Del. Tristan Leavitt

Maddy summaryHB 4949 establishes rules for West Virginia's regulation of "chemicals of emerging concern," including PFAS (like PFOS/PFOA), microplastics, nanomaterials, and other substances posing potential environmental or health risks. The bill prohibits state rules on these chemicals from being stricter than existing federal standards for the same topic. If no federal rule exists, state regulations must be based on "best available science" and the "weight of scientific evidence," requiring a direct link between chemical exposure and proven human harm (not just risk). This applies to areas like drinking water, air quality, hazardous waste, and contaminated site cleanup, affecting state agencies developing environmental regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 4930 exempts diapers and specific infant hygiene products from West Virginia's sales tax. It directly affects parents and caregivers purchasing these items, including disposable diapers for infants/toddlers or individuals with incontinence, as well as baby bottles, formula, and infant car seats. The bill amends the tax code to remove sales tax on these defined products, effective upon enactment. This creates a concrete policy change where these items will no longer be subject to state sales tax at checkout.

Maddy summaryHB 4715 removes the requirement for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in West Virginia to practice under direct physician supervision. The bill repeals sections §30-3E-10a and §30-3E-11 of the state code, which previously mandated supervision, and amends related provisions to allow these providers to practice independently. This change directly affects licensed nurse practitioners and physician assistants who will no longer need a collaborating physician's oversight for their scope of practice. The bill focuses on updating regulatory language to eliminate supervision barriers, without altering prescribing rules or other practice parameters.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows West Virginia airport authorities to use federally approved project delivery methods - such as design-build or construction manager-at-risk - for airport capital improvement projects funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It specifically authorizes these methods when they meet FAA safety and design standards, streamlining procurement for projects like terminal upgrades or runway construction. The bill affects airport authorities managing FAA-funded projects, ensuring compliance with federal requirements satisfies state procurement rules. It does not change funding levels but adjusts how projects can be delivered.

Maddy summaryHB 4809 creates a nonrefundable tax credit for family caregivers in West Virginia, allowing them to claim 50% of eligible out-of-pocket expenses related to caring for an eligible family member, up to a $2,000 annual maximum. It directly affects unpaid caregivers (such as adult children or spouses) providing care to relatives aged 18+ who need assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or mobility. Eligible expenses include home modifications, medical equipment, hiring care aides, respite care, and transportation - not general home repairs or reimbursed costs. The credit applies to taxable years beginning after January 1, 2028, and requires certification from a licensed health care provider for the care recipient’s needs.

Maddy summaryHB 4694 requires West Virginia's Division of Motor Vehicles to deactivate the barcodes on expired or expiring driver's licenses when a person renews their license. This applies to all license holders who present their expired license during renewal, directly affecting businesses selling alcohol or tobacco products by preventing them from using expired licenses for age verification. The bill amends state law to mandate that barcodes on expired licenses become inactive upon renewal, eliminating a potential loophole where expired licenses could still be used to falsely verify age. The purpose is to prevent underage individuals from using expired licenses to purchase age-restricted products.

Maddy summaryHB 4794 requires all high school students in West Virginia to pass a test on the U.S. Constitution to graduate. The State Board of Education must create the test, which mandates an 85% passing score and makes content publicly available. Students who fail can retake the test weekly until they meet the threshold. This applies to all high school students in grades 9-12 and takes effect July 1, 2026. The bill aims to ensure graduating seniors demonstrate foundational knowledge of constitutional principles.

Maddy summaryHB 4796 establishes a Central Reception Center to provide short-term care (max 72 hours) for foster children disrupted from placements, including behavioral assessments and case coordination. It also creates "Emergency Resource Homes" to offer immediate overnight foster care, requiring specialized training for caregivers, financial incentives, and prioritization for adolescents, justice-involved youth, and children with special needs. The West Virginia Department of Human Services must contract with at least two 24/7 Central Reception Centers and expand Emergency Resource Homes statewide, with annual reports tracking child placements, success rates, and recruitment progress. This bill directly affects foster children awaiting placements and the state’s child welfare system, replacing practices like hotel placements by formalizing emergency care pathways.

Maddy summaryHB 4750 prohibits registered sex offenders in West Virginia from living within 3,000 feet of schools (public or private elementary/secondary), childcare facilities, residential child-care agencies, children's group homes, or recreational areas used by children under 18. The bill directly affects all sex offenders required to register under West Virginia law. Exceptions include offenders in correctional facilities within the restricted zone, those under specific court commitments, or minors under guardianship. The law aims to create physical separation between sex offenders and vulnerable youth facilities while acknowledging certain institutional settings.

Maddy summaryHB 4567 requires retailers to verify the age of customers purchasing vape products by checking government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license or passport) for in-person sales to anyone appearing under 30, and using independent third-party verification services for online orders. The law directly affects all vape retailers (both physical stores and online sellers) and prohibits sales to anyone under 21. Key mechanisms include mandatory ID checks for in-person transactions and electronic age verification for remote purchases, modeled after requirements for prescription drugs. Violations may result in criminal or non-monetary penalties as specified in the bill.