Del. Andy Shamblin

Maddy summaryHB 2438 amends West Virginia law to remove the gender restriction in the state convict road force program, making all state inmates - regardless of sex - eligible to work on state road construction and maintenance projects. The bill changes existing law (§17-5-1) that previously limited eligibility to "all male persons convicted of a felony" by removing that language. This directly affects all incarcerated individuals serving felony sentences who may be assigned to road work under the supervision of the state Highway Commissioner. The key provision updates the statutory language to ensure gender-neutral eligibility for this labor program.

Maddy summaryHB 2519 raises minimum monthly salaries for West Virginia school service personnel by $900 effective July 1, 2023-2026. The bill updates the State Minimum Pay Scale Pay Grade Schedule, setting new minimum pay levels for all service employees working over 3.5 hours daily (with part-time staff receiving half the rate). It directly affects school support staff like custodians, cafeteria workers, and maintenance personnel across the state. The policy creates a concrete, uniform salary increase tied to years of experience, with specific pay amounts detailed in the updated schedule.

Maddy summaryHB 2512 creates three distinct job classifications for school bus operators in West Virginia public schools: Bus Operator I, Bus Operator II, and Bus Operator III. The bill establishes separate pay scales for each title based on years of employment, replacing the current single classification for all bus operators. This directly affects school bus drivers statewide by changing their job titles and salary structures under state law. The policy change modifies existing sections of the West Virginia Code to define these new classifications and their corresponding compensation levels.

Maddy summaryHB 2380 would amend West Virginia law to impose a life sentence for individuals convicted of knowingly selling fentanyl. Specifically, it targets dealers who handle fentanyl classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, escalating penalties from the standard 3-15 year sentence for other Schedule II drugs to life imprisonment. The bill applies only to fentanyl sales (not other drugs or lower-schedule substances) and requires proof the dealer knew the substance was fentanyl. This change modifies Section 60A-4-401 of West Virginia Code, directly affecting fentanyl dealers convicted under this provision.

Maddy summaryHB 2125 expands safe surrender options by permitting 24/7 staffed 911 centers and ambulance stations to install newborn safety devices. These devices must include dual alarms tested weekly, visually checked daily, and alert staff within 30 seconds of a baby’s placement, triggering a 911 call if unattended for 15 minutes. Parents can anonymously leave infants under 30 days old without legal repercussions or abuse charges, while emergency responders gain liability protection for good-faith actions. The bill directly affects parents seeking anonymous surrender, emergency medical staff, and facilities operating these devices.