Del. Jeff Stephens

Maddy summaryHB 2723 would provide West Virginia public school teachers who earn National Board Certification with a $6,000 annual salary bonus. The bill also reimburses up to $600 for certification expenses incurred during the process. This bonus applies for up to 10 years per certification and is paid in addition to base salary through monthly installments. Teachers must verify certification through the West Virginia Department of Education to qualify.

Maddy summaryHB 2713 clarifies that wind power projects in West Virginia are not classified as pollution control facilities for tax purposes. The bill reclassifies wind turbines and their towers as real property (subject to standard real property tax rates) instead of allowing them to qualify for special tax treatment under pollution control facility rules. This change removes the previous provision that permitted salvage valuation (up to 79% of value) for wind project components. The bill directly affects wind power developers and property tax assessments for wind energy facilities across the state. It is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced on February 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2477 provides a one-time 20% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to retirement benefits for eligible retired state employees covered by the Public Employees Retirement System and State Teachers Retirement System. It directly affects retirees who voluntarily retired under normal circumstances and currently receive annual annuities, with the first payment due by June 30, 2025. The adjustment applies to both retirees and their beneficiaries (payable pro rata) and is subject to federal tax limitations. The bill corrects the title's 15% figure to the actual 20% specified in the legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 2715 increases the impoundment period for dogs from 5 days to 30 days, extending the time owners have to reclaim impounded dogs. It modifies notice requirements: for known owners, dog wardens must provide written notice of the 30-day redemption period, and for unknown owners, notices must be posted in the courthouse, on the county website, or on the county Facebook page - including a photo and description of the dog. This directly affects dog owners in West Virginia counties and county dog wardens responsible for enforcement. The bill does not alter existing provisions like the 50-cent bounty for capturing unregistered dogs or bond requirements for wardens.

Maddy summaryHB 2714 requires new wind energy systems in West Virginia to maintain minimum distances from residential properties, property lines, roads, and transmission lines. Specifically, wind turbines must be placed at least 1.1 times the total height of the turbine (tower + blades) from property lines and roads/transmission lines, and 1.5 times the height from residences. Property owners can voluntarily waive these distances by signing a written agreement. The bill applies to new projects seeking a siting certificate from the Public Service Commission, directly affecting wind energy developers and nearby residents. It does not apply to modifications of existing wind energy systems.

Maddy summaryHB 2706 clarifies that ad valorem taxes on oil and gas mineral rights must be paid to the county where the mineral property is physically located, not the county where the well pad is situated. This directly affects oil and gas mineral rights owners and county governments that collect property taxes. The bill's key provision requires tax payments to follow the property's location, resolving potential disputes when well pads cross county lines. It does not change tax rates or create new revenue streams, only specifying the correct county for tax collection.

Maddy summaryHB 2636 would allow West Virginia municipalities to re-bid public construction projects if a contractor is deemed not reputable. The bill amends existing law to explicitly permit municipalities to reject a bid and solicit new bids specifically when a contractor's reputation is questionable, beyond the current general authority to reject all bids. This change directly affects municipalities and contractors involved in construction projects costing over $25,000, which must follow competitive bidding rules. The bill does not alter the requirement that contracts be awarded to the lowest qualified responsible bidder but clarifies a specific circumstance for re-bidding.

Maddy summaryHB 2423 prohibits individuals or entities from charging fees for assisting veterans with benefits claims, except as allowed under federal law. It specifically bans compensation for preparing, presenting, or advising on veterans' benefits claims, referring clients to such services, guaranteeing specific benefit amounts, or charging excessive fees (using federal fee guidelines). The bill requires written agreements outlining fees before services begin, aligning with federal regulations (38 C.F.R. §14.636). Violations would be treated as breaches of West Virginia’s Consumer Credit and Protection Act. This directly affects veterans’ service providers (e.g., attorneys, advocates) and veterans seeking assistance with VA claims.

Maddy summaryHJR 15 is a constitutional amendment proposal (not a law) that would allow West Virginia lawmakers to create a future tax exemption for owner-occupied homes without mortgages. If adopted, it would permit the legislature to exempt from property taxes the value of residential property (including mobile homes) occupied by the owner as their primary residence, provided the property has no mortgage and the owner is a West Virginia citizen. The exemption would apply only to homes without mortgages - taxes would resume if a mortgage is later obtained. This amendment requires voter approval at the 2025 general election and does not change current tax appraisal processes. It is currently in the early legislative stage, referred to the House Finance Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2476 would increase all West Virginia state teacher salaries by 25% across every salary scale, effective for the 2024-2025 school year and continuing annually. This bill directly affects all public school teachers in the state, raising base pay rates shown in the State Minimum Salary Schedule table. The legislation amends existing law to implement this across-the-board increase, replacing current salary figures with new rates calculated at 125% of the existing amounts. It also maintains existing provisions for special education and math teachers (adding three years of experience for salary purposes) and the $600 annual payment for teachers with 20+ years of experience.