Del. Walter Hall

Maddy summaryHB 3505 requires health insurance policies covering cancer chemotherapy to include coverage for scalp cooling systems starting January 1, 2026. These systems are defined as devices used to cool the scalp and prevent hair loss during chemotherapy treatment. The mandate applies to all individual and group health insurance plans, though coverage may still involve standard deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments consistent with other covered benefits. The bill directly affects cancer patients seeking hair preservation during treatment and insurers offering chemotherapy coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 2948 removes a $9,500 loan value limit that previously prevented automobile dealers, licensed auto auctions, repair facilities, and towing companies from obtaining titles for abandoned or junked vehicles left on their property. The bill allows these businesses to secure titles for vehicles of any value that have been abandoned on their premises, eliminating the prior restriction. This change applies after standard notice procedures require owners and lienholders to be notified and given 10 days to reclaim the vehicle. The policy update simplifies title processing for businesses handling abandoned vehicles without altering existing redemption requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 3090 requires health insurance policies in West Virginia to cover habilitative speech therapy for stuttering, starting July 1, 2025. It directly affects all health insurers offering coverage for speech therapy, mandating they cover both in-person and telehealth sessions without annual limits, prior authorization, or restrictions based on the cause of stuttering. The bill specifies that coverage must apply regardless of whether stuttering is developmental and prohibits limits on the number of therapy visits. This policy change ensures consistent access to speech therapy for individuals whose daily communication is impacted by stuttering.

Maddy summaryHCR 88 is a ceremonial resolution honoring two West Virginia first responders nominated for the Medal of Valor. It specifically recognizes Captain Donald Lawson (New Martinsville Police) for rescuing two people from carbon monoxide poisoning despite his own hospitalization, and Darrell Lambert (Lake Volunteer Firefighter) for entering a burning building without protective gear to save a trapped resident, sustaining burns in the process. The resolution formally confirms the Legislature's approval of their award and directs the House Clerk to send a copy to Governor Morrisey. This is a symbolic honor with no new policy or funding changes, directly affecting only these two nominees. It passed unanimously in both chambers on April 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 31 is a commemorative resolution requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways rename the Dunbar Toll Bridge (over the Kanawha River in Kanawha County) as the "U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Quewanncoii 'Que' C. Stephens, Sr. Memorial Bridge." It honors Lieutenant Colonel Stephens, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, Green Beret, and longtime advocate for youth services and human rights in West Virginia. The resolution does not create new policy or affect any laws - its sole purpose is to memorialize his service and community impact through a bridge name change.

Maddy summaryHCR 9 is a commemorative resolution naming Dry Branch Bridge (located at CR 079/03 over Cabin Creek in Dry Branch, Kanawha County) as the "Robert S. Pomeroy Memorial Bridge." It directly affects the bridge's official designation and requires the Division of Highways to install signage identifying it by this name. The resolution honors Robert S. Pomeroy, a West Virginia National Guard soldier who died in WWI and was buried in France before being repatriated to his hometown. This is a procedural naming resolution with no policy changes or funding impacts, solely commemorating a local veteran.

Maddy summaryHB 2787 permits West Virginia county commissions to lease, rent, or allow the use of county-owned wireless towers (or portions) to private entities, subject to specific security and eligibility requirements. It prohibits leasing to entities associated with foreign adversaries, terrorist organizations, or those engaging in unconstitutional surveillance, and mandates non-compromised cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure like voting systems. Public safety agencies (including 911, law enforcement, and emergency services), the West Virginia Department of Highways, and other state agencies may use tower space without charge, provided they meet the same security standards as other lessees. The bill also restricts the use of foreign-owned or foreign-produced technology that could threaten critical infrastructure, ensuring local control over tower usage while prioritizing security.

Maddy summaryHB 2892 clarifies pedestrian rights and duties on West Virginia roadways. It prohibits pedestrians from walking on roadways when sidewalks are available, requires pedestrians to walk facing traffic on the left side of roadways without sidewalks, and bans standing in roadways to solicit rides. The bill also prohibits obstructing traffic with one's body or objects placed in the roadway. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $500 for repeat offenses within a year. This law directly affects pedestrians using roadways in West Virginia, particularly those walking near traffic or soliciting rides.

Maddy summaryHB 3506 sets a new mandatory 7% employee contribution rate for judges of courts of record in West Virginia, effective July 1, 2025. This directly affects current and future judges who participate in the state's judges' retirement system, replacing previous rates that had fluctuated between 6% and 10.5% over time. The bill also establishes a key mechanism where employer contributions to the retirement fund may be suspended if the fund's funding level exceeds 125%, as determined by annual actuarial valuations. The changes aim to standardize contributions while providing a trigger for pausing employer payments during periods of strong fund solvency.

Maddy summaryHB 3518 requires West Virginia to automatically disenroll individuals covered under a specific Medicaid expansion (established by the 2010 Affordable Care Act) if federal funding for that program decreases. It mandates written notice to affected beneficiaries, Medicaid managed care plans, and providers before coverage ends, following federal notification of reduced funding. The bill does not change eligibility or funding levels but sets a procedure for removing coverage when federal assistance declines. This directly affects people enrolled in the Medicaid expansion program under 42 U.S.C. §1396d(y)(1).