Del. Hollis Lewis

Maddy summaryHB 2771 removes an exemption that allowed nonprofit workshops to pay workers with disabilities below minimum wage, directly affecting current employees in such settings. It mandates the creation of a task force to develop a state "Employment First Policy" prioritizing integrated competitive employment - where disabled workers earn minimum wage in mainstream workplaces alongside non-disabled colleagues. The bill repeals outdated provisions (§18-10Q-4 and §18-10Q-5) that permitted below-minimum-wage employment and requires state agencies to implement the new policy. This shifts focus from segregated workshops to helping disabled workers access regular jobs with fair pay.

Maddy summaryHB 2764 establishes an Independent Redistricting Commission to redraw West Virginia's congressional and state legislative district boundaries after each census. The commission, composed of six members (equal party representation with geographic balance across all congressional districts), must develop maps based on census data while following strict fairness criteria like population equality. It requires public comment periods on draft maps, prohibits current elected officials or lobbyists from serving, and mandates that the final plan be submitted to the full Legislature for approval. This bill directly affects how district lines are drawn for all West Virginia voters, shifting the redistricting process from the Legislature to a dedicated independent body.

Maddy summaryHB 2770 requires West Virginia's Public Employees Insurance Agency (covering state employees) and all other health insurance providers to ensure mental health and substance use disorder coverage is equally extensive as physical health coverage. It mandates equal access to screenings (like depression and substance use), prohibits stricter limits on mental health care than physical health, and requires clear denial notices explaining parity rights. Insurers must follow the same rules for out-of-network mental health care as for physical health, including reimbursement methods. This bill directly affects all state employees covered by the Public Employees Agency and every health insurance plan operating in West Virginia. It takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2769 changes how West Virginia's Public Service Commission members are selected, shifting from gubernatorial appointments to non-partisan statewide elections starting January 1, 2026. For the 2026 election, terms will be staggered (two, four, and six years) with all subsequent elections for six-year terms, and the bill requires at least one commissioner to be a licensed attorney with 10+ years of legal experience. It also establishes a process for utility customers to provide feedback on proposed rate increases and increases the discount rate for low-income residents on utility bills. The bill limits Commission members to no more than two from the same political party and creates a judicial removal process for misconduct.

Maddy summaryHB 2486 requires the West Virginia Department of Education to analyze statewide school discipline data (including disparities by race, gender, and disability) and develop a statewide program to address disciplinary actions for K-12 students. County school boards must implement this program to improve disciplinary outcomes. The bill mandates annual reports on progress to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability and requires the Department to publish discipline data on its public dashboard for transparency.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution asks members of the West Virginia Legislature to encourage citizens and officials to respect democratic institutions and accept election results regardless of the outcome. It urges elected leaders to avoid spreading rumors or distrust about the voting system and to refrain from claiming fraud solely because their candidate lost. Instead, the resolution directs officials to report any concerns about election tampering to appropriate authorities and allow legal processes to resolve disputes based on facts rather than emotion. The measure serves as a formal request to promote trust in government institutions and does not create new laws or penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 233 requests additional funding from the state's general revenue surplus to support the Child Care Development fund for fiscal year 2025. This bill directly affects the Department of Human Services by authorizing an extra appropriation of $4,600,000 for childcare services. The legislation uses a standard supplemental appropriation process, drawing from unspent state money to increase the budget for the designated fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a permanent state child tax credit of $1,000 for West Virginia residents who claim the federal child tax credit for an eligible child. The credit is refundable, meaning eligible taxpayers will receive the full amount even if it exceeds the taxes they owe. It directly affects working families with children who file state income taxes and claim the corresponding federal credit. The legislation aims to support local economies and reduce child poverty by providing additional financial assistance to qualifying households.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution asks Marshall University and West Virginia University to lead a group of experts in building a tool that calculates the real cost of childcare. The goal is to help the state better model financial needs for providers and ensure public funds are used wisely, addressing limitations in current subsidy rate surveys. The universities must work with state departments and stakeholders to develop this estimator, which must meet federal requirements for setting childcare rates. By June 30, 2025, the universities are required to report their findings to a state committee, with funding for the project provided through legislative appropriations.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to allow employees working at least 20 hours per week in licensed child care centers or family child care homes to receive state child care subsidies, even if their household income exceeds current limits. The key provision adds a new section to state law that removes income restrictions for these specific workers while they work in the child care industry. By making this change, the legislation aims to help child care staff afford their own children's care without requiring them to meet strict income thresholds.