Del. Robbie Martin

Maddy summaryHB 4991, the West Virginia First Energy Act, requires coal-fired power plants in the state to maintain a minimum 69% operational utilization rate (measured annually) and hold at least a 30-day coal supply based on average usage. It restricts utilities from retiring or reducing coal or natural-gas plants without Public Service Commission approval, which requires proof the change won’t raise rates, increase market volatility, or harm grid reliability. The bill also prohibits cost recovery for new wind or solar projects and bans power-purchase agreements for intermittent energy unless existing coal/gas capacity meets specific replacement standards. These provisions aim to stabilize electricity rates, preserve coal industry jobs, and prioritize in-state dispatchable power sources over out-of-state or weather-dependent generation.

Maddy summaryHB 5010 prohibits West Virginia institutions of higher education and their affiliate organizations from accepting gifts, grants, contracts, or other funding from designated "foreign adversaries," including China (specifically targeting Confucius Institutes), Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Qatar. The bill requires institutions to report foreign funding exceeding $10,000 individually or $50,000 annually to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, detailing donor information and spending restrictions. It defines "foreign adversary" broadly and mandates that funds accepted in violation must be returned to the state. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 4874 requires West Virginia's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to provide the Tax Assessor's Office with vehicle registration records. This change would streamline annual personal property tax assessments by eliminating duplicate data collection, as the Assessor's Office would use the DMV's existing vehicle records instead of gathering them separately. The bill directly affects the Tax Assessor's Office and the DMV, mandating the DMV to share these records. It does not change tax rates or assessment methods, only the process for compiling property data.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends West Virginia law to allow parties (complainants or respondents) in Human Rights Commission (HRC) discrimination cases to transfer their cases directly to circuit court. It affects individuals or organizations involved in HRC complaints by providing an option to bypass HRC proceedings and seek resolution in judicial court. The change modifies existing procedures under §16B-17-10, enabling parties to "remove the matter" to circuit court instead of proceeding through the HRC's investigation and hearing process. This is a procedural adjustment with no new substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 5000 prohibits public school employees from using school resources (like facilities, equipment, or time during work hours) for election advocacy or political activities. It specifically bans school staff from engaging in political activity while on duty or acting on behalf of the school administration. The bill directly affects all public school employees in West Virginia, restricting their political conduct during work hours and preventing the use of school assets for election-related efforts. This is a policy restriction, not a new program or funding measure.

Maddy summaryHB 4956 sets fixed start and end dates for West Virginia public school years, requiring the instructional term to begin no earlier than the Tuesday after Labor Day and conclude no later than the Friday before Memorial Day starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill mandates a minimum of 180 separate instructional days per year, allowing counties to use "alternative methods" (like remote learning) for up to five weather-related closures without counting as lost days. It also requires counties to maintain 200 employment days for staff while defining non-instructional days for holidays, elections, and professional development. This law directly affects all West Virginia public school students, teachers, and county school boards by standardizing the academic calendar framework.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs West Virginia's Economic Development Authority to identify land near Flatwoods (specifically near Interstate 79 Exit 67) for developing tourism and entertainment facilities, similar to attractions like Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It requires the Authority to secure funding and recruit private/public developers to create these facilities. The resolution aims to boost tourism, economic activity, and job growth in the Flatwoods area by establishing a major entertainment complex accessible to both West Virginia residents and visitors from neighboring states. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new law but instructs state agencies to pursue this development initiative.

Maddy summaryHB 4957 would reduce the required number of school days in West Virginia from 180 to 160 per year for public school districts. It directly affects all West Virginia public schools and their districts by changing the mandated instructional calendar. The bill allows districts to maintain equivalent instructional time by lengthening the daily school schedule (e.g., adding 30+ minutes per day) instead of adding days, and permits using up to five days of this extended time for weather-related closures or staff development. This change simplifies calendar management while requiring districts to ensure students still receive the same total instructional hours.

Maddy summaryHB 4967 would amend West Virginia law to authorize the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) to revoke the coaching credentials of any high school coach found guilty of illegal recruiting. This directly affects high school coaches in West Virginia who engage in prohibited recruiting practices, such as improper contact with student-athletes. The key provision requires WVSSAC to remove a coach's certification upon a determination of illegal recruiting violations, adding a specific enforcement mechanism to existing athletic regulations. The bill focuses on enforcing ethical recruiting standards within high school athletics.

Maddy summaryHCR 15 designates November 7th annually as "Pastor Appreciation Day" in West Virginia. The resolution honors clergy members for their community service, spiritual leadership, and support during crises like natural disasters. It is a ceremonial resolution with no new policies, funding, or requirements for government action. The bill directly affects pastors and religious leaders in West Virginia by recognizing their contributions through an official state designation.