Del. Roger Hanshaw

Maddy summaryHB 5171 sets new salary schedules for West Virginia county commissioners and other elected county officials (such as sheriffs, clerks, and assessors), effective July 1, 2026. The bill establishes specific annual salary amounts based on county classification (Class I to X), with increases ranging from $5,000 to $17,000 above current rates for commissioners and similar increases for other officials. To receive these raises, counties must first have their auditor certify improved fiscal health, and individual officials must submit a written request for the increase. This directly affects all 55 counties and their elected county officials, with the new rates applying to terms beginning July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House Resolution (not a bill), introduced by multiple West Virginia delegates. It designates the month of June as "Fidelity Month" to promote the values of faith, family, and patriotism across the state. The resolution cites declining support for these values in polling and research, and calls for the state to "rededicate" itself to them during June. It has no binding policy requirements or direct impact on specific groups; it is purely a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis West Virginia House resolution states that the U.S. national debt (over $38 trillion in 2026) poses a national security threat, citing foreign debt ownership, projected Social Security/Medicare shortfalls, and warnings from military/intelligence leaders. It urges Congress to establish regular budgeting procedures but does not create new laws or alter federal spending. As a symbolic resolution, it has no direct legal effect on national debt policy or federal budgets. The resolution focuses on raising awareness rather than implementing concrete changes.

Maddy summaryHB 5098 creates West Virginia's "Mobile ID Act," establishing a program to provide in-home and long-term care facility visits for state-issued identification cards and driver licenses. It directly affects West Virginia residents with medical conditions or disabilities preventing travel to DMV offices, as verified by a licensed medical provider, and those residing in licensed long-term care facilities. The bill requires the DMV to offer these services with two-person visits for safety, schedule appointments within 30 days of request, and maintain medical certification standards. It does not waive existing ID verification or Real ID requirements but mandates rulemaking for application processes, staffing, fees, and annual reporting starting in 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 5027 amends West Virginia's eminent domain law to clarify that the state or its subdivisions cannot take private property primarily for private economic development where ownership or control transfers to a private entity (e.g., via purchase or lease). The bill prohibits such takings without the owner's consent, while preserving existing public uses like infrastructure, utilities, schools, and parks. It specifically targets cases where eminent domain would benefit private developers rather than serve a direct public purpose. This change applies to all property owners and government entities exercising eminent domain authority in West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHCR 3 is a House Concurrent Resolution requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways to rename specific infrastructure projects with memorial names honoring veterans and community members. It directs the naming of 15 bridges and road segments across multiple counties, including the "John and Virginia Skidmore Memorial Bridge" over Route 79 in Braxton County and the "U.S. Army CPL Benny Franklin Shifflett Memorial Bridge" over the West Fork River in Lewis County. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but formally proposes these memorial names for official use on state infrastructure. This procedural resolution affects the Division of Highways' naming practices and honors individuals with military service or community ties.

Maddy summaryHB 5014 modifies West Virginia's real property tax rules for farm structures used in agricultural activities. It phases out taxes on eligible structures over three years: 33% reduction in 2026, 67% in 2027, and full exemption by 2028 for structures appraised in 2025. The exemption applies only to farm structures on agricultural land (per §19-19-2b) used for farming operations, excluding commercial solar installations, wood processing facilities, and event venues. This directly affects farm property owners who maintain qualifying structures for agricultural production, storage, or distribution.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends West Virginia law to allow parties (complainants or respondents) in Human Rights Commission (HRC) discrimination cases to transfer their cases directly to circuit court. It affects individuals or organizations involved in HRC complaints by providing an option to bypass HRC proceedings and seek resolution in judicial court. The change modifies existing procedures under §16B-17-10, enabling parties to "remove the matter" to circuit court instead of proceeding through the HRC's investigation and hearing process. This is a procedural adjustment with no new substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 4870 extends campaign finance report deadlines for West Virginia legislators during legislative sessions. It requires that reports due while the Legislature is in session (regular, extraordinary, or special) be filed seven days after the session ends, instead of the original statutory date. This applies only to legislators and ensures no late fees or penalties are applied for reports filed under this extension. The bill aims to align reporting requirements with legislators' session duties without reducing transparency.

Maddy summaryHB 4014, the Workforce Readiness and Opportunity Act, creates a state-run micro-credential program to recognize skills gained through project-based learning (like critical thinking or trade skills) outside traditional classroom settings. It expands tax credits for businesses funding apprenticeships, modifies tax rules to allow portable benefits contributions for independent contractors without creating employer-employee relationships, and removes proficiency exam requirements for military-trained individuals seeking professional licenses. The bill directly affects workers (especially in skilled trades), employers, training programs, and veterans pursuing licenses. Key mechanisms include standardizing micro-credential recognition across education and employers, and streamlining licensing for military veterans. The bill is currently in the House Finance Committee after passing the Education Committee.