Del. Jeff Stephens

Maddy summaryHB 2923 requires West Virginia's Commissioner of Highways to install rumble strips on all double-yellow lined highways during any road upgrade project, beginning July 1, 2025. This mandate applies specifically to roadways marked with double yellow lines, which typically separate opposing traffic flows. The bill directly affects state highway maintenance operations and drivers traveling on these roads by adding a physical safety feature to reduce run-off-road collisions. It creates a concrete, enforceable requirement for highway upgrades rather than proposing new funding or altering existing traffic laws.

Maddy summaryHB 2798 creates a pilot program for public high schools in West Virginia to offer a trades-focused elective course. This course, taught at community colleges across the state, replaces standard English, language arts, and science instruction with trade-specific content while counting toward graduation credit. It directly affects high school students interested in trade careers by providing career preparation, resume help, and exposure to available trade fields. The pilot, funded through existing state resources and potential industry grants, begins in the 2025/2026 school year and requires annual reports on its effectiveness.

Maddy summaryHB 2926 removes all fees West Virginia teachers pay to the state for obtaining or renewing teaching licenses, certifications, and registering continuing education credits. It requires the West Virginia Department of Education to eliminate these fees by January 30, 2026. This directly affects all teachers seeking to maintain or advance their teaching credentials within the state. The bill removes administrative costs but does not change the educational requirements for certification or continuing education.

Maddy summaryHB 2930 removes the 140-day annual limit on work for retired teachers who substitute teach, allowing them to work beyond that threshold during actual teaching vacancies. The bill specifically permits retired substitute teachers to exceed 140 days without penalty when school districts face genuine staffing shortages. It prohibits retirement benefit reductions or additional contributions for retired teachers working under these conditions. This change directly affects retired substitute teachers in West Virginia school districts experiencing teacher shortages.

Maddy summaryHCR 65 is a West Virginia legislative resolution urging the U.S. Congress and Department of Energy to fulfill federal obligations under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 regarding spent nuclear fuel. It highlights that over 90,000 metric tons of spent fuel are stored at 76 sites nationwide, with taxpayers bearing $9 billion in costs and nuclear customers having prepaid $46 billion for disposal, yet no permanent repository exists. The resolution specifically requests Congress and the DOE to implement recommendations from the Blue-Ribbon Commission, streamline regulations, and establish a deep geologic repository. It directly affects nuclear utilities, taxpayers, and communities hosting nuclear sites that face long-term storage challenges. The resolution is procedural and non-binding, aiming to prompt federal action on a decades-old policy gap.

Maddy summaryHB 2741 prohibits the use of electronic devices like tablets, laptops, or computers for learning and testing in all classrooms serving students in grades three and below. The bill directly affects students in kindergarten through second grade and their teachers by banning such devices during instructional time. It creates a new section (§18-2E-3g) in West Virginia's education code requiring this ban in all classrooms for those grade levels. The law does not address devices used for administrative purposes or non-educational activities. This is a direct policy change restricting classroom technology use for young learners.

Maddy summaryHB 2805 would increase penalties for contempt of court in West Virginia magistrate courts. It raises the maximum fine for a first offense from $50 to $100, for a second offense from $100 to $250, and for a third or subsequent offense from $100 to $500. The bill also increases the maximum jail time for third or subsequent offenses from 10 to 20 days. This directly affects individuals found guilty of contempt, such as those who disrupt court proceedings, threaten court personnel, or disobey court orders in magistrate court.

Maddy summaryHB 2740 requires county school districts to have a second adult present on school buses when elementary-aged children (pre-kindergarten through 4th grade) are mixed with middle or high school students on the same route. This rule directly affects school bus operations in counties where such mixed-age transportation occurs. The bill mandates the second adult's presence solely for maintaining order and safety during transit, without altering existing bus route time limits. It applies to all current and new bus routes serving these age groups, effective upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2721 requires West Virginia county boards of education to train at least one professional staff member at every public school in grant writing procedures. This applies to all county school districts and affects school staff members who will receive this specific training. The bill mandates this training by July 1, 2025, without changing how grants are awarded or funded. It focuses solely on ensuring schools have personnel capable of securing external grant funding.