Del. J.B. Akers

Maddy summaryHB 5452 clarifies that West Virginia courts must use a "preponderance of the evidence" standard in final parole or probation revocation hearings, meaning the evidence must show a violation is more likely than not to have occurred. The bill amends Section 62-12-10 of the West Virginia Code to explicitly state this standard, ensuring it is clearly defined in law. This change does not alter current practices but removes ambiguity about the required proof level. It directly affects individuals on parole or probation and the courts handling revocation cases in West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 4468 seeks to repeal Section 61-8B-19 of the West Virginia Code, which currently sets rules for keeping court files and law-enforcement records confidential. This bill would remove the existing legal requirements governing how these records must be handled and protected. It directly affects West Virginia courts and law enforcement agencies, which currently follow these confidentiality rules. The bill does not propose new rules for confidentiality but would eliminate the current statutory framework.

Maddy summaryHB 4011 creates a certification framework for verifying that recycled materials used in manufacturing actually contribute to the final product, through third-party certification of "mass balance attribution." This directly affects manufacturers who want to use recycled feedstock (like plastic waste) in new products, as it standardizes how recycled content is measured and verified. The bill amends West Virginia's solid waste laws to clarify that advanced recycling facilities (which convert waste plastics into raw materials) are not considered waste disposal sites, supporting their role in recycling. By streamlining certification, the bill aims to reduce barriers for businesses adopting recycled materials in production.

Maddy summaryHB 5425 amends West Virginia law to clarify how urban renewal authorities and land reuse agencies can acquire property. It specifically allows these agencies to purchase tax-delinquent properties meeting certain criteria (such as being valued under $100,000, vacant for 24+ months, or having municipal liens exceeding back taxes) with priority over other buyers. The bill requires municipalities to provide lists of qualifying properties to agencies and grants them the right to buy these properties by paying outstanding taxes. This directly affects urban renewal authorities, municipalities, and property owners with tax-delinquent properties in redevelopment zones.

Maddy summaryHB 5404 creates an Office of Entrepreneurship within the West Virginia Secretary of State's Office. It directly assists new and early-stage businesses (operating fewer than five years) by providing policy support, technical resources, and acting as a liaison with state agencies. The bill allocates $350,000 for fiscal years 2027-2028 to fund two full-time staff positions and support these services. This office would focus on helping businesses during their critical first three to five years of operation.

Maddy summaryHB 5058 requires restaurants in West Virginia to clearly label any menu item containing or made from "analogue products," "cell-cultured products," or "food products" (as defined in state law) with specific terms. This directly affects restaurants serving lab-grown or lab-made food alternatives, such as cultivated meat or plant-based substitutes. The key provision mandates that these labels appear prominently on all menus to inform consumers about the product type before purchase. The bill aims to ensure transparency for dining choices without specifying how restaurants must implement the labeling. It does not change food safety standards or restrict the sale of these products.

Maddy summaryHB 5368 would create a public registry for West Virginia domestic violence offenders with at least two qualifying convictions. It requires individuals convicted of two domestic violence offenses (such as domestic battery, assault, or strangulation against an intimate partner) to register with local state police, providing their name, address, and other identifying details. The registry would make this information publicly available to help community members protect themselves and their children, while the bill explicitly states it is for safety purposes, not punishment. The law applies retroactively to existing offenders and defines "domestic violence" under specific state statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 5275 clarifies and expands the circumstances under which West Virginia voters can request absentee ballots by mail. It specifically authorizes absentee voting by mail for voters who: (1) have a medical reason, disability, or are confined due to advanced age; (2) are absent due to work, school, or military service; (3) are overseas or uniformed service voters; (4) participate in the Address Confidentiality Program; or (5) are first responders on emergency duty. The bill also establishes emergency absentee ballots for voters hospitalized on election day or confined due to illness after the 7th day before an election, requiring physician verification in some cases. This bill directly affects all registered West Virginia voters who meet these specific eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 5220 clarifies who may be present near polling places during elections for normal non-voting activities, such as business operations or routine tasks. It explicitly states that people conducting legitimate business or engaging in activities that normally occur at polling places (like retail or services) may remain within 100 feet of the entrance, as long as they do not engage in electioneering. The bill also specifies that vehicles delivering voters may stop within 100 feet to drop off passengers (including those with disabilities) but must move away after discharge. It does not change existing restrictions on electioneering or voting procedures. The bill aims to remove ambiguity for businesses and residents near polling locations during election periods.

Maddy summaryHB 5222 increases fees for certified mail service of process (legal document delivery) to defendants in West Virginia. It specifically raises fees for shipping and handling when serving legal papers via certified mail, while exempting foreign veteran-owned businesses from these increased costs. The bill amends the Secretary of State’s fee schedule to implement these changes, affecting defendants served through this method. This is a procedural fee adjustment with no broader policy changes beyond the specified fee structure.