Del. Keith Marple

Maddy summaryHCR 40 is a resolution directing West Virginia's Economic Development Authority to identify land near Flatwoods for a tourism and entertainment complex modeled after attractions like Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It requires the Authority to locate suitable sites, secure funding, and recruit private and public developers to build facilities for tourism, entertainment, and amusement. The bill specifically targets the Flatwoods area near Interstate 79 exit 67, citing its central location and access to major regional cities. This resolution aims to replicate economic benefits seen in neighboring states through new tourism infrastructure, directly affecting Flatwoods and surrounding communities.

Maddy summaryHB 3086 establishes a minimum net enrollment requirement of 1,200 students for West Virginia counties to receive full state school funding. It directly affects smaller counties with fewer than 1,400 students, requiring their enrollment numbers to be adjusted upward to meet this minimum for funding calculations. The bill amends the school aid formula to ensure counties below 1,400 students receive funding based on the adjusted minimum, using a population density calculation to determine the adjustment amount. This policy change modifies how state education funds are distributed to counties with low student populations.

Maddy summaryHB 3168, titled "The Rossi Act," requires businesses providing goods, services, or utilities in West Virginia to allow customers to modify their online accounts via phone or mail, with identity verification. It directly affects utility companies, telecom providers, and other service entities operating in the state. The law mandates this change to replace current online-only account management options and specifies that violations will be enforced under the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act by the Attorney General. The bill focuses on expanding customer access to account changes through traditional channels, not on specific outcomes or political implications.

Maddy summaryHCR 72 designates March 20, 2025 as "Black Lung Awareness Day" in West Virginia. It honors coal miners affected by black lung disease (coal worker's pneumoconiosis), a preventable occupational lung condition caused by coal dust exposure. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or policy changes - it serves as a ceremonial observance recognizing the disease's impact and existing protections like the Black Lung Benefits Act. It follows the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act's emphasis on miner safety without altering current regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 3190 expands West Virginia's public intoxication law to include intoxication from controlled substances, not just alcohol. It defines "intoxicated" to cover impairment from any controlled substance under state law, directly affecting individuals appearing in public while impaired by such substances. The bill establishes misdemeanor penalties for violations, including fines ($5-$100) and optional alcohol/controlled substance education programs for first offenses, with stricter penalties for repeat violations. It also updates provisions for law enforcement arrests and handling of intoxicated individuals in public settings.

Maddy summaryHB 3468 modifies West Virginia tax law to expand tax exemptions for certain public safety workers' pension benefits. It removes a $2,000 annual cap on tax-free treatment for pension payments, making full pension benefits exempt for Division of Natural Resources police, deputy sheriffs, full-time firefighters, and municipal police officers. The bill amends Section 11-21-12 of the West Virginia Code to include these specific professions in the existing pension exemption, which previously applied only to some public employees. This change directly affects law enforcement and emergency service workers receiving retirement benefits under state pension systems, eliminating federal adjusted gross income tax on their full pension payments.

Maddy summaryHB 3451 proposes a phased increase in the homestead property tax exemption for West Virginia residents aged 65 or older, or those certified as permanently and totally disabled. Starting in 2027, the exemption for primary homes would rise from $20,000 to $40,000 over four years, contingent on a state constitutional amendment. To qualify, applicants must have lived in West Virginia for two consecutive years (with limited exceptions for military veterans or returning residents), and cannot claim a similar exemption in another state. The bill also removes limits on property tax rates and levy rates, which would allow for higher property tax collections overall.

Maddy summaryHB 3466 requires West Virginia's Division of Highways to install "blue light" emergency alert stations at all state rest areas and welcome centers by July 1, 2025. Each station must include a help button, camera/video capability, and direct connection to local emergency dispatch. The bill aims to provide immediate assistance for individuals in distress, including potential prevention of human trafficking or domestic violence incidents. This affects travelers using state rest areas and welcome centers, with the Division of Highways responsible for funding and installing the stations.

Maddy summaryHB 3414 automatically establishes a $100 Smart 529 savings account for every newborn in West Virginia who resides in the state at birth or is adopted by West Virginia residents. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to share birth data with the State Treasurer within 90 days of birth, triggering the grant to cover college costs at eligible institutions. It creates the "Mountaineer Scholars Grant Program," with funds drawn from the Savings Plan Trust Fund to provide one-time grants plus investment earnings for qualified higher education expenses. The program applies to children born after December 31, 2024, and excludes parents who opt out.

Maddy summaryHB 3378 establishes a legal expectation of privacy in West Virginia legislators' private offices within the State Capitol or official legislative spaces. It makes it illegal for anyone - including staff, visitors, or journalists - to record audio, video, or electronic communications without the legislator’s prior consent, or to install surveillance devices without written permission. Exceptions include security measures by Capitol personnel, recordings with explicit consent, and court-authorized surveillance. Violating this law would be a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. The bill directly affects legislators, their staff, and anyone entering legislative offices.