Del. Tristan Leavitt

Maddy summaryHB 4594 creates a new Department of Workforce Services to consolidate workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, adult education, and public assistance programs currently managed under the Department of Health and Human Resources. It transfers the Bureau for Family Assistance and Division of Rehabilitation Services into this new department and aligns work requirements for SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid programs with federal law. The bill mandates an orderly transition of all records, personnel, and property by July 1, 2027, and terminates the Department of Health and Human Resources by devolving its functions into three new departments. This reorganization directly affects state agencies, program participants, and staff involved in workforce and human services.

Maddy summaryHB 4076 exempts the sale of nonpotentially hazardous homemade foods (like baked goods, jams, and honey) from state licensing, permitting, and inspection requirements when sold directly by producers to consumers. It applies only to foods that don’t require special temperature controls for safety (excluding dairy, meat, poultry, and acidified foods), and requires producers to provide written safety notices to buyers. Health departments can investigate foodborne illness claims related to these sales. The bill does not affect sales of potentially hazardous foods (like dairy or meat), which still require permits and labeling.

Maddy summaryHB 3338, now law as Chapter 52 of the 2025 Regular Session, allows child witnesses to testify remotely in court proceedings when a judge determines in-person testimony would be traumatic for them. This directly affects minors involved in sensitive cases, such as abuse or violence, by providing an alternative to testifying in the courtroom. The key provision gives judges the authority to decide if remote testimony is necessary for the child's well-being, without requiring a separate motion. The bill does not change existing procedures for adult witnesses or alter the legal standards for admissibility of testimony.

Maddy summaryHB 2718 creates a State Advisory Council to study and provide recommendations on establishing a military college within the state. The council will consist of appointed state officials and community representatives who will examine feasibility, structure, and funding options for the college. This bill directly affects state education and military affairs officials responsible for forming the council and implementing its findings. As a procedural measure, it does not establish the college itself but sets up a formal process for future consideration. The bill became law on April 25, 2025 (Chapter 178, Acts of the 2025 Regular Session).

Maddy summaryHB 2152, the Prompt Payment Act of 2025, requires West Virginia state agencies to pay vendors and grantees within 45 days of receiving a legitimate claim for payment. It directly affects entities providing goods/services to state agencies (vendors) or receiving state grants (grantees), excluding employee compensation, federal pass-through funds, and certain other categories listed in the bill. Key mechanisms include defining "legitimate claim" (verified invoices or grant entitlements), setting a 45-day payment deadline from claim receipt, and mandating state agencies to report delays to the State Auditor or allowing vendors/grantees to report violations. The State Auditor must then publish a monthly list of noncompliant agencies online. This law applies to all state agencies for payments made on or after July 8, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3297 establishes the Washington Center for Civics, Culture, and Statesmanship at West Virginia University. The bill creates a new academic center focused on teaching civics, American culture, and leadership principles, directly affecting West Virginia University as its host institution. It authorizes the university to develop programs and use state funds for the center’s operations, with no additional funding specified in the bill text. The bill became law on April 30, 2025, as Chapter 149 of the 2025 Acts.

Maddy summaryHB 2066 makes intentionally destroying first responder equipment (such as police vehicles, fire trucks, or emergency medical devices) a criminal offense. It directly affects individuals who damage this equipment, imposing specific penalties including fines and potential jail time. The bill establishes clear legal consequences for willfully damaging gear critical to emergency services, rather than addressing accidental damage. This law became effective on July 30, 2025, as Chapter 76 of the 2025 Regular Session Acts.

Maddy summaryHB 2709 allows voters who have moved to a new address to vote in their new precinct without needing to cast a provisional ballot. It directly affects voters who have changed residence but have not yet updated their voter registration with election officials. The bill eliminates the requirement for provisional ballots in these cases, enabling voters to cast a regular ballot immediately upon moving. This change streamlines the voting process for address-changers and takes effect as part of Chapter 109 of the 2025 regular session laws.

Maddy summaryHB 3274 requires circuit courts to file specific reports with the state judicial branch regarding court proceedings. This bill directly affects circuit courts and state judicial administration by establishing a new reporting requirement. The key provision mandates that courts submit detailed records of certain proceedings to ensure transparency and consistency in documenting court activities. It is a procedural change focused on administrative reporting, not altering court procedures or outcomes. The bill became law on April 28, 2025, as Chapter 72 of the 2025 Regular Session Acts.

Maddy summaryHB 3272 (West Virginia) changes eviction procedures by requiring courts to schedule eviction hearings within 5-10 judicial days of filing the petition. Tenants must be given 5 days after receiving notice to file a written defense to the eviction claim. The bill directly affects residential tenants and landlords in eviction cases by shortening timelines and clarifying notice requirements. It amends West Virginia Code §55-3A-1 to ensure timely judicial review of eviction petitions. The law takes effect July 11, 2025.