Del. Tristan Leavitt

Maddy summaryHB 5196 allows West Virginia local governments (counties or municipalities) to enter formal agreements with the West Virginia Land Stewardship Corporation to have it operate as their designated land reuse agency. This bill amends land reuse agency law to explicitly permit such partnerships, requiring agreements to specify agency structure, board composition, and public input processes. The Land Stewardship Corporation, a state-created nonprofit, would then manage land reuse programs - like repurposing vacant properties - within the local government's jurisdiction under these agreements. This change streamlines collaboration between local governments and the state entity for economic development initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill would permit recreational gold panning in West Virginia rivers and streams under specific conditions, directly affecting individuals who pan for gold and the Division of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR must establish seasonal dates for panning based on fish spawning seasons and publish these dates for public access. It requires that panning be done using only a standard gold pan, with any sluice (a tool for concentrating gold) limited to no wider than four inches. This change creates a regulated framework for the activity, replacing previous restrictions with defined seasonal windows and equipment limits.

Maddy summaryHB 5199 requires West Virginia county courts to establish County Parks, Entertainment, and Recreation Commissions (PERCs) for managing public parks and recreation facilities. The bill mandates that each commission consist of 11 members (adjusted by county population), who must be county residents owning local real estate, serving three-year terms with staggered appointments. Existing park commissions continue under this new structure until their terms expire. The law provides clear rules for membership qualifications, appointment procedures, and vacancy handling, ensuring consistent oversight of county recreational systems.

Maddy summaryHB 5211 requires noncitizen driver's licenses and identification cards issued in West Virginia to be stamped with "NC" (noncitizen). This amendment to §3-1-34(a)(1)(C) of West Virginia law clarifies that such "NC"-stamped IDs cannot be used as valid identification for voting. The bill directly affects noncitizen residents who hold these licenses, as the "NC" designation makes their IDs invalid for meeting voting ID requirements. It modifies existing voting procedures to prevent noncitizen IDs from being accepted as proof of identity at polling places.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 11) encourages West Virginia's K-12 students to design a new state highway route number shield for the 2026 anniversaries of the U.S. founding (250th) and the U.S. numbered highway system (100th). It directs the West Virginia Division of Highways and Department of Tourism to hold a statewide student design competition, requiring the shield to maintain federal safety standards for legibility while incorporating West Virginia identity. The winning design would be implemented gradually on state highways starting July 2027, replacing existing signs only as they wear out, and the student designer would receive legislative recognition. The resolution is procedural and non-binding, focusing on celebration and civic engagement rather than new policy.

Maddy summaryHR 9 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late West Virginia House Delegate Douglas John Skaff Jr. It expresses the House of Delegates' condolences to his family and commemorates his service, including his roles as a delegate representing multiple districts and as Minority Leader. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, acknowledging his career in public service, business, and community leadership. It was unanimously adopted by the House on February 5, 2026, the same day it was introduced.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House Resolution (not a bill), introduced by multiple West Virginia delegates. It designates the month of June as "Fidelity Month" to promote the values of faith, family, and patriotism across the state. The resolution cites declining support for these values in polling and research, and calls for the state to "rededicate" itself to them during June. It has no binding policy requirements or direct impact on specific groups; it is purely a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis West Virginia House resolution states that the U.S. national debt (over $38 trillion in 2026) poses a national security threat, citing foreign debt ownership, projected Social Security/Medicare shortfalls, and warnings from military/intelligence leaders. It urges Congress to establish regular budgeting procedures but does not create new laws or alter federal spending. As a symbolic resolution, it has no direct legal effect on national debt policy or federal budgets. The resolution focuses on raising awareness rather than implementing concrete changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends West Virginia law to allow parties (complainants or respondents) in Human Rights Commission (HRC) discrimination cases to transfer their cases directly to circuit court. It affects individuals or organizations involved in HRC complaints by providing an option to bypass HRC proceedings and seek resolution in judicial court. The change modifies existing procedures under §16B-17-10, enabling parties to "remove the matter" to circuit court instead of proceeding through the HRC's investigation and hearing process. This is a procedural adjustment with no new substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 4929, the Truth in Taxation Act, requires West Virginia counties and local taxing subdivisions (like cities or towns) to calculate a "revenue neutral rate" each year. This rate ensures property tax increases match previous year's revenue when adjusted for current property valuations. Local governments cannot exceed this rate without holding a public hearing and sending detailed notices to taxpayers - showing the previous year's tax, proposed rate, and budget impact - 10 days in advance. Noncompliance requires refunds for over-collected taxes. The law excludes school districts and very small taxing subdivisions earning under $5,000 annually in property tax revenue.