Del. J.B. Akers

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 2761 increases the monetary jurisdictional limit for civil cases in West Virginia magistrate courts from $20,000 to a higher amount. This change directly affects individuals and small businesses involved in civil disputes where the value exceeds $20,000 but falls within the new threshold. The bill amends the existing law to allow magistrate courts to handle more significant civil matters without requiring transfer to higher courts. The measure does not alter magistrate courts' jurisdiction over other areas like eviction cases or property disputes without title disputes. The bill became effective on July 7, 2025.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 3275 updates West Virginia's appeal process by removing outdated language and aligning deadlines with current court procedures. It replaces the previous fixed four-month deadline for filing appeals and the circuit court extension rules with a system where appeal deadlines (for notices, perfecting appeals, and related documents) are set by the Supreme Court of Appeals through its own rules. This change directly affects anyone filing appeals in the Intermediate Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Appeals, including plaintiffs, defendants, and their attorneys. The bill corrects an inconsistency where appeals were no longer initiated by "petitions" as previously stated in law.

Maddy summaryHB 2710, the "Truth in Giving Act," requires thrift stores to clearly disclose whether donations support charities or for-profit businesses. If a thrift store is a charity (501(c)(3)), it must show the charity’s name and contact info to donors and shoppers. If it’s a for-profit store, it must display the warning "THIS IS NOT A CHARITY. DONATIONS MADE HERE SUPPORT A FOR-PROFIT BUSINESS" on drop boxes, at pickup locations, and in stores. Violations can result in fines up to $500 per offense, enforced by the Secretary of State. The bill directly affects thrift operators and donors/shoppers who give or buy donated items.

Maddy summaryHCR 99 is a legislative resolution requesting the Joint Standing Committee on the Judiciary to study policies preventing financial fraud and scams in West Virginia. It directs the committee to examine current state laws, review national approaches, and focus on four key areas: reducing robocalls and spoofing, addressing cryptocurrency-related scams (noting $1.4 million in losses in 2023), improving victim restitution, and protecting against property title fraud. The resolution cites data showing 8,000 West Virginians lost $27 million to fraud in 2024, with national losses exceeding $12.5 billion. The committee must report findings and recommendations to the legislature, governor, and attorney general by December 31, 2025. This is a study resolution, not a law, and does not create immediate policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 3017 requires county commissions to inspect all precinct voting machines one week before in-person voting to verify they are disconnected from the internet (no modems or SIM cards) and properly sealed. The Secretary of State must then conduct a random pre-election audit of 10% of machines across at least five counties, with public reports detailing compliance. This directly affects county election officials and the Secretary of State, mandating specific verification steps and reporting. The bill aims to ensure voting equipment remains physically isolated from internet connectivity as required by state law.

Maddy summaryHCR 88 is a ceremonial resolution honoring two West Virginia first responders nominated for the Medal of Valor. It specifically recognizes Captain Donald Lawson (New Martinsville Police) for rescuing two people from carbon monoxide poisoning despite his own hospitalization, and Darrell Lambert (Lake Volunteer Firefighter) for entering a burning building without protective gear to save a trapped resident, sustaining burns in the process. The resolution formally confirms the Legislature's approval of their award and directs the House Clerk to send a copy to Governor Morrisey. This is a symbolic honor with no new policy or funding changes, directly affecting only these two nominees. It passed unanimously in both chambers on April 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 9 is a commemorative resolution naming Dry Branch Bridge (located at CR 079/03 over Cabin Creek in Dry Branch, Kanawha County) as the "Robert S. Pomeroy Memorial Bridge." It directly affects the bridge's official designation and requires the Division of Highways to install signage identifying it by this name. The resolution honors Robert S. Pomeroy, a West Virginia National Guard soldier who died in WWI and was buried in France before being repatriated to his hometown. This is a procedural naming resolution with no policy changes or funding impacts, solely commemorating a local veteran.

Maddy summaryHB 3514 amends West Virginia's sex offender registration law to require registration for individuals convicted of specific sex offenses, including those under repealed statutes like the former "sexual assault of a spouse" law (§61-8B-6, repealed in 2000). It directly affects people convicted of offenses listed in §61-8A-1 through §61-14-6, such as sexual extortion, aggravated sexual extortion, and human trafficking for sexual servitude. Key provisions mandate detailed registration at local police stations, including full personal information, addresses, photographs, fingerprints, internet accounts, vehicle details, and employment data. The law applies retroactively to all qualifying convictions, requiring registration upon conviction or release from confinement.