Rep. Jeff Stephens

Maddy summaryHCR 25 is a procedural resolution requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways rename a specific section of U.S. Route 250 (north of Moundsville city limits to just north of WV Route 891) to "Waynesburg Pike Road" and install a sign at the intersection of WV Route 88 and U.S. Route 250. It directly affects road signage and identification for drivers using this segment of road. The resolution follows a prior designation by the Marshall County 911 Infrastructure Renaming Committee and does not change traffic laws or regulations. It is a non-binding request for the Division of Highways to implement the name change and signage.

Maddy summaryHB 2020 prohibits anyone from selling, giving, or furnishing e-cigarettes, vapes, or vape cartridges to individuals under 18 years old. This law directly affects businesses (like vape shops or convenience stores) and employees who sell these products to minors, as well as individuals who give them to minors. Violators face misdemeanor charges with fines starting at $50 for a first offense, increasing to up to $5,000 for repeat violations within specific timeframes. The bill focuses exclusively on e-cigarette products (defined as "vapor products" or "electronic smoking devices") and does not apply to FDA-approved nicotine products. It amends West Virginia law to strengthen penalties for selling these items to minors.

Maddy summaryHB 3491 limits counties' financial responsibility for jail costs to 30 days for felony inmates awaiting transportation to a state correctional facility. Specifically, it requires counties to pay daily jail costs only during a 30-day period while inmates wait for a 60-day evaluation at a state facility. This applies to inmates incarcerated for felony convictions who are not immediately transferred to state prisons. The bill amends West Virginia law to cap county costs at 30 days, rather than covering full costs until transfer.

Maddy summaryHB 2018 requires West Virginia public schools operating on a standard calendar to begin instruction no earlier than September 1 and end no later than May 31 each school year. The bill amends existing law to establish these fixed start and end dates while maintaining the current requirement for 180 instructional days. It applies to all public schools except those using a "balanced calendar" as defined by state board policy. The measure does not change the total instructional day requirement but sets specific annual date boundaries for the school calendar.

Maddy summaryHB 3468 modifies West Virginia tax law to expand tax exemptions for certain public safety workers' pension benefits. It removes a $2,000 annual cap on tax-free treatment for pension payments, making full pension benefits exempt for Division of Natural Resources police, deputy sheriffs, full-time firefighters, and municipal police officers. The bill amends Section 11-21-12 of the West Virginia Code to include these specific professions in the existing pension exemption, which previously applied only to some public employees. This change directly affects law enforcement and emergency service workers receiving retirement benefits under state pension systems, eliminating federal adjusted gross income tax on their full pension payments.

Maddy summaryHB 3457 increases tax credits for property owners rehabilitating certified historic buildings in West Virginia from 10% to 25% of eligible costs for projects starting after December 2017. It allows owners to claim credits incrementally as each phase of a renovation is completed (rather than waiting for the full project), provided they submit final certification within 60 months. To qualify, owners must not be behind on state, local, or property taxes and must have the building designated as historic by the National Park Service. The credit applies to both residential and commercial properties meeting federal historic preservation standards.

Maddy summaryHB 3466 requires West Virginia's Division of Highways to install "blue light" emergency alert stations at all state rest areas and welcome centers by July 1, 2025. Each station must include a help button, camera/video capability, and direct connection to local emergency dispatch. The bill aims to provide immediate assistance for individuals in distress, including potential prevention of human trafficking or domestic violence incidents. This affects travelers using state rest areas and welcome centers, with the Division of Highways responsible for funding and installing the stations.

Maddy summaryHB 3458 would modify West Virginia's tax on racetrack table games by exempting the first $7,142,857.14 of annual revenue from a 35% tax. It directly affects racetracks operating lottery table games, replacing all other state and local taxes on these operations (except property tax) with this single tax. The bill requires weekly tax payments on revenue exceeding the exemption threshold, calculated using the accrual method, and allows negative weekly revenue to be carried forward. This changes the tax structure to reduce burdens on lower-revenue operations while maintaining a 35% rate on higher earnings.

Maddy summaryHB 3378 establishes a legal expectation of privacy in West Virginia legislators' private offices within the State Capitol or official legislative spaces. It makes it illegal for anyone - including staff, visitors, or journalists - to record audio, video, or electronic communications without the legislator’s prior consent, or to install surveillance devices without written permission. Exceptions include security measures by Capitol personnel, recordings with explicit consent, and court-authorized surveillance. Violating this law would be a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. The bill directly affects legislators, their staff, and anyone entering legislative offices.

Maddy summaryHB 2774, the "Coach Protection Act," amends West Virginia law to increase penalties for assault and battery against athletic officials and participants during sports events. It establishes minimum jail terms (5 days for assault, 10 days for battery) and fines ($250-$500 for assault, $500-$1,000 for battery), explicitly defining "athletic official or participant" to include coaches, referees, players, and team supervisors. The bill also authorizes school boards to ban convicted offenders from all state school sports events for at least one year, with violations treated as trespassing. This directly affects individuals who commit violence at sports events, schools enforcing bans, and participants in organized sports.