Del. Robbie Martin

Maddy summaryHB 4551, the West Virginia Safe Trucking Act 2026, requires non-domiciled commercial drivers (those not residents of West Virginia) operating commercial vehicles in the state to present a valid work visa and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or passport) starting July 1, 2026. This applies specifically to drivers holding non-domiciled commercial driver licenses or learner permits, as defined by federal regulations. Violations carry fines up to $2,500 for drivers per offense and up to $3,000 per violation for commercial carriers employing non-compliant drivers. The bill amends existing licensing standards to add these requirements and penalties, focusing on verifying legal work authorization for commercial truck drivers.

Maddy summaryHB 4519 requires full cash bail for individuals rearrested for violent or gun-related crimes while already out on bail for a previous violent or gun-related offense. It also mandates that if convicted of these subsequent crimes, sentences must run consecutively (one after another) rather than concurrently. This bill directly affects defendants charged with violent or gun-related offenses who are already on bail for similar crimes when re-arrested. The key provisions replace standard bail procedures with mandatory cash bail requirements for these specific re-arrests and alter sentencing structure for repeat offenses. The bill does not change general bail rules but targets repeat offenders in these categories.

Maddy summaryHB 4513 would expand a state tax exemption for pension benefits by extending the existing $2,000 annual exclusion from West Virginia income tax to include Division of Natural Resources police, deputy sheriffs, full-time firefighters, and municipal police officers. Currently, this exemption applies to some retirement benefits but excludes these specific public safety roles. The bill modifies tax code sections to explicitly add these officers to the list of law enforcement personnel whose pension payments qualify for the exemption. This change directly affects eligible officers in these roles by reducing their taxable income for state tax purposes. The bill is in early stages, having been introduced on January 19, 2026, and referred to the House Finance Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4133 defines a standard workday for West Virginia school service personnel (such as aides, custodians, and maintenance staff) as eight hours with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break, and a half-day as four hours. It specifies that employees working weekends (Saturday/Sunday) must be paid for at least half a day per day worked, or a full day if working over 3.5 hours. The bill also removes a prior provision about employing licensed practical nurses, though the specific content of that removed section is not detailed in the text. These changes directly affect school service workers' scheduling, pay for weekend work, and defined work hours under state employment rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits any organization receiving state funding from requiring COVID-19 vaccination as a condition for employment or participation in its programs. It mandates exemptions for medical reasons (verified by a physician) or sincerely held religious beliefs (via notarized statement), and bans discrimination against employees using these exemptions. The law applies to all state-funded entities, including government agencies, schools, and private businesses, but excludes Medicare/Medicaid-certified facilities due to federal regulations. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 4512 requires child protective services (CPS) workers to audio-record all interactions during investigations of suspected child abuse or neglect. This applies to every visit or interview with a person under investigation, though workers must obtain informed consent or a court order before recording in private settings like homes. The bill also mandates a face-to-face interview with the child within 14 days of investigation initiation to develop a safety plan. It directly affects CPS workers conducting investigations and families involved in ongoing abuse/neglect cases. The law amends existing West Virginia code to establish this recording requirement as a standard procedure.

Maddy summaryHB 4523 would move the election of West Virginia Supreme Court justices from the primary election to the general election. The bill requires justices to be elected on a nonpartisan ballot during the general election, with multiple seats handled through numbered divisions on the ballot. Voters would select one candidate per division, and the candidate receiving the most votes in each division would win the seat. This change does not alter the current method of electing justices statewide (by all voters in the state) or the vote-counting process.

Maddy summaryHB 4486 establishes fines for employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers in West Virginia. It directly affects businesses and organizations that employ individuals without proper immigration authorization. The bill sets tiered penalties: $1,000-$10,000 for a first offense, $5,000-$20,000 for a second, and $10,000-$30,000 or up to one year in jail for third or subsequent offenses. Additional penalties apply for falsifying records or transferring assets to evade these requirements. The bill amends existing law to strengthen enforcement against employers who knowingly violate immigration hiring rules.

Maddy summaryHB 4526 establishes rules for election observers in West Virginia, affecting political parties, candidates, and third-party organizations that may send up to two observers per election location. The bill requires observers to present a letter of appointment and wear a badge, while allowing them to observe most election activities - including ballot handling, tabulation, and equipment testing - except for individual vote casting or confidential ballot completion. It mandates election officials to provide full access to observation areas, prohibit obstructing observers, and ensure public access to ballot reviews and recounts. The law also permits observers to use recording devices and handwritten notes, with officials facing potential sanctions for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryHB 4520 would provide a 25% discount on lodging and services at West Virginia State Parks for residents who present a valid West Virginia driver's license or state ID. The bill requires state park directors to implement this discount for all qualifying residents. It directly affects West Virginia residents seeking to use state park lodging or services. The policy change would make park stays more affordable for in-state residents under this specific program.