Del. Roger Hanshaw

Maddy summaryHB 3014, which became law in April 2025, clarifies that hospital police officers in West Virginia are generally protected from civil and criminal liability for their official duties. This protection applies unless an officer acts outside their job scope, with malicious intent, in bad faith, or recklessly. The bill requires hospital police to meet law enforcement certification standards, take an oath, and post a bond before serving. It also defines their authority to enforce laws on hospital property and adjacent public roads under specific conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 3297 establishes the Washington Center for Civics, Culture, and Statesmanship at West Virginia University. The bill creates a new academic center focused on teaching civics, American culture, and leadership principles, directly affecting West Virginia University as its host institution. It authorizes the university to develop programs and use state funds for the center’s operations, with no additional funding specified in the bill text. The bill became law on April 30, 2025, as Chapter 149 of the 2025 Acts.

Maddy summaryHB 3342, the Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act, prohibits financial institutions from refusing services, ending existing relationships, or terminating contracts with firearm businesses (including manufacturers, dealers, and trade associations) solely based on their status in the firearms industry. It defines key terms like "firearm entity" and specifies exceptions, such as when actions comply with federal or state laws, or are based on traditional business reasons unrelated to firearm status. The law creates civil remedies for affected businesses and requires the Attorney General to report violators to the Governor, who may terminate state contracts with noncompliant institutions. This law directly affects firearm industry entities and financial institutions doing business with West Virginia, aiming to prevent financial discrimination against the sector.

Maddy summaryHB 3187 establishes a West Virginia Task Force on Artificial Intelligence to study the impacts of AI on the state's economy, workforce, and public services. The task force, composed of state officials and industry experts, must analyze AI's effects on jobs, ethics, and regulatory needs, then submit recommendations to the legislature by 2026. This law directly affects state agencies responsible for implementing AI-related policies and provides a structured process for addressing emerging technology challenges. The bill became effective on July 31, 2025, after approval by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHB 3517 establishes a new system for managing financial crises in West Virginia's local governments (such as cities, counties, and towns). It defines specific conditions that trigger a "fiscal watch" (a monitoring period for financial risks) or a "fiscal emergency" (a severe crisis requiring immediate action), requiring local governments to develop a financial recovery plan. The State Auditor will conduct financial reviews, impose restrictions, and can serve as a special receiver to manage finances during municipal dissolution or forfeiture. The bill also modernizes dissolution procedures for municipalities and prohibits local governments from using federal bankruptcy to avoid debt without state authorization.

Maddy summaryHB 3411 eliminates expired state commissions and removes legislative members from certain commissions as part of administrative cleanup. The bill directly affects state commissions that had expired or lacked active legislative representation. It requires the state to formally terminate these outdated commissions and removes legislative members from those still technically active but no longer operational. This is a procedural change, not a policy shift, streamlining state government structure. The bill became law as Chapter 143 of the 2025 Regular Session Acts.

Maddy summaryHB 2003, now Chapter 93 of the 2025 Regular Session Acts, prohibits the use of personal cell phones by students during instructional time in public K-12 classrooms. The bill directly affects students and school staff in public schools by requiring schools to establish policies banning cell phone use during class hours. Key provisions mandate that school districts create and enforce clear rules restricting personal device use, with specific exemptions for educational purposes or emergencies. The law became effective July 30, 2025, following gubernatorial approval on April 29, 2025. This policy change aims to reduce classroom distractions by eliminating personal cell phone use during teaching time.

Maddy summaryHB 2002 creates a centralized online "Permitting Dashboard" to streamline business permits in West Virginia. The dashboard, required by July 2026, allows businesses to apply for, pay for, and track status of qualifying permits (like construction, infrastructure, or economic development permits) from multiple state agencies - including Environmental Protection, Tourism, and Transportation - in one place. Key features include searchable access, private accounts for applicants, electronic payments, and a paid "fast-track" option for expedited processing. This directly affects businesses needing permits across participating state departments, aiming to simplify and speed up the permitting process.

Maddy summaryHB 2123 modifies the criminal penalties for parents, guardians, or custodians convicted of child abuse. It changes the sentencing structure for these specific caregivers, adjusting the severity of penalties based on the abuse's nature and impact. The bill directly affects individuals in parental or custodial roles who face criminal charges for child abuse. Signed into law on April 25, 2025, it became Chapter 77 of the 2025 Regular Session Acts.

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.