Rep. Jeff Stephens

Maddy summaryHB 4077 would eliminate standardized testing requirements in all West Virginia public and private schools by directing the State Board of Education to stop administering such tests. The bill takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year and all subsequent years. This change would directly impact every student, teacher, and school administrator in the state by removing a longstanding assessment requirement. The policy shift specifically targets the administration of standardized tests, without specifying alternative evaluation methods.

Maddy summaryHB 4511 requires the West Virginia Department of Human Services to conduct drug testing on all adults applying to become foster parents, kinship caregivers (family members caring for children), or designated caregivers for children in the department's legal custody. The testing screens for specific substances like marijuana, cocaine, and opioids, with valid prescriptions for detected drugs exempting applicants from penalties. Applicants with a positive test must complete approved substance abuse treatment; repeated positives lead to suspension or permanent ineligibility, and refusal to test also disqualifies applicants. The department covers initial test costs, but applicants pay for any additional testing at alternative facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 4438 requires all West Virginia schools and school contractors to conduct background checks on applicants for positions involving direct contact with children. It mandates that applicants provide written consent for schools to verify their employment history, including any past abuse investigations, disciplinary actions, or license suspensions related to misconduct. Schools must review this information using a standardized form from the education department and confirm the applicant’s employment eligibility before hiring. Violations, such as providing false information, can result in denied employment or professional discipline.

Maddy summaryThe context provided does not include the text or specific provisions of HB 3024, only its title, passage history, and enactment date. Without details on the bill's content, mechanisms, or specific affected parties (e.g., which educational institutions or student groups), a factual summary cannot be created. Legislative history alone (like approval dates) does not describe policy changes or who is directly impacted. To provide an accurate summary, the bill's text or official description would be required.

Maddy summaryHB 3125 removes existing restrictions that previously prevented teachers from obtaining permanent teaching licenses in the state. It directly affects educators seeking permanent certification by eliminating barriers that may have required additional steps or documentation. The key provision simplifies the process for teachers to achieve permanent licensure, though specific restrictions removed are not detailed in the provided context. The bill became law on July 31, 2025, as Chapter 216 of the 2025 regular session acts.

Maddy summaryHB 3181 allows all retired law enforcement officers to purchase firearms without restrictions that previously applied to them. The bill removes a prior ban on retired police and sheriff's department officers buying guns directly. It became effective on July 31, 2025, after being signed by the governor on April 28, 2025. This change directly affects retired officers who now have the same firearm purchasing rights as other state residents.

Maddy summaryHB 2575 establishes a permanent, full-time position for a Dementia Services Director within the state Department of Health. This position directly affects state agencies responsible for managing dementia care programs and services. The bill requires the Department of Health to appoint this director to coordinate dementia-related services, ensuring consistent oversight and program management across state initiatives. The law, enacted without the Governor's signature on April 12, 2025, formalizes this role to improve the structure of dementia care delivery.

Maddy summaryHB 3209 requires every public and charter school in the state to have at least one school counselor for every 250 students. This law directly affects all public and charter schools by mandating a specific counselor-to-student ratio. The key provision sets a clear standard: schools must maintain a minimum of one counselor per 250 enrolled students, ensuring consistent access to counseling services. The bill became law on July 30, 2025, after approval by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 3111 increases salaries for West Virginia judges effective July 1, 2026, and 2027. It raises Supreme Court justices' annual pay to $154,600 (from $149,600), circuit court judges to $143,600 (from $138,600), and family court judges to $113,950 (from $103,950). The bill also requires judicial employees to contribute to the retirement system while suspending employer contributions until specific conditions are met. These changes directly affect all state judges and their staff, aligning family court secretary-clerk salaries ($44,876) with future state employee increases.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 24) requests the West Virginia Division of Highways to rename bridge number 52-250/00-009.13 (currently known as Littleton Bridge) in Wetzel County as the "Postlethwait Brothers Memorial Bridge." It honors four brothers - Clarence, John Lloyd, Frank, and George Postlethwait - who served in multiple wars (World War II, Korea, Vietnam) with distinguished military careers. The resolution, which passed unanimously on April 12, 2025, directs the Division of Highways to install signage identifying the bridge with this new name.