Rep. Tristan Leavitt

Maddy summaryHB 4395 requires school boards to continue investigations into allegations that school personnel harmed student safety or welfare, even if the employee resigns or transfers to another school. It mandates that investigations must be completed regardless of the employee's employment status, and county superintendents must report all such cases - including reasons for suspension - to the state superintendent within seven business days. The state superintendent will maintain a confidential database of all investigated personnel, including the basis for investigations or disciplinary actions. This bill directly affects school personnel, school boards, and county superintendents by ensuring ongoing accountability for potential child safety violations.

Maddy summaryHB 4798 requires all West Virginia schools to implement a wearable panic alert system called "Alyssa's Law" for staff by December 31, 2026. The bill mandates that every school staff member (including teachers) receives a device capable of instantly triggering 9-1-1 calls and campus-wide lockdowns while integrating with local emergency systems. Schools must also provide annual training on device use and share security data (like cameras and maps) with law enforcement. This policy directly affects all school staff across the state and aims to improve emergency response during crises. The bill is currently in committee review and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHB 5101, the Joanna Phillips Domestic Violence Prevention Act, increases penalties for specific domestic violence offenses in West Virginia. It raises the minimum prison sentence for strangulation, suffocation, or asphyxiation of a family or household member (causing injury or loss of consciousness) from one year to two years, and for repeat offenders from one year to three years. For second offenses of domestic battery or assault, the bill sets a minimum jail term of 60 days and increases the maximum fine from $500 to $4,000. The bill also alters bail requirements for domestic violence cases to enhance victim safety protections.

Maddy summaryHB 5466 renames and clarifies the "Batterer Intervention and Prevention Abuse Intervention Program" (now simply called a "batterer intervention program") within West Virginia's domestic violence laws. The bill updates definitions to specify that these programs must offer in-person options alongside virtual classes and require licensed providers to teach nonviolent strategies for intimate partners. It also revises the Family Protection Services Board's membership to include specific representatives from domestic violence programs, the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and batterer intervention programs, while adjusting funding distribution to allocate 15% of the Family Protection Fund for board administration and splitting remaining funds between domestic violence programs. This bill directly affects licensed domestic violence programs, batterer intervention providers, and the board managing these services.

Maddy summaryHB 4819 would change West Virginia's licensing rules for professions requiring state authorization. It prevents disqualification for most past criminal convictions unless the crime directly relates to the profession's duties and poses a clear public risk. Licensing agencies must now consider factors like the crime's nature, time passed since conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation (such as completed treatment or employment history) before denying a license. Applicants with past convictions can petition for reconsideration after five years without new offenses (excluding violent/sexual crimes), with agencies required to respond within 60 days. This affects all individuals seeking professional licenses in West Virginia, including fields like healthcare, education, or licensed trades.

Maddy summaryHB 4464 creates an Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Board to enforce rules preventing damage to underground infrastructure like gas pipelines, water mains, and telecom lines during excavation work. It defines key terms (such as "damage," "excavator," and "underground facility") and requires excavators to notify operators before digging. The bill specifies that civil penalties collected by the Board for violations must stay with the Board for its operations, rather than returning to the state general fund. This directly affects contractors, utility operators, and anyone performing excavation work in West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 4793 would lower the minimum age for barber and cosmetology apprentices in West Virginia from 16 to 14 years old. Apprentices must work under direct supervision of a licensed professional and meet requirements like being enrolled in school or having a high school credential. Sponsors (licensed professionals who supervise apprentices) must have at least five years of experience in a shop. This change adjusts the existing apprenticeship program to permit younger participants while maintaining oversight and safety standards.

Maddy summaryThe West Virginia Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Growth Act creates a new program within the West Virginia Department of Commerce to support aerospace and advanced manufacturing businesses. The program will identify qualifying projects (including manufacturing, maintenance, and research of aircraft components), assign a dedicated liaison to assist with development and access to existing state tax incentives, and maintain confidential records of these projects. It also establishes a workforce training program to develop skilled workers for the aerospace industry. This bill directly affects aerospace companies and projects operating in West Virginia, such as those involved in aircraft assembly, engine production, and component manufacturing.

Maddy summaryHB 4012 reduces regulatory requirements for utility companies building or maintaining electric power generation and transmission facilities in West Virginia. The bill waives the need for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for projects approved by the Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council, streamlining approvals for these projects. It also shortens the Public Service Commission’s decision timeline, reducing the maximum processing time for large projects (over $50 million) from 400 days to 270 days. This directly affects utility companies seeking to develop or upgrade electric infrastructure within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 5162) amends West Virginia law governing tax lien sales. It requires sheriffs to suspend sales when property is already sold, liens are unredeemed, tax amounts are incorrect, or property is tax-exempt. County commissions gain authority to decide whether a suspended lien should be sold (removing it if not) or included in the next sale. The bill also clarifies that tax deeds acquired by government entities (like states, counties, or municipalities) for tax-exempt properties extinguish all prior tax liens and prevent future ad valorem taxation on that property. This directly affects sheriffs, county governments, and owners of tax-exempt properties.