Del. Kayla Young

Maddy summaryHB 3340 prohibits discrimination based on hair texture or protective hairstyles (such as braids, afros, curls, and twists) in workplaces and educational institutions. It directly affects people whose hair textures or styles are historically associated with Black communities, particularly in settings with dress codes or grooming policies. The bill allows individuals to challenge discriminatory policies by showing that safety concerns are unfounded, could be mitigated with alternative tools, or are a pretext for bias. It does not ban all hair policies but requires institutions to justify restrictions that disproportionately impact textured hair. The bill is currently pending in the House Government Organization Committee after its March 13, 2025, introduction.

Maddy summaryHB 3339 requires health insurance plans in West Virginia to cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations without any out-of-pocket costs (such as deductibles or copays). Diagnostic exams evaluate breast abnormalities found during screening or by other means, while supplemental exams screen higher-risk individuals (e.g., due to family history) without prior abnormalities. The bill allows cost-sharing for Health Savings Account-qualified high-deductible plans only after meeting the federal minimum deductible, except for preventive care, which remains fully covered. The Insurance Commissioner may propose rules to implement these requirements using current medical guidelines from organizations like the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Maddy summaryHB 3326 establishes a formal "Student Bill of Rights" for all public school students in West Virginia, outlining specific protections and access to education. It guarantees students the right to a meaningful education, safe facilities, input on curriculum, consultation with school staff, freedom from discrimination, and written notice of school rules (which must be posted in libraries and provided at registration). The bill also ensures students can voice concerns through formal grievance procedures, participate in school activities without discrimination, and exercise free speech within reasonable limits. These rights apply to all K-12 public school students and require schools to implement the provisions through written policies and accessible complaint systems.

Maddy summaryHB 3325, titled "Safe Storage of Firearms," requires individuals storing loaded firearms on property they control to keep them in a locked container, secure location, or with a trigger lock if minors might access them without permission or supervision. This applies to all firearm owners in West Virginia who store firearms in places where children under 16 could reach them without adult oversight. Violating this requirement is a misdemeanor punishable by a $50-$500 fine, up to one year in jail, or both. If a minor gains access to an improperly stored firearm and uses it in a public place or in a threatening manner, the storage violator faces the same penalties. The law defines "minor" as anyone under 16 years old.

Maddy summaryHB 3327 modifies West Virginia's Hope Scholarship Program to clarify eligibility requirements for nonpublic schools and education service providers. It requires these entities to submit participation notices, provide expense receipts to parents, pass background checks for staff, and certify against discrimination to accept scholarship funds. The bill explicitly states participating schools and providers are not required to change their curriculum, admission policies, or religious practices to participate. This directly affects nonpublic schools and educational service organizations seeking to offer services to Hope Scholarship students. The changes aim to formalize participation rules while preserving provider autonomy.

Maddy summaryHB 3284 creates a tax credit against West Virginia personal income tax for residents who graduate from in-state colleges and stay in the state. It allows individuals or their employers to claim credit for student loan payments made while working in West Virginia, with special provisions for STEM degree holders (who get a refundable credit). The credit is calculated based on actual loan payments during the taxable year while employed in the state, and transfers from out-of-state schools qualify for reduced credit amounts. The bill also establishes eligibility rules, defines "qualified individual," and requires the credit to be tied to the financial aid package. It directly affects recent West Virginia college graduates and their employers who pay for qualifying student loans.

Maddy summaryHB 3282, the "Child Support from Conception Act," would require non-custodial parents to cover medical expenses related to a child's pregnancy and birth as part of child support payments. The bill amends West Virginia law to explicitly include "medical expenses associated with the pregnancy and birth of the child" in the definition of "medical care" for support purposes. This means costs like prenatal visits, hospital delivery, and related medical services would now be included in child support orders. The change applies to all existing and future child support cases in West Virginia where a non-custodial parent is ordered to pay medical support.

Maddy summaryHB 3235 requires health insurance plans in West Virginia to cover specific breast cancer screenings. It mandates annual mammograms for women aged 40 and older, baseline mammograms for women aged 30-39, and additional screenings (like ultrasounds) for those with dense breast tissue or risk factors like family history. Mammography facilities must also provide patients with breast density information and educational materials about associated risks and screening options. These requirements apply to all insurance policies delivered, issued, or renewed after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3232, the West Virginia ALS Care Services Act, creates a state program to support residents with ALS and their caregivers. It requires the Department of Human Services to fund three key services: care coordination to help navigate medical systems, assistive technology and medical equipment loans (including a ramp reutilization program), and access to multidisciplinary ALS clinics. The bill appropriates $250,000 from general revenue to implement these services, aiming to help ALS patients remain in their homes longer and reduce reliance on costly institutional care. The program directly affects West Virginians diagnosed with ALS and their primary caregivers by providing targeted resources and coordinated care.

Maddy summaryHB 3254 establishes the Summer Feeding for All Program to ensure West Virginia students have access to nutritious meals during summer and other non-school periods. It requires each county public school system to conduct an annual survey of students' food access when school is closed and compile a list of community food resources (including charities and religious groups) for families. County school boards may develop local initiatives - such as mentorship programs or entrepreneurship opportunities - to deliver meals and must provide training for feeding site operators. They are also required to report survey results and program activities annually to the West Virginia Office of Child Nutrition.