Del. Elliott Pritt

Maddy summaryHB 2741 prohibits the use of electronic devices like tablets, laptops, or computers for learning and testing in all classrooms serving students in grades three and below. The bill directly affects students in kindergarten through second grade and their teachers by banning such devices during instructional time. It creates a new section (§18-2E-3g) in West Virginia's education code requiring this ban in all classrooms for those grade levels. The law does not address devices used for administrative purposes or non-educational activities. This is a direct policy change restricting classroom technology use for young learners.

Maddy summaryHB 2805 would increase penalties for contempt of court in West Virginia magistrate courts. It raises the maximum fine for a first offense from $50 to $100, for a second offense from $100 to $250, and for a third or subsequent offense from $100 to $500. The bill also increases the maximum jail time for third or subsequent offenses from 10 to 20 days. This directly affects individuals found guilty of contempt, such as those who disrupt court proceedings, threaten court personnel, or disobey court orders in magistrate court.

Maddy summaryHB 2767 establishes a legal framework for worker cooperative corporations in West Virginia, enabling employee-owned businesses to form under specific rules. It requires these cooperatives to include "This corporation is a worker cooperative corporation" in their articles of incorporation and defines key terms like "capital account cooperative" (where net value is tracked per member) and "patronage" (measured by labor contribution, not stock ownership). The bill outlines how earnings must be distributed based on members' work (e.g., hours, wages, or jobs created) rather than shareholder profit, and allows for capital accounts to manage member equity and redemption terms. This directly affects workers seeking to create or join democratically run businesses focused on local economic stability and employee wealth, not investor profits.

Maddy summaryHB 2533 requires the West Virginia Department of Human Services to conduct drug screening for all adults applying to become foster parents, kinship parents, or caregivers for children in the department's legal custody. The bill mandates testing for substances like cocaine, marijuana, and opiates, with applicants needing to complete approved substance abuse treatment if testing positive. A second positive test results in a 12-month suspension from placement, while a third positive test leads to permanent ineligibility. The department covers initial testing costs, but applicants must pay for any requested second test, and all test results remain confidential except as specified. The law also requires annual reporting on program costs, ineligibility rates, and successful treatment completions.

Maddy summaryHB 2809 changes West Virginia law to extend the time limit for minors to file medical malpractice lawsuits. Currently, only minors under 10 at the time of injury qualify for an extended filing period (until their 12th birthday or two years after the injury, whichever is longer, but no later than five years after turning 18). The bill would expand this eligibility to cover minors under 18 at the time of injury, meaning those aged 10-17 would now qualify for the extended period. This directly affects minors who were 10-17 years old during their medical procedure and are now seeking to file claims as adults.

Maddy summaryHB 2740 requires county school districts to have a second adult present on school buses when elementary-aged children (pre-kindergarten through 4th grade) are mixed with middle or high school students on the same route. This rule directly affects school bus operations in counties where such mixed-age transportation occurs. The bill mandates the second adult's presence solely for maintaining order and safety during transit, without altering existing bus route time limits. It applies to all current and new bus routes serving these age groups, effective upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2793 prohibits billboards near West Virginia's borders from displaying messages about abortion availability in neighboring states, including facility names, provider details, or any encouragement to seek abortions. It directly affects billboard operators and businesses that advertise abortion services in states bordering West Virginia. The law requires the Secretary of State to permanently revoke business licenses for violations, with enforcement through reports from residents or the Division of Highways. This bill targets advertising that facilitates out-of-state abortion access, aligning with West Virginia’s existing abortion ban and stated interest in protecting prenatal life.

Maddy summaryHB 2721 requires West Virginia county boards of education to train at least one professional staff member at every public school in grant writing procedures. This applies to all county school districts and affects school staff members who will receive this specific training. The bill mandates this training by July 1, 2025, without changing how grants are awarded or funded. It focuses solely on ensuring schools have personnel capable of securing external grant funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2812 caps annual insurance copays at $500 for terminally ill West Virginia residents seeking specific therapies. It directly affects insureds diagnosed with a terminal illness (defined as a condition with a life expectancy of six months or less that cannot be cured). The bill requires insurers to limit out-of-pocket costs for occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy services to no more than $500 per year - matching the standard copay for primary care visits. This cap applies until the insured's death and clarifies that insurers cannot charge more for these therapies than for primary care appointments.

Maddy summaryHB 2722 allows West Virginia property owners to pay real property taxes quarterly instead of twice yearly. The bill amends tax code to require the Department of Tax and Revenue to set quarterly payment dates, while maintaining the existing 2.5% discount for on-time payments and 9% annual interest for delinquent taxes. This change directly affects residential and commercial property owners who currently pay taxes in two installments (September and March). The policy provides greater payment flexibility without altering tax rates or delinquency penalties.