Rep. Lori Dittman

Maddy summaryHB 4986 amends West Virginia law to clarify when parental abandonment is presumed, especially for incarcerated parents. It states that abandonment is presumed when a parent is jailed for a significant portion of the child's minority (considering the child's age and need for stability) or for serious crimes like sexual assault, murder, or violent offenses. The bill also requires child welfare agencies to seek termination of parental rights when a child has been in foster care for 15 of the last 22 months, or when a court finds the child abandoned, abused, or when a parent committed specific violent or sexual crimes against the child. This directly affects parents facing incarceration for certain offenses and children in foster care or abuse cases.

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 House Resolution honors the life and legacy of the late West Virginia legislator Larry D. Kump, who passed away on February 28, 2026. The resolution formally expresses the House of Delegates' condolences to Kump's family and acknowledges his service as a representative for Berkeley County across three different terms. It recognizes his career in criminal justice and mediation, his commitment to limited government, and his role as a devoted family member and church leader. The document is a ceremonial tribute rather than a law that changes policy or affects public programs.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the Capitol Building Commission and Department of Administration to assess and address hazardous trees along California Avenue and Kanawha Boulevard on the State Capitol Complex grounds. The resolution requests an immediate evaluation of trees that have caused property damage through falling limbs and broken trunks over the past two years. It specifically asks officials to trim trees back to the grass side of sidewalks or remove and replace hazardous trees to protect public safety and state property. This non-binding resolution directs state agencies to take preventative maintenance actions without mandating specific enforcement measures.

Maddy summaryHB 5105 creates a legal cause of action for vulnerable individuals - including those in recovery, elderly persons (65+), protected persons, and incapacitated adults - who suffer financial exploitation. The bill defines "financial exploitation" as the intentional misuse of funds or assets through undue influence (excluding good-faith financial assistance) and prohibits defenses based solely on a legal relationship (e.g., being a guardian or attorney). Courts can issue protective orders, freeze assets, award increased damages, and impose stricter criminal penalties for violations - especially for repeat offenses or losses of $1,000+ - without requiring proof of criminal intent.

Maddy summaryHB 5198 amends West Virginia's hate crime law to explicitly include "disability" as a protected class alongside race, sex, and other characteristics. It increases penalties for crimes motivated by disability bias - such as violence or intimidation - by classifying such acts as felonies punishable by fines up to $5,000 or 10 years in prison. The bill applies to all individuals with disabilities as defined under state law (§16B-17-3), directly affecting victims of disability-targeted crimes and holding perpetrators accountable under existing hate crime provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 5661 increases Medicaid dental provider reimbursement rates in West Virginia. It expands Medicaid coverage for diagnostic/preventative and restorative dental services (excluding cosmetic procedures) to adults aged 21+ with a $2,000 per two-year spending limit. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to raise dental provider payments by at least 20% by December 1, 2028, and mandates annual reports on dental program costs. This directly affects dental providers who treat Medicaid patients and adult Medicaid beneficiaries seeking dental care.

Maddy summaryHB 5651 creates a statewide program to support West Virginia microbusinesses (defined as businesses with 9 or fewer employees). It establishes a permanent state fund to provide grants for training, equipment, and microloans through partner organizations, while requiring state agencies to pay certified microbusiness vendors within 15 days for goods or services. The bill also mandates simplified compliance guides for small businesses when new rules affect them and encourages awarding small state contracts to certified microbusinesses. This program prioritizes rural areas, veteran-owned businesses, and entrepreneurs lacking traditional financing access.

Maddy summaryHB 5197 shortens the time homeowners have to challenge a tax deed from two years to one year if they weren't properly notified of the sale. It requires anyone suing to set aside a tax deed to deposit full redemption funds with the court clerk before proceeding. The bill also strengthens the requirement that property purchasers must prove they made "reasonably diligent" efforts to notify potential owners before selling property at tax sale. These changes directly affect property owners who missed tax sale notices and tax deed purchasers seeking to secure title.