Del. Hollis Lewis

Maddy summaryHB 2953, the Consumer Data Protection Act, creates new data privacy rights for West Virginia consumers. It requires businesses meeting specific thresholds (e.g., $25 million+ annual revenue or handling 50,000+ consumer records) to allow consumers to request copies of their data, correct inaccuracies, delete their data, and opt out of data sales or sharing. The bill prohibits businesses from discriminating against consumers who exercise these rights and establishes the West Virginia Division of Consumer Protection to enforce the law and create necessary rules. This law directly affects covered businesses operating in West Virginia and all consumers whose data they collect.

Maddy summaryHB 2908 restricts the West Virginia Water Development Authority’s power to fund infrastructure projects, limiting it to in-state projects only and removing its previous authority to fund projects recommended by the Secretaries of Commerce, Economic Development, or Tourism. It creates a new "West Virginia Economic Enhancement Grant Fund" with two subaccounts: one for matching federal grants (requiring recommendations from state economic councils) and another for specific project costs like bid overruns, service expansions for economic development, or utility mergers. The bill directs funding toward water, stormwater, and wastewater projects that support economic development or tourism, as recommended by designated state officials. This affects local governments and non-profits seeking state funding for eligible infrastructure projects within West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHJR 27 proposes a constitutional amendment to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and older in West Virginia. It would allow possession of up to two ounces of cannabis or four plants per person, permit the legislature to regulate sales and manufacturing, and require courts to dismiss or expunge prior convictions for possessing two ounces or less. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election before taking effect. This would directly affect adults 21+ and individuals with past cannabis possession convictions.

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 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.

Maddy summaryHB 2830 establishes a grant program to support West Virginia small businesses by providing up to $25,000 per qualifying investment (capped at $100,000 annually per investor) to individuals or entities making equity or debt investments in eligible businesses. The program requires businesses to meet strict criteria, including annual revenue under $1 million, West Virginia-based operations, and no more than 50 state employees. Investments must occur between July 2026 and December 2027, with the newly created West Virginia Small Business Financing Authority certifying eligible businesses and managing applications. If a business relocates outside West Virginia or closes within two years due to a criminal conviction involving a business officer, the investor must repay the grant.

Maddy summaryHB 2910, the Second Look Sentencing Act, allows West Virginia judges to reconsider prison sentences exceeding 10 years for individuals who have served at least a decade. It requires courts to evaluate if a defendant is not a danger, poses no credible risk of reoffending, demonstrates readiness for reentry, and if justice warrants modification, with a presumption of release for those 50+ at application. The bill mandates courts to consider factors like age at offense, rehabilitation progress, victim input, and family circumstances before granting modifications, which would require up to five years of supervised release. Defendants denied modifications may reapply after specified waiting periods (5 years for second applications, 2 years for third), with a final option available at age 50. This bill directly affects long-term incarcerated individuals, aiming to provide judicial review based on changed circumstances rather than solely on initial sentencing.

Maddy summaryHB 2822 prohibits public utilities in West Virginia from disconnecting residential electricity, gas, or water service during a declared state emergency. It requires utilities to offer customers a deferred payment plan (without down payments or penalties) if they face financial hardship due to the emergency, and mandates service restoration within 48 hours if disconnected during the emergency. The bill also bans disconnections for 180 days after the emergency ends for customers affected by emergency-related financial hardship, while requiring utilities to notify customers about these protections. Utilities may still recover unpaid bills after the emergency through standard procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 2831 creates the West Virginia Prescription Drug Affordability Board to address high prescription drug costs. The board will directly affect West Virginia residents, state/local governments, commercial health plans, healthcare providers, and pharmacies by reviewing drug pricing. Key provisions include establishing the board with appointed members (including experts in health care economics), requiring a cost review process for drugs with affordability challenges, and creating an advisory Stakeholder Council. The bill also defines key terms like "brand name drug" and "manufacturer," and mandates transparency reports while requiring conflict-of-interest disclosures.

Maddy summaryHB 2928 creates two tax credits for West Virginia residents aged 18-40: a credit equal to accumulated student loan interest (or $1,000 annually for graduates without loans) and a refundable child care credit matching federal dependent care deductions. It applies to tax years starting January 1, 2025, and requires taxpayers to have lived in West Virginia for at least three years. The bill directly affects young professionals with student debt or child care costs, offering cash payments for qualifying expenses. It does not change existing tax rates but provides new refundable credits to reduce state income tax liability.