Del. Dana Ferrell

Maddy summaryHB 2998 changes the deadline for paying fire service charges from 75 to 180 days. It directly affects property owners and responsible parties who incur costs for fire department services, such as firefighting, rescue, or debris cleanup. The bill amends existing law to extend the payment window while maintaining requirements for itemized billing, fee limits ($1,500 per incident), and written payment agreements. This adjustment provides more time for individuals or entities to settle charges before potential court action for unpaid fees. The change applies to all county fire prevention units, including both volunteer and paid departments.

Maddy summaryHB 2951 exempts the sale of small arms (rifles, shotguns, pistols under specific size limits), small arms ammunition, and related accessories (including optics, holsters, cleaning supplies, and storage devices) from West Virginia's sales and service taxes. It directly affects consumers purchasing these items for personal use, as well as shooting ranges hosting events. The bill defines "small arms accessories" broadly to cover equipment like target systems, scopes, reloading tools, and range gear. This policy change reduces the cost of acquiring firearms and related equipment by removing applicable state taxes. The bill is currently in the House Finance Committee after being introduced on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2970 requires election officials to include specific verification information on absentee ballot envelopes in West Virginia. This information allows election officials to confirm a voter's identity with high confidence when ballots are returned, without publishing personal details like signatures. The bill directly affects absentee voters and election officials who process mail-in ballots. It modifies existing absentee voting procedures under §3-3-5 of West Virginia law to add this verification step, ensuring identity confirmation while protecting voter privacy. The change applies to all absentee ballots returned by mail or electronically.

Maddy summaryHB 2941 establishes the Interstate Cosmetology Licensure Compact to allow cosmetologists licensed in one member state to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It directly affects cosmetologists, particularly military members and their spouses who relocate frequently, by reducing licensing barriers. The bill creates a Commission to manage the compact, standardize requirements (like background checks), and handle disputes or license restrictions across states. Key provisions include uniform multistate licensing, shared data on license status, and protections for public safety through coordinated oversight. This framework aims to improve workforce mobility while ensuring consistent service standards without changing individual state licensing rules.

Maddy summaryHB 2938 would allow pharmacists in West Virginia to sell ivermectin over the counter without a prescription, directly affecting pharmacies and residents seeking the medication. The bill amends state law to remove the requirement for a prescription for ivermectin, permitting its sale, distribution, or possession by individuals without medical authorization. This change applies specifically to human-use ivermectin, not veterinary products. The legislation does not alter medical guidelines or safety standards but shifts access from prescription-dependent to over-the-counter availability. The bill is currently pending in the Health and Human Resources Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2864 requires the West Virginia Division of Labor to create and distribute a poster containing contact information and resource details for veterans' benefits and services. The poster must include eight specific resources, such as mental health treatment, education programs, tax benefits, and the Veterans Crisis Line. Employers with more than 50 full-time employees must display the poster prominently in their workplace and on their website.

Maddy summaryHB 2839 requires all West Virginia public elementary, middle, and high schools to provide free feminine hygiene products to female students. County boards of education must supply these products using existing funds allocated for hygiene items, without requiring new state spending. The bill directly affects female students in public K-12 schools by ensuring access to these essential products during school hours. It establishes a clear policy change to address period poverty in educational settings through existing budget mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 2925 would make certain panhandling practices unlawful in West Virginia, directly affecting individuals soliciting money in specific public or private locations. The bill prohibits panhandling at bus/train stops, in public transit, on streets/sidewalks (if blocking paths, following people, or threatening harm), and on private property without permission. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties: $100 for a first offense and $250-$1,000 for repeat offenses. Fire departments are exempt from these restrictions when soliciting donations for their operations.

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 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.