Del. J.B. Akers

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House Resolution (not a bill), introduced by multiple West Virginia delegates. It designates the month of June as "Fidelity Month" to promote the values of faith, family, and patriotism across the state. The resolution cites declining support for these values in polling and research, and calls for the state to "rededicate" itself to them during June. It has no binding policy requirements or direct impact on specific groups; it is purely a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis West Virginia House resolution states that the U.S. national debt (over $38 trillion in 2026) poses a national security threat, citing foreign debt ownership, projected Social Security/Medicare shortfalls, and warnings from military/intelligence leaders. It urges Congress to establish regular budgeting procedures but does not create new laws or alter federal spending. As a symbolic resolution, it has no direct legal effect on national debt policy or federal budgets. The resolution focuses on raising awareness rather than implementing concrete changes.

Maddy summaryHB 5002 requires West Virginia coal mine operators to designate trained miners as first responders within mandatory mine safety programs. This applies to underground mines and directly affects coal mine operators, who must develop these programs within six months of final rules, and miners who will receive specific training. Key provisions mandate that designated first responders be trained in fire prevention/detection, emergency evacuation, communication, mine ventilation operations, and coordination with professional mine rescue teams. The bill does not create new penalties but integrates these requirements into existing safety program rules under §22A-1-36 of West Virginia law.

Maddy summaryHB 4909 prohibits deceptive telephone solicitation in West Virginia by requiring prior written consent for automated calls (like robocalls) and banning caller ID spoofing, blocking, or calls between 8 PM and 8 AM. It directly affects consumers (protecting them from scams), businesses (requiring consent for sales calls), and telecom providers (mandating anti-spoofing technology like STIR/SHAKEN within 12 months). Violators face civil penalties of $100 per spoofed call, full reimbursement for customer damages, and a 5x restitution fee - 75% of which funds local fire and emergency medical services. Exemptions include charities, business-to-business calls, and communications within existing customer relationships.

Maddy summaryHB 4870 extends campaign finance report deadlines for West Virginia legislators during legislative sessions. It requires that reports due while the Legislature is in session (regular, extraordinary, or special) be filed seven days after the session ends, instead of the original statutory date. This applies only to legislators and ensures no late fees or penalties are applied for reports filed under this extension. The bill aims to align reporting requirements with legislators' session duties without reducing transparency.

Maddy summaryHB 4843 prohibits businesses in West Virginia from using scanner technology to collect personal details like driver's license numbers, Social Security numbers, or medical history during consumer transactions - except for verifying age. The bill defines "scanner technology" as devices that capture license barcodes/magnetic strips, print age results, store transaction records, and transfer data, banning their use for collecting non-age PII. It directly affects retailers, bars, or any business using such scanners for age verification or data collection. Violations are classified as unfair or deceptive business practices under West Virginia law, creating enforceable penalties. The bill focuses solely on restricting specific scanner technology, not general data privacy rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows West Virginia airport authorities to use federally approved project delivery methods - such as design-build or construction manager-at-risk - for airport capital improvement projects funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It specifically authorizes these methods when they meet FAA safety and design standards, streamlining procurement for projects like terminal upgrades or runway construction. The bill affects airport authorities managing FAA-funded projects, ensuring compliance with federal requirements satisfies state procurement rules. It does not change funding levels but adjusts how projects can be delivered.

Maddy summaryHB 4761 modifies parole eligibility for individuals convicted of murder or attempted murder in West Virginia. It increases the minimum time inmates must serve before becoming parole-eligible: 20 years for second-degree murder (up from 10), and 10-40 years for attempted first-degree murder (up from 3-15) or 5-20 years for attempted second-degree murder (up from 1-3). The bill also adds provisions allowing prosecutors and victims' families to attend parole hearings remotely or in person. These changes directly affect inmates serving sentences for these specific violent offenses. The bill does not alter sentence lengths but restricts early release opportunities for these crimes.

Maddy summaryHB 4585 modifies eligibility requirements for West Virginia volunteer firefighters seeking a state tax credit. To qualify, firefighters must now obtain certification from their fire department chief confirming they were active members for the full year, participated in at least 30 hours of on-site activities, met all required training, and provided specific details like rank, years of service, emergency responses, and training attendance. This certification must be submitted to the Tax Commissioner to claim the credit. The bill directly affects volunteer firefighters who currently or will seek this tax credit under West Virginia’s Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit Act.

Maddy summaryHB 4550 requires the state or its agencies to provide landowners with the property appraisal they used when making an initial offer to buy land in eminent domain cases. This applies to all eminent domain proceedings, such as when the government seeks to acquire private property for public projects like roads or schools. The bill mandates that the appraisal must be shared with landowners at the time of the first offer, increasing transparency in negotiations. This change directly affects landowners facing property takings and requires the government to disclose its valuation early in the process.