Del. Lori Dittman

Maddy summaryHCR 71 is a concurrent resolution requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways name a specific bridge in Roane County the "U.S. Army Technician Fifth Grade Leonard N. Miller Memorial Bridge." It directly affects bridge number 44-010/00-001.09 (locally known as MT Olive Bridge), which carries Reedyville Road over Left Fork Reedy Creek. The resolution cites Leonard N. Miller's military service in World War II (including his 11th Airborne Division service and awards) and post-war life in West Virginia as the reason for the memorial. The request asks the Division of Highways to install signage identifying the bridge with this new name.

Maddy summaryHCR 72 designates March 20, 2025 as "Black Lung Awareness Day" in West Virginia. It honors coal miners affected by black lung disease (coal worker's pneumoconiosis), a preventable occupational lung condition caused by coal dust exposure. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or policy changes - it serves as a ceremonial observance recognizing the disease's impact and existing protections like the Black Lung Benefits Act. It follows the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act's emphasis on miner safety without altering current regulations.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 47) requests that West Virginia's Division of Highways rename the Etam Bridge (Bridge Number 39-072/00-001.85) in Preston County as the "Clinton 'Randy' Dean 101st Airborne Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge." It honors Clinton "Randy" Dean, a West Virginia native and Vietnam War veteran who served with the 101st Airborne Division, received a Purple Heart, and later died from Agent Orange-related illness. The resolution specifically directs the Division of Highways to name the bridge and install prominent signage identifying it with this commemorative name. This is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy change affecting legislation or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2737 establishes the Higher Education Health and Aid Grant program, providing funding to West Virginia's public colleges and universities to address student food insecurity and health/hygiene needs. The grant can be used for campus food and health aid pantries, shelf-stable food, and specific health supplies like toiletries, medical items, and hygiene products. Institutions must track inventory and submit detailed spending reports to the Higher Education Policy Commission, with annual impact reports required for the legislature by July 1, 2026. The program becomes effective July 1, 2025, targeting all state institutions with campuses.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the West Virginia House of Delegates' support for the Southern Regional Education Board's (SREB) Crisis Recovery Network, which would provide long-term mental health counseling support to schools after crises like natural disasters or shootings. It recognizes that schools - especially rural ones - often lack sufficient counselors to address ongoing student and staff needs during recovery. The resolution does not create new programs or funding but affirms state participation in the existing SREB network, which coordinates specialized counselors and resources for schools in extreme need.

Maddy summaryHB 2020 prohibits anyone from selling, giving, or furnishing e-cigarettes, vapes, or vape cartridges to individuals under 18 years old. This law directly affects businesses (like vape shops or convenience stores) and employees who sell these products to minors, as well as individuals who give them to minors. Violators face misdemeanor charges with fines starting at $50 for a first offense, increasing to up to $5,000 for repeat violations within specific timeframes. The bill focuses exclusively on e-cigarette products (defined as "vapor products" or "electronic smoking devices") and does not apply to FDA-approved nicotine products. It amends West Virginia law to strengthen penalties for selling these items to minors.

Maddy summaryHB 2018 requires West Virginia public schools operating on a standard calendar to begin instruction no earlier than September 1 and end no later than May 31 each school year. The bill amends existing law to establish these fixed start and end dates while maintaining the current requirement for 180 instructional days. It applies to all public schools except those using a "balanced calendar" as defined by state board policy. The measure does not change the total instructional day requirement but sets specific annual date boundaries for the school calendar.

Maddy summaryHJR 40 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how members of the West Virginia State Board of Education are selected. It would replace the current system of nine appointed members with a hybrid model: five members elected on a partisan basis from five geographic regions (serving staggered four-year terms), and four members appointed by the Governor with Senate consent. The amendment would require the Board to submit any rules or policies they create to the Legislature for review, approval, amendment, or rejection. If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, these changes would take effect with the 2028 general election, modifying the current appointment system for the Board.

Maddy summaryHB 3413 expands the definition of "food truck" to include mobile pull-behind trailers and kiosks used for selling food. This directly affects mobile food vendors operating these specific setups, requiring them to follow the same health and safety rules as traditional food trucks. Key provisions mandate compliance with West Virginia's FDA Food Code, regular health inspections, and proper food handling practices. The bill also creates a reciprocity clause, allowing vendors with valid county permits to operate in other counties if they meet health standards. This change aims to standardize regulations for all mobile food service operations.

Maddy summaryHB 3376 allows school districts facing imminent consolidation to hold emergency levy elections outside regular primary or general election dates. This amendment to West Virginia law enables local levying bodies to schedule special elections specifically to address funding needs related to school consolidation, bypassing standard election timing rules. The bill requires clear ballot wording specifying the levy purpose and tax rates for different property classes, while maintaining standard election procedures for processing votes. It directly affects school districts in counties with pending consolidation plans seeking immediate voter approval for renewal levies. The policy change streamlines election timing without altering levy amounts or creating new taxes.