Del. Hollis Lewis

Maddy summaryHB 5574 updates ethics rules for West Virginia's Public Service Commission (PSC) commissioners. It requires commissioners to publish their financial statements online annually, revises criteria for determining actions in the "public interest," and removes outdated provisions like §24-1-1a and §24-1-1b. The bill also makes PSC members subject to the state's code of judicial conduct. These changes directly affect PSC commissioners by increasing transparency and aligning their conduct standards with judicial ethics.

Maddy summaryHB 5580 amends West Virginia law to clarify liability protections for local emergency telephone systems. It grants immunity from civil lawsuits for public agencies, telephone companies, and their employees when operating emergency systems or referring callers to the national 988 mental health hotline - except in cases of gross negligence. The bill specifically adds immunity protection for referrals to 988 (the national mental health crisis line) while maintaining that gross negligence remains a basis for liability. This change directly affects emergency call centers, telephone providers, and county emergency services that handle crisis referrals. The law aims to encourage participation in the 988 system without fear of liability for routine operations.

Maddy summaryHB 5607 would amend West Virginia's PROMISE Scholarship Program to cover full tuition, room, and board for students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at state institutions of higher education, replacing the current $4,750 annual cap for these students. This change applies to new recipients and continues existing awards for STEM students who received the scholarship before January 1, 2010. The bill does not alter other eligibility requirements, such as maintaining a 3.0 grade point average or applying for federal student aid. The policy directly increases financial support for eligible STEM students at West Virginia's public colleges and universities.

Maddy summaryHB 5586 establishes a new minimum salary schedule for classroom teachers in West Virginia, effective for the 2024-2025 school year and continuing thereafter. The bill sets specific minimum salary amounts based on teachers' years of experience (0-26+ years) and educational qualifications (Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degrees). This policy change directly affects all public school classroom teachers in West Virginia by creating a standardized pay structure with different rates for various experience levels and education levels. The bill amends §18A-4-2 of the Code of West Virginia to implement this new salary framework.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative House resolution honoring former West Virginia House Speaker and Chief Justice Timothy P. Armstead following his passing. It memorializes his service, names a conference room in the House as the "Speaker Tim Armstead Memorial Conference Room," and extends condolences to his family. The resolution does not create new laws or affect policy - it formally recognizes his legacy and contributions to West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 5584 requires West Virginia county school boards to provide one day of in-service training annually to school service employees preparing for mandatory competency tests. These tests determine qualification for specific job classifications, such as cafeteria managers or secretaries, as defined by state law. The training must help employees meet the test requirements, which are designed to align with job duties without altering the tests or passing standards. This bill applies directly to county school boards and their employees who must take the annual competency tests.

Maddy summaryHB 5562 creates a public reporting system for hazardous conditions on state-maintained roads, such as potholes, damaged guardrails, or obstructed pathways. It requires the West Virginia Department of Highways to establish a 24/7 toll-free hotline, online portal, and mobile app for residents to report hazards, with the department tracking each report via unique IDs and classifying severity. The bill mandates a public online dashboard showing report volumes, response times, and resolution status, plus an annual report to the legislature on hazard trends and improvements. Crucially, it provides limited state liability if the Department fails to address a reported hazard after receiving notice, while protecting reporters' personal information.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds Juneteenth (June 19) as an official state holiday in West Virginia. It directly affects state government operations, including state employees and courts, by designating June 19 as a legal holiday. The bill specifies that if Juneteenth falls on a Sunday, it will be observed on the preceding Friday (unlike most other holidays, which would move to Monday). This change aligns with existing holiday rules for government closures but creates a unique observation rule for Juneteenth. The bill does not alter private business operations or other holiday observances.

Maddy summaryHB 5503 would provide a $5,000 annual salary increase to state mine inspectors, including electrical, underground, and surface mine inspectors, as defined in the existing law. The bill directly affects these specific inspectors by increasing their base pay on the effective date of the law. Key provisions require the salary adjustment to apply to all inspector categories covered under the current mine safety chapter. The bill focuses solely on the concrete policy change of raising salaries, with no additional provisions or program requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5485 would increase West Virginia's state minimum wage to $11.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2027, from the current $8.25 hourly rate as stated in the bill's purpose note. This change applies to all employers in the state, including state agencies and departments, requiring them to pay at least $11.00 per hour to employees. The bill also specifies that employers must follow the federal minimum wage if it exceeds the state rate, though it does not change the federal rate itself. This represents a $2.75 per hour increase in the state's minimum wage.