Del. Dana Ferrell

Maddy summaryHB 4718, the Secure Roads and Safe Trucking Act, requires nonresident commercial truck drivers operating in West Virginia to present a valid work visa and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or passport) while driving. It also mandates that drivers demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to communicate with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to officials, and complete required records. Commercial motor carriers face $3,000 fines per violation if their drivers fail to meet these requirements, while drivers operating without compliance risk a misdemeanor charge with fines up to $1,000 or 90 days in jail. The bill additionally allows the state to adopt the FMCSA's Even Exchange Program, waiving skills tests for military drivers with relevant experience and certain first responders.

Maddy summaryHB 4758 modifies parole eligibility for individuals convicted of first-degree murder or attempted first-degree murder in West Virginia. It increases the minimum prison term for attempted first-degree murder from 3 to 10 years and requires inmates convicted of these offenses to serve a longer portion of their sentence before becoming parole-eligible. Specifically, these individuals must serve at least three years or the maximum sentence imposed (whichever is less) before parole consideration, rather than the previous standard terms. The bill directly affects inmates serving sentences for murder or attempted murder of the first degree.

Maddy summaryHB 4727 would increase all state teacher salaries in West Virginia by 25% across every salary scale and experience level, effective for the 2024-2025 school year. It directly affects all public school teachers paid under the state minimum salary schedule, including those with varying certifications (like A.B., M.A., or special education) and years of experience. The bill amends the existing salary schedule by adding 25% to every base salary figure shown in the table, such as raising a 0-year experience 4th Class teacher's salary from $39,057 to approximately $48,821. This is a direct pay increase applied uniformly to all teacher classifications without changing certification requirements or adding new benefit categories.

Maddy summaryHB 4671 requires West Virginia law enforcement to immediately transfer individuals determined to be in the country without legal immigration status to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation. For a second offense (if the same person is again found without legal status), the bill classifies it as a felony, mandating 3 to 5 years in state prison before deportation. The bill also prohibits state and local law enforcement from interfering with this process or overriding federal immigration policy. It directly affects individuals without legal immigration status who are apprehended by law enforcement in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 4682, the Fourth Amendment Restoration Act, prohibits West Virginia law enforcement officers and local government officials from using specific surveillance and artificial intelligence technologies without a warrant. It bans real-time security monitoring, facial recognition, license plate readers, surveillance drones, and other listed tools for law enforcement purposes unless a court issues a warrant based on probable cause. Violators face felony charges with penalties including up to one year in prison and $10,000 fines per violation. The bill also allows individuals to sue officials who violate these restrictions and requires immediate discontinuation of existing use of banned technologies by all local governments. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 4689 allows localities (like towns, cities, or counties) contiguous to West Virginia's border to join the state through a specific process. It requires a binding local referendum, a simple majority vote by the West Virginia Legislature, and final voter approval at the next general election. If approved, the bill mandates transition steps: the Secretary of State must notify Congress and tax authorities within seven days, provide tax payment instructions with a grace period, and offer free business licensing and professional license grandfathering until December 31 of the admission year. This bill directly affects border communities seeking state admission and outlines concrete procedures for their integration into West Virginia's governance and tax systems.

Maddy summaryHB 4658 would add a new pay increment for teachers with a Master's degree plus 60 credits (or equivalent) to West Virginia's teacher salary schedule, which currently only includes increments up to Master's plus 15. The bill establishes a base salary amount for this category and an additional $69 per year of experience (up to 35 years), matching the structure of existing increments like "A.B. + 30" and "M.A. + 15." This change would directly increase pay for teachers meeting this specific qualification, including those with a Master's degree and 60 additional credits beyond the degree. The bill does not affect the existing "Bachelor’s Plus 30" increment, which is already listed in the current salary schedule.

Maddy summaryHB 4672 allows adopted adults aged 18 or older, or their direct descendants if the adoptee has died, to request certified copies of their original birth certificates from the State Registrar. The bill requires written requests and specifies that these copies must clearly state they cannot be used for legal identification. It applies the same procedures, fees, and waiting periods to adopted individuals as those used for non-adopted West Virginia residents seeking birth certificates. The original adoption records remain sealed except as permitted by this bill or other law.

Maddy summaryHB 4649 requires purchasers of property sold at tax sales (by the West Virginia Auditor for unpaid taxes) to satisfy any outstanding municipal liens (such as unpaid water or sewer charges) recorded against the property before securing a deed. Specifically, buyers must pay off these local government claims and provide the Auditor with a certified record of satisfaction from the municipality, in addition to existing requirements like preparing redemption notices and paying associated costs. Failure to meet this new requirement within 120 days (with a possible 60-day extension for a $100 fee) results in losing the property purchase. This change ensures new owners receive clear title without hidden municipal claims.

Maddy summaryHB 4548 requires employers on West Virginia public construction projects to hire at least 75% of workers from the local labor market, with flexibility for up to two non-local workers per project. If employers cannot find enough local workers, they must request a waiver from WorkForce West Virginia, which then permits hiring outside the area using the same qualifications and wage rates previously provided. The bill clarifies that the West Virginia Jobs Act applies to all public construction projects, including those managed by the West Virginia Development Authority. It also mandates the Division of Labor to create a public online database (redacting personal information) showing where workers reside on these projects, accessible for transparency. This directly affects construction employers receiving public contracts and public authorities overseeing such projects.