Del. Adam Burkhammer

Maddy summaryHB 4760 requires West Virginia health insurance plans to cover dietary supplements and nutrition prescriptions recommended by a patient's physician. This applies to all health insurance policies sold in the state and covers items defined as "nutritional wellness and prevention" (like vitamins, minerals, and dietary counseling) that improve health, strengthen immunity, or prevent disease. Insurance companies must cover these items only if they appear on an annual list maintained by the West Virginia Insurance Commission. The bill directly affects insurers, policyholders seeking these services, and the Insurance Commission responsible for updating the coverage list.

Maddy summaryHB 4997 prohibits individuals convicted of terroristic threats involving schools or children (under §61-6-24(b)) from residing within 1,000 feet of any educational facility, including public/private schools, preschools, or daycares where children are regularly present. This residency restriction applies automatically during probation or parole, or as a sentencing condition if no supervision is ordered. Violations are classified as felonies punishable by 1-5 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, or both, and may lead to revocation of probation. The bill uses GIS or property records to measure proximity and aligns with existing sex offender residency rules under §62-12-26.

Maddy summaryHB 5576 requires Socially Necessary Services (SNS) providers in West Virginia to report mileage differently based on their usage. Providers traveling over 3,000 miles in a 92-day period must submit detailed mileage logs, while those under 3,000 miles need only basic documentation. The bill mandates digital reporting forms to reduce errors, allows GPS data to replace paper logs, and requires providers to cover the cost of any new tracking technology. Using approved software grants providers expedited payment processing, aiming to modernize billing and improve accountability for the Department of Human Services. This directly affects SNS providers who bill for mileage-related services.

Maddy summaryHB 5531 clarifies rules for hunters tracking mortally wounded game. It permits hunters to use leashed dogs or licensed unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to locate wounded deer, elk, turkey, wild boar, or bear, provided the hunter has a valid license and maintains physical control of the dog. Commercial operators (dog handlers or drone pilots) offering tracking services must be licensed as outfitters/guides or comply with FAA drone rules. The bill also specifies that only the hunter (or their designated handler) may humanely dispatch the animal to prevent suffering, and requires the state to publish a list of licensed tracking service providers by September 1 each year. This bill directly affects hunters, commercial tracking service providers, and wildlife management authorities in West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 5624 amends West Virginia's asbestos abatement regulations by updating key definitions, including terms like "asbestos," "asbestos abatement project," and "asbestos contractor." The bill repeals section §16-32-9c and revises sections §16-32-2, §16-32-11, and §16-32-15 to modernize the regulatory framework. This directly affects asbestos contractors, workers, inspectors, and management planners who handle asbestos-containing materials. The provided text does not detail additional specific requirements beyond the revised definitions, as the bill focuses on clarifying terminology for compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 5570 proposes to exempt transportation companies (common or contract carriers) that move processed recycled materials for commercial or industrial businesses from certain state regulations. Specifically, it would remove requirements for vehicles transporting these materials from business customers to recycling facilities. The exemption applies only to "processed source-separated recycled materials" and does not eliminate safety or insurance rules that carriers must still follow. This bill directly affects waste haulers and businesses generating recyclable materials who use contracted transportation services.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative House resolution honoring former West Virginia House Speaker and Chief Justice Timothy P. Armstead following his passing. It memorializes his service, names a conference room in the House as the "Speaker Tim Armstead Memorial Conference Room," and extends condolences to his family. The resolution does not create new laws or affect policy - it formally recognizes his legacy and contributions to West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 5530 moves the Critical Incident Review Team from the Department of Human Services (DHS) to the Office of Inspector General and updates its membership. The team reviews child fatalities or near-fatalities involving DHS cases, including children in foster care or connected to families with DHS involvement, to identify prevention strategies. Key changes include adding a Senate member (appointed by the Senate President) and a House member (appointed by the House Speaker) as non-voting ex-officio members, while retaining key DHS and child welfare stakeholders. The bill aims to improve oversight of child welfare system safety by centralizing the review process under the Inspector General's office.

Maddy summaryHB 5605 requires West Virginia legislators to pass annual drug tests for illegal drugs and unprescribed legal drugs to receive compensation or expense reimbursement. The bill mandates testing by December 31 each year, with legislators covering their own testing costs. Failure to pass or complete the test results in the loss of all legislative pay and reimbursements for that session. This policy directly affects all state legislators, linking their financial compensation to drug test compliance under the new provision.

Maddy summaryHB 5498 clarifies that members of county child abuse investigative teams cannot be personally liable for actions taken during investigations of child sexual assault, abuse, or neglect - such as prosecutors, law enforcement, child protective services workers, health care providers, and mental health professionals. The bill specifically protects team members from liability for routine work in these investigations, but does not shield them from claims arising from gross negligence, willful misconduct, or intentional harm. This amendment to West Virginia law directly affects the 8 permanent team member roles listed in the bill and ensures they can participate without personal legal risk for standard investigative actions. The change aims to strengthen team collaboration by removing personal liability concerns during sensitive child abuse cases.