Del. Adam Burkhammer

Maddy summaryHB 3338, now law as Chapter 52 of the 2025 Regular Session, allows child witnesses to testify remotely in court proceedings when a judge determines in-person testimony would be traumatic for them. This directly affects minors involved in sensitive cases, such as abuse or violence, by providing an alternative to testifying in the courtroom. The key provision gives judges the authority to decide if remote testimony is necessary for the child's well-being, without requiring a separate motion. The bill does not change existing procedures for adult witnesses or alter the legal standards for admissibility of testimony.

Maddy summaryHB 2157 allows drivers to purchase and print one-trip temporary vehicle permits online instead of obtaining them in person. This change directly affects individuals needing short-term permits for activities like moving, transporting a vehicle, or temporary rentals. The key provision replaces physical permit counters with a digital system, enabling immediate online purchase and printing. The bill became law on July 31, 2025 (Chapter 184, Acts of the 2025 Regular Session).

Maddy summaryHB 2152, the Prompt Payment Act of 2025, requires West Virginia state agencies to pay vendors and grantees within 45 days of receiving a legitimate claim for payment. It directly affects entities providing goods/services to state agencies (vendors) or receiving state grants (grantees), excluding employee compensation, federal pass-through funds, and certain other categories listed in the bill. Key mechanisms include defining "legitimate claim" (verified invoices or grant entitlements), setting a 45-day payment deadline from claim receipt, and mandating state agencies to report delays to the State Auditor or allowing vendors/grantees to report violations. The State Auditor must then publish a monthly list of noncompliant agencies online. This law applies to all state agencies for payments made on or after July 8, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2402 requires healthcare providers to share a minor's medical records with parents or legal guardians upon request, unless the minor (age 14 or older) specifically asks to keep their records private. This law directly affects minors, their parents/guardians, and healthcare providers who must now follow this access protocol. Key provisions mandate that providers inform minors about their right to request record privacy and establish clear procedures for handling access requests. The bill became law on April 25, 2025, after approval by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 2042 allows a guardian ad litem (a court-appointed child advocate) to formally request that a court appoint a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for a child in custody or foster care cases. This directly affects children in the state’s child welfare system and the guardians ad litem representing them. The bill adds a specific procedural step, enabling GALs to seek a CASA’s involvement when they believe it would benefit the child’s well-being. The law, enacted on July 31, 2025, streamlines access to CASA services without altering existing child welfare standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits specific food additives deemed unsafe from being used in school nutrition programs in West Virginia, directly affecting schools and meal providers participating in state and federal school feeding initiatives. The legislation explicitly bans butylated hydroxyanisole, propylparaben, and six FD&C food colorings from meals served in schools, while allowing these ingredients in other food products outside of school nutrition programs. The law also updates existing definitions of adulterated food to include these specific additives and exempts minor violations from criminal penalties if the total value of adulterated food sold under $5,000 per month. These changes take effect on August 1, 2025, for school programs and January 1, 2028, for broader food safety provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 2802 establishes a system allowing law enforcement officers to earn in-service training credits for completing approved professional development courses. It directly affects law enforcement officers in the state by creating a standardized way to accumulate credits toward career advancement or salary milestones. The key provision requires state agencies to maintain a list of approved training programs and track officer participation. This law, now enacted as Chapter 159 of the 2025 Regular Session, replaces previous informal credit systems with a formal, state-administered process. It focuses on improving officer qualifications through structured, documented training rather than altering operational procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 2880 establishes a program for "parent resource navigators" to help parents access early childhood and educational services. These navigators, appointed by local education agencies, provide guidance on resources like childcare, health programs, and school support systems. The bill became law on April 30, 2025, and directly affects parents seeking assistance with public service programs in their communities. It creates a formal role for navigators but does not specify new funding or eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryThis West Virginia law (HB 2043, now law as Chapter 115, 2025) permits hunters to use leashed dogs or drones to locate seriously injured deer, elk, bear, turkey, or wild boar on their own property or leased land after a legally taken shot. Hunters must have a valid license, and dog handlers or drone operators must be licensed as outfitters/guides or comply with FAA Part 107 rules (for non-property operators). The state must publish an annual list of licensed handlers by September 1. The law does not change hunting regulations but adds specific rules for this tracking method, requiring hunters to accompany handlers unless physically unable.

Maddy summaryHB 3504 creates West Virginia's Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, defining "critical infrastructure" to include facilities like power plants, water treatment centers, pipelines, hospitals, and telecommunications equipment. It prohibits unauthorized entry (trespassing) on these sites, with misdemeanor penalties of up to $1,000 fines or one year in jail. For damaging critical infrastructure (including cyberattacks) causing over $2,500 in harm, it imposes felony charges with fines of $3,000-$10,000 or 1-5 years in prison, increasing for repeat offenses. The law directly affects property owners who can enforce these rules and anyone entering or damaging these designated facilities without permission.