Del. Elliott Pritt

Maddy summaryHB 3125 removes existing restrictions that previously prevented teachers from obtaining permanent teaching licenses in the state. It directly affects educators seeking permanent certification by eliminating barriers that may have required additional steps or documentation. The key provision simplifies the process for teachers to achieve permanent licensure, though specific restrictions removed are not detailed in the provided context. The bill became law on July 31, 2025, as Chapter 216 of the 2025 regular session acts.

Maddy summaryHB 2836 creates a formal permit system for individuals to legally care for injured, orphaned, or ill native wildlife in West Virginia. It establishes "Wildlife Rehabilitators" who may capture, transport, provide medical care, release, or humanely dispatch such animals under permit conditions set by the Division of Wildlife Resources. The bill also allows licensed veterinarians or animal control agencies to provide emergency care (without a full permit) for up to 48 hours before transferring animals to a permitted rehabilitator. This directly affects wildlife caregivers, shelters, and veterinary professionals working with native species, while clarifying that only native wildlife is covered under the permit rules. The law amends existing wildlife possession statutes to align with these new rehabilitation protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 2773 authorizes existing legislative rules governing West Virginia's higher education programs, rather than creating new policies. It formally validates 19 previously filed rules related to the Higher Education Policy Commission, including the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program, PROMISE grants, degree-granting institution oversight, and the Teacher Loan Repayment Program. Specific provisions include updating citizenship requirements for scholarship recipients and clarifying evaluation criteria for college presidents. This bill directly affects state universities, community colleges, and students participating in these authorized programs. As a procedural measure, it confirms the legal standing of these rules without introducing new funding or requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2164 allows West Virginia public and private K-12 schools to directly hire security personnel without needing separate state approval. The bill updates existing law to remove previous restrictions on school security staffing, streamlining the process for schools to employ officers or guards. This change directly affects all schools seeking to enhance safety measures through on-site security. The law took effect on July 30, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill simplifies the process for handling small estates in West Virginia that do not include real property (like a house). It allows heirs to transfer assets valued at $50,000 or less using a sworn affidavit instead of requiring court-appointed personal representatives. The affidavit must detail the decedent’s death, assets, heirs, and confirm no pending court proceedings. This directly affects individuals inheriting small estates without real property, removing the need for bonds or court oversight while ensuring creditors are paid.

Maddy summaryHB 2528 allows students attending Christian elementary and middle schools to participate in county-level sports tournaments. Previously, these students may have been excluded from such competitions under existing rules. The bill removes this barrier by requiring county athletic associations to permit participation by students from these schools on equal terms. It became law on July 30, 2025, after receiving gubernatorial approval on April 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3164 requires registered sex offenders to pay an annual fee starting in 2025. This law directly affects individuals classified as registered sex offenders under state law, imposing a new financial obligation on them. The key provision mandates an annual payment to the state, replacing or adding to previous requirements. The bill became law after Governor approval on April 28, 2025, and was enacted as Chapter 81 of the 2025 Regular Session.

Maddy summaryHB 3111 increases salaries for West Virginia judges effective July 1, 2026, and 2027. It raises Supreme Court justices' annual pay to $154,600 (from $149,600), circuit court judges to $143,600 (from $138,600), and family court judges to $113,950 (from $103,950). The bill also requires judicial employees to contribute to the retirement system while suspending employer contributions until specific conditions are met. These changes directly affect all state judges and their staff, aligning family court secretary-clerk salaries ($44,876) with future state employee increases.

Maddy summaryHCR 36 is a commemorative resolution naming a specific bridge in West Virginia after U.S. Marine Corps PFC Darrell Lee Burgess. It requests the Division of Highways rename Bridge Number 10-016/00-008.68 (located at 37.97642, -81.14059, crossing US 19) as the "U.S. Marine Corps Private First Class Darrell Lee Burgess Memorial Bridge." The resolution honors Burgess, who died heroically in action during WWII's Bougainville Campaign on December 16, 1943. The resolution was adopted by both legislative chambers on April 12, 2025, and is now awaiting implementation by the Division of Highways.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution designates November 7th annually as "Pastor Appreciation Day" in West Virginia. It honors clergy members for their community service, spiritual leadership, and roles in life events like weddings, funerals, and disaster response. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it serves solely as ceremonial recognition. It affects no specific individuals or policies, as it is a non-binding declaration of appreciation.