Del. Mike Pushkin

Maddy summaryHB 2770 requires West Virginia's Public Employees Insurance Agency (covering state employees) and all other health insurance providers to ensure mental health and substance use disorder coverage is equally extensive as physical health coverage. It mandates equal access to screenings (like depression and substance use), prohibits stricter limits on mental health care than physical health, and requires clear denial notices explaining parity rights. Insurers must follow the same rules for out-of-network mental health care as for physical health, including reimbursement methods. This bill directly affects all state employees covered by the Public Employees Agency and every health insurance plan operating in West Virginia. It takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2772 updates West Virginia's laws governing the forfeiture of contraband, primarily affecting individuals convicted of crimes involving illegal drugs or other contraband. The bill defines "contraband" (including drugs without a prescription) and specifies items subject to forfeiture, such as drugs, equipment used to manufacture them, vehicles used to transport contraband, and related property. Key provisions include allowing seizure of property without a court order in some cases, requiring courts to consider innocent owner claims, and permitting judges to waive conviction requirements for forfeiture. Forfeited property and proceeds are directed to state agencies, with new rules preventing retention of property and setting guidelines for sales or return.

Maddy summaryHB 2769 changes how West Virginia's Public Service Commission members are selected, shifting from gubernatorial appointments to non-partisan statewide elections starting January 1, 2026. For the 2026 election, terms will be staggered (two, four, and six years) with all subsequent elections for six-year terms, and the bill requires at least one commissioner to be a licensed attorney with 10+ years of legal experience. It also establishes a process for utility customers to provide feedback on proposed rate increases and increases the discount rate for low-income residents on utility bills. The bill limits Commission members to no more than two from the same political party and creates a judicial removal process for misconduct.

Maddy summaryHB 2486 requires the West Virginia Department of Education to analyze statewide school discipline data (including disparities by race, gender, and disability) and develop a statewide program to address disciplinary actions for K-12 students. County school boards must implement this program to improve disciplinary outcomes. The bill mandates annual reports on progress to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability and requires the Department to publish discipline data on its public dashboard for transparency.

Maddy summaryHB 2122 would exempt specific infant and hygiene products from West Virginia's sales tax. It defines "diapers" as disposable absorbent products for infants/toddlers or people with incontinence, "feminine hygiene products" as items like tampons and menstrual cups for biological women, and "infant products" as baby bottles, formula, and car seats. The bill removes sales tax liability for these items at the point of purchase. This directly affects consumers who buy these products, reducing their out-of-pocket costs. The policy change is limited to the defined products and does not alter other tax obligations.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution asks members of the West Virginia Legislature to encourage citizens and officials to respect democratic institutions and accept election results regardless of the outcome. It urges elected leaders to avoid spreading rumors or distrust about the voting system and to refrain from claiming fraud solely because their candidate lost. Instead, the resolution directs officials to report any concerns about election tampering to appropriate authorities and allow legal processes to resolve disputes based on facts rather than emotion. The measure serves as a formal request to promote trust in government institutions and does not create new laws or penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 233 requests additional funding from the state's general revenue surplus to support the Child Care Development fund for fiscal year 2025. This bill directly affects the Department of Human Services by authorizing an extra appropriation of $4,600,000 for childcare services. The legislation uses a standard supplemental appropriation process, drawing from unspent state money to increase the budget for the designated fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a permanent state child tax credit of $1,000 for West Virginia residents who claim the federal child tax credit for an eligible child. The credit is refundable, meaning eligible taxpayers will receive the full amount even if it exceeds the taxes they owe. It directly affects working families with children who file state income taxes and claim the corresponding federal credit. The legislation aims to support local economies and reduce child poverty by providing additional financial assistance to qualifying households.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution asks Marshall University and West Virginia University to lead a group of experts in building a tool that calculates the real cost of childcare. The goal is to help the state better model financial needs for providers and ensure public funds are used wisely, addressing limitations in current subsidy rate surveys. The universities must work with state departments and stakeholders to develop this estimator, which must meet federal requirements for setting childcare rates. By June 30, 2025, the universities are required to report their findings to a state committee, with funding for the project provided through legislative appropriations.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to allow employees working at least 20 hours per week in licensed child care centers or family child care homes to receive state child care subsidies, even if their household income exceeds current limits. The key provision adds a new section to state law that removes income restrictions for these specific workers while they work in the child care industry. By making this change, the legislation aims to help child care staff afford their own children's care without requiring them to meet strict income thresholds.