Del. Roger Hanshaw

Maddy summaryHB 5285 increases funding for specific social services divisions within West Virginia's Department of Human Services using leftover state funds. It raises appropriations for the Bureau for Social Services' Office of the Commissioner, Child Protective Services, Social Services Case Workers, Adult Protective Services, and Youth Services Case Workers for fiscal year 2026. The bill supplements existing budget allocations rather than creating new programs, directly affecting staff and service delivery in these divisions. It uses unappropriated balance funds from the state treasury, as identified in the Governor's budget document, to cover these increased costs.

Maddy summaryHB 5281 adds $600,000 to the existing budget for the West Virginia Division of Forestry (under Department of Commerce, Fund 0250) for fiscal year 2026. It uses unspent funds from the previous fiscal year’s General Revenue account to cover current operational expenses, not new programs. This supplemental appropriation directly affects the Division of Forestry’s ability to manage forest resources during 2026 without altering existing laws or creating new requirements. The bill does not change eligibility for services or impose new obligations on citizens.

Maddy summaryHB 5280 adds $2 million from West Virginia's unspent budget surplus to fund WorkForce West Virginia's current operations for fiscal year 2026. It reallocates existing unappropriated funds (money already budgeted but not yet spent) to the department's general budget without creating new taxes or spending. This supplemental appropriation directly supports WorkForce West Virginia's ongoing programs, such as job training and workforce development services. The bill uses surplus funds identified in the Governor's budget document, as noted in the "WHEREAS" clauses, to cover operational costs during the 2026 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryHB 5311 allocates $132,000 from West Virginia's unspent surplus funds to the Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Secretary for the Fusion Center during fiscal year 2026. This supplemental appropriation adds a new budget line item to fund the Fusion Center's operations without increasing the state's overall budget. The bill directly affects the Department of Homeland Security's Fusion Center by providing specific funding from existing unappropriated surplus balances. It is a procedural budget adjustment, not a policy change, to reallocate unused state funds.

Maddy summaryHB 5313 adds $5,000,000 from West Virginia's unappropriated surplus funds to the Department of Administration's Office of the Secretary for fiscal year 2026. This supplemental appropriation covers current operational expenses without creating new programs or affecting external groups. The funds come from unused money in the General Revenue Fund, as identified in the Governor's 2026 budget. The bill simply reallocates existing surplus funds to the department's existing budget line for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5511 allows county school board employees' estates to receive a lump sum payment for unused accrued personal leave if the employee dies before retirement. The payment, capped at $6,000, is based on the employee's final pay rate and must be paid to the estate's personal representative within one month of request. It excludes deductions for retirement contributions and does not count toward final salary calculations. The bill directly affects county school employees who die while still employed and their beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryHB 5351 modernizes how counties collect fees from emergency communication service users to cover enhanced 911 systems and address conversion costs. It allows county commissions to impose a single fee per physical address (residential, commercial, or business location) regardless of technology used, including VoIP services for in-state subscribers. The fee must cover system upgrades, city-style addressing conversions, and operational costs, but cannot be charged multiple times for different services at the same location. This update ensures fee collection aligns with modern communication technologies while maintaining transparency for users.

Maddy summaryThis bill gives the West Virginia Secretary of State the authority to refer suspected election law violations to county prosecuting attorneys for investigation. When the Secretary of State identifies potential election fraud or irregularities, the county prosecutor must forward the matter to the West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys Institute, which then appoints a special prosecutor to review the allegations. The special prosecutor must provide written updates to the Secretary of State within 60 days and every 60 days thereafter until a decision is made about whether to pursue criminal charges. The appointed special prosecutor serves without additional pay beyond reimbursement for travel and related expenses, and county commissions cover these allowable costs.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally recognizes President Donald J. Trump for various policies and actions that the West Virginia House of Delegates claims have benefited the state. The document highlights specific initiatives including regulatory reforms in the energy sector, tax relief measures, funding for rural healthcare, and programs aimed at reducing prescription drug costs and establishing investment accounts for newborns. It also cites border security improvements and drug control efforts as contributing factors to public safety and economic well-being. The resolution expresses appreciation for these actions and requests that the formal recognition be sent to the President.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study whether energy recovery and micro-hydropower technologies could be used in West Virginia's public water systems. The study would examine specific locations like pressure valves and discharge points where excess water energy is currently wasted, and evaluate technologies that could generate electricity without major construction or environmental harm. The committee would also analyze potential cost savings, review available funding sources, and consider regulatory requirements for such installations. If the study finds these technologies feasible, the committee would provide recommendations to the Legislature by December 1, 2026, to help reduce water system operating costs and potentially lower water rates for residents.