies to retirees aged 70+ as of July 1, 2026, with at least 20 years of service (excluding time as elected officials, temporary legislative staff, or capped-salary educators), if their current benefit is below $1,000. Surviving spouses who chose a joint and survivor annuity with similar service would qualify for a $500 minimum benefit. The change only applies to those retired before the bill's effective date, not retroactively.

Maddy summaryHB 4548 requires employers on West Virginia public construction projects to hire at least 75% of workers from the local labor market, with flexibility for up to two non-local workers per project. If employers cannot find enough local workers, they must request a waiver from WorkForce West Virginia, which then permits hiring outside the area using the same qualifications and wage rates previously provided. The bill clarifies that the West Virginia Jobs Act applies to all public construction projects, including those managed by the West Virginia Development Authority. It also mandates the Division of Labor to create a public online database (redacting personal information) showing where workers reside on these projects, accessible for transparency. This directly affects construction employers receiving public contracts and public authorities overseeing such projects.

Maddy summaryHB 4566 increases penalties for drivers who flee the scene of a crash causing injury or death in West Virginia. It raises fines and prison terms based on severity: up to $1,000 or one year in jail for bodily injury, up to $2,500 or three years for serious injury, and up to $5,000 or 20 years for death (with death occurring within one year of the crash). The bill also mandates a one-year license revocation for convicted offenders. It defines "serious bodily injury" as injury creating substantial risk of death, disfigurement, or prolonged health impairment, and names the law "Erin’s Law."

Maddy summaryThis bill increases West Virginia's homestead property tax exemption from $20,000 to $40,000 for primary residences owned by residents who are 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled. To qualify, homeowners must have lived in West Virginia for two consecutive years before the tax year (with exceptions for returning military members or those reestablishing residency within five years). The exemption applies to the first $40,000 of a home's assessed value and becomes effective July 1 for the following tax year, though it terminates if the property is sold or transferred. Only one exemption is permitted per homestead, regardless of how many qualifying owners reside there.

Maddy summaryHB 4560 redirects the gas tax collected from fuel sold at marinas and boat docks in West Virginia to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Division. The bill amends state law to require that these specific tax proceeds - currently part of the motor fuel excise tax - must now be allocated solely to the DNR Law Enforcement Division. This change does not create a new tax but shifts existing revenue from its current allocation to fund natural resource enforcement activities. The primary effect is providing the DNR Law Enforcement Division with a dedicated funding source from marina and boat dock fuel sales.

Maddy summaryHB 4557 creates a new criminal offense for intentionally blocking public streets, highways, or sidewalks used by the public, defining "obstruct" as making passage impassable, unreasonably inconvenient, or hazardous. It directly affects individuals who protest by blocking roadways, including those who ignore law enforcement requests to move. The bill establishes misdemeanor penalties ($500+ fine, 1+ month jail) for basic violations, and felony penalties ($1,000+ fine, 3 months-3 years jail) for repeat offenses, blocking emergency vehicles, or obstructing hospital access. The law applies to any person acting without legal authority to block public passageways.