Del. Kayla Young

Maddy summaryHB 2947 clarifies that West Virginia's legislature cannot interfere with courts when legislative bodies or members are parties in legal cases involving legislative actions. The bill establishes an automatic stay during specific legislative periods (like sessions and 10 days before/after) for court proceedings requiring a legislator's personal presence, ensuring courts can administer justice without delay. It directly affects legislators, designated legislative employees, and courts handling cases where the legislature is a party. The key mechanism requires courts to automatically pause proceedings during these defined periods unless waived, protecting judicial independence during legislative business.

Maddy summaryHB 2952 creates a refundable state child tax credit for West Virginia residents who qualify for the federal child tax credit. It provides a credit equal to 50% of the federal credit amount claimed on their federal return, directly benefiting working families with children who meet federal eligibility criteria. The credit is refundable, meaning families who owe no state income tax will receive the full credit amount as a cash payment. This policy aims to reduce child poverty and support local economies by supplementing federal benefits with state funds, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2936 would waive the $100 fee for new for-profit corporations to register with the West Virginia Secretary of State for one designated day each year. This directly affects new business owners forming for-profit corporations in the state, lowering their immediate startup cost. The bill amends state law to temporarily eliminate the standard $100 filing fee required for articles of incorporation. This policy change provides a one-time cost reduction for business formation without altering ongoing fee structures.

Maddy summaryHB 2945 amends West Virginia's Sex Offender Registration Act to require registration for individuals convicted of specific abuse-related offenses, including sexual assault, trafficking for sexual servitude, and other listed crimes under state law. The bill clarifies that individuals without a permanent residence must use a "transient residence within the state" to meet registration requirements, ensuring all affected individuals can comply with the law. Key provisions mandate registrants to provide detailed personal information, including addresses, employment details, Internet accounts, phone numbers, and vehicle/drones, with updates required within 10 days of any change. This affects anyone convicted of qualifying offenses who is released from custody, placed on probation, or otherwise released from confinement.

Maddy summaryHB 2844 creates a new Office of Entrepreneurship within West Virginia's Office of Economic Development to specifically support businesses operating less than five years. The office will help these new businesses navigate state agencies, track state contracts awarded to them, and report annually on contract distribution - including breakdowns by business type, location, and ownership (such as women, minority, or veteran-owned businesses). It requires that 5% of state contracts go to new local businesses and mandates annual reports to the legislature on progress toward this goal. The bill aims to improve access to state contracts and entrepreneurship resources for emerging businesses across the state.

Maddy summaryHB 2826, the Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan Fair Pay Act, requires West Virginia employers to disclose the wage range for a position to job applicants upon request. It prohibits employers from asking about an applicant’s past wages (unless voluntarily shared) and protects applicants from negative actions like refusal to hire for requesting wage ranges. The bill also allows employees to discuss wages with coworkers and bars employers from restricting these conversations or retaliating against employees who exercise this right. Violations could lead to legal action for financial compensation, attorney fees, and court orders to stop the violation. This bill directly affects job applicants, current employees, and all employers in West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHJR 24 proposes a constitutional amendment to change eligibility rules for serving in West Virginia's legislature. It would allow state employees (including those in state agencies, public schools, vocational schools, or universities) to hold legislative seats if their state employment began before their election and they receive Ethics Commission authorization. The amendment specifically excludes current sheriffs, constables, court clerks, and federal or foreign government employees from eligibility. It also requires the Ethics Commission to review all dual employment requests, removing current restrictions on state employees running for office. This change would directly affect state employees seeking legislative office, subject to commission approval.

Maddy summaryHB 2825 establishes a two-year pilot program through West Virginia's Department of Agriculture to improve access to fresh produce in food desert communities - areas lacking affordable, nutritious food. The program requires the department to select partnering providers to operate weekly markets in three food desert communities (including one rural area), offering discounted produce packages, accepting cash/debit/food vouchers, and providing storage guides and recipes. Providers must donate surplus produce to food banks and pantries, and the department must report to the legislature within two years on participation, voucher use, and recommendations for expansion. This directly affects residents in designated food desert communities by increasing affordable fresh food access through community-based markets.

Maddy summaryHB 2842 establishes a 12-member Food Waste Task Force within West Virginia's Department of Health. The task force will examine causes of food waste and recommend specific actions, including improving food donations, reducing cosmetic standards for produce, changing "best by" labels, and eliminating regulations that contribute to waste. It must submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year of forming. The bill directly affects state agencies (Health, Agriculture, Human Services) and future lawmakers who will consider the task force's proposals.

Maddy summaryHB 2913 establishes a $1,000 refundable state child tax credit for West Virginia residents who qualify for the federal child tax credit. The credit, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2025, will be refundable - meaning any amount exceeding a taxpayer's state income tax liability will be paid directly to them. It replaces West Virginia's current non-refundable child tax credit with this new refundable version, targeting families with children who meet federal eligibility criteria. The bill aims to support working families, reduce child poverty, and stimulate the state economy through direct financial assistance.