Del. Mike Pushkin

Maddy summaryHJR 27 proposes a constitutional amendment to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and older in West Virginia. It would allow possession of up to two ounces of cannabis or four plants per person, permit the legislature to regulate sales and manufacturing, and require courts to dismiss or expunge prior convictions for possessing two ounces or less. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election before taking effect. This would directly affect adults 21+ and individuals with past cannabis possession convictions.

Maddy summaryHB 2947 clarifies that West Virginia's legislature cannot interfere with courts when legislative bodies or members are parties in legal cases involving legislative actions. The bill establishes an automatic stay during specific legislative periods (like sessions and 10 days before/after) for court proceedings requiring a legislator's personal presence, ensuring courts can administer justice without delay. It directly affects legislators, designated legislative employees, and courts handling cases where the legislature is a party. The key mechanism requires courts to automatically pause proceedings during these defined periods unless waived, protecting judicial independence during legislative business.

Maddy summaryHB 2955 amends West Virginia's Hope Scholarship Program to restrict state funding from covering costs for students attending out-of-state private schools or using services from out-of-state education providers. The bill directly affects Hope Scholarship students who currently use state funds for out-of-state education, requiring them to enroll in in-state private schools instead. It changes the program's funding rules by limiting "Hope scholarship funds" to eligible in-state education service providers and participating schools within West Virginia. This policy change ensures state scholarship dollars only support education within the state's public school system or in-state private schools.

Maddy summaryHB 2910, the Second Look Sentencing Act, allows West Virginia judges to reconsider prison sentences exceeding 10 years for individuals who have served at least a decade. It requires courts to evaluate if a defendant is not a danger, poses no credible risk of reoffending, demonstrates readiness for reentry, and if justice warrants modification, with a presumption of release for those 50+ at application. The bill mandates courts to consider factors like age at offense, rehabilitation progress, victim input, and family circumstances before granting modifications, which would require up to five years of supervised release. Defendants denied modifications may reapply after specified waiting periods (5 years for second applications, 2 years for third), with a final option available at age 50. This bill directly affects long-term incarcerated individuals, aiming to provide judicial review based on changed circumstances rather than solely on initial sentencing.

Maddy summaryHB 2928 creates two tax credits for West Virginia residents aged 18-40: a credit equal to accumulated student loan interest (or $1,000 annually for graduates without loans) and a refundable child care credit matching federal dependent care deductions. It applies to tax years starting January 1, 2025, and requires taxpayers to have lived in West Virginia for at least three years. The bill directly affects young professionals with student debt or child care costs, offering cash payments for qualifying expenses. It does not change existing tax rates but provides new refundable credits to reduce state income tax liability.

Maddy summaryHB 2861, the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Insurance Coverage Protection Act, requires most health insurance policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, to cover medically necessary treatment for mental health and substance use disorders. The bill mandates that insurers follow generally accepted clinical standards when determining coverage and prohibits policies from using discretionary clauses that limit such coverage. It directly affects health insurance providers and policyholders in West Virginia by expanding required benefits for behavioral health care. The law creates new regulatory standards under West Virginia Code §33-57A-1 et seq. and applies to individual, group, hospital, and health maintenance organization plans. This proposal is currently pending in the House Health and Human Resources Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2847, the Agricultural Right to Repair Act, requires manufacturers of agricultural equipment (like tractors, combines, and sprayers) to provide farmers and independent repair shops with repair documentation, parts, and tools on "fair and reasonable terms." The bill mandates that manufacturers offer these resources at no cost for documentation, and for parts/tools, at costs equivalent to what they charge authorized repair providers. It prohibits manufacturers from imposing conditions like requiring shops to become authorized providers or restricting part/tool use, ensuring farmers and independent repair businesses can access necessary resources without unnecessary barriers. This bill directly affects farmers and repair businesses by expanding their repair options and promoting competition in agricultural equipment maintenance.

Maddy summaryHB 2903 prohibits landlords in West Virginia from charging tenants convenience fees for rental payments, directly affecting residential renters. The bill (§37-6-32) explicitly states landlords cannot impose these fees, though it allows landlords who accept payment methods without such fees (like cash or checks) to continue operating as usual. This policy change aims to prevent extra costs added when tenants pay rent via credit card, online platforms, or other methods that typically trigger convenience fees. The bill was introduced on February 24, 2025, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2850 creates a paid parental leave pilot program for West Virginia state employees. It provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave at 90% of an employee's average weekly wage (capped at $1,000/week) for birth or adoption during July 2025-July 2027, in addition to existing leave benefits. Eligible employees must be full-time, permanent state workers with 12 consecutive weeks of service, and employers must maintain health coverage during leave. The program requires employers to submit employee claims to the Department of Labor and ends December 31, 2028, as a time-limited pilot.

Maddy summaryHB 2887 would legalize cannabis production, sales, and adult consumption for individuals aged 21 and older in West Virginia, but only after counties hold voter referendums to approve local implementation. It establishes a regulatory framework where the Bureau of Public Health would issue licenses for cultivation, manufacturing, and retail sales, while the Department of Revenue would collect a special excise tax and manage local sales tax revenue for county governments. The bill preserves existing laws prohibiting underage use, driving under the influence, and workplace cannabis use, and requires cannabis products to be labeled and tested like alcohol. It explicitly states this law does not affect the current West Virginia Medical Cannabis Act.