Del. Chuck Sheedy

Maddy summaryHB 2579 would impose a $1 fee per ride on ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, and $1 per delivery on food delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash. The revenue from this fee would go to the West Virginia Department of Highways (WVDOH), which must then distribute the funds equally to every county's annual budget. These funds must be used specifically for maintaining public roadways, not for wages or other administrative costs. The bill directly affects ride-share and delivery service users and operators, with the funding aimed at improving road infrastructure across all counties.

Maddy summaryHB 2582 restores the "rule of 80" for West Virginia state employees enrolled in the public employees retirement system, allowing them to retire with full benefits when their age plus years of service equals 80. This applies to active, contributing members currently employed by the state. The bill amends the retirement act to reinstate this specific provision, which previously existed but was removed from current law. Under the rule, employees meeting the age and service threshold can retire early without reduced benefits, providing a clear eligibility standard.

Maddy summaryHB 2423 prohibits individuals or entities from charging fees for assisting veterans with benefits claims, except as allowed under federal law. It specifically bans compensation for preparing, presenting, or advising on veterans' benefits claims, referring clients to such services, guaranteeing specific benefit amounts, or charging excessive fees (using federal fee guidelines). The bill requires written agreements outlining fees before services begin, aligning with federal regulations (38 C.F.R. §14.636). Violations would be treated as breaches of West Virginia’s Consumer Credit and Protection Act. This directly affects veterans’ service providers (e.g., attorneys, advocates) and veterans seeking assistance with VA claims.

Maddy summaryHB 2580 amends West Virginia law to explicitly exempt honorably discharged veterans from completing a hunter safety course when applying for a hunting license. This change directly affects veterans who have served in the military with an honorable discharge, removing a requirement they previously had to meet. The bill updates Section 20-2-30a of the state code to make this exemption a permanent part of the main text, rather than a supplementary provision. Currently, the exemption exists as a clause in the existing law, but this bill formalizes it for clarity. The policy change allows eligible veterans to obtain hunting licenses without completing the safety course, streamlining the process for this group.

Maddy summaryHB 2583 amends West Virginia vehicle width regulations to address modifications involving protruding tires. It requires rigid, fixed extensions covering tires that extend beyond a vehicle's original factory dimensions (commonly called "Bro Trucks" or modified SUVs), and mandates additional Federal Department of Transportation lighting if the total width exceeds 102 inches. The bill directly affects owners of vehicles with tire modifications that cause width violations, particularly those using extended tire setups. Key provisions set a 96-inch width limit for most vehicles (with 102-inch exceptions for specific vehicles like motor homes), while enforcing safety measures for non-compliant modifications. The bill focuses on standardizing vehicle dimensions for highway safety, not on tire types or manufacturing.

Maddy summaryHB 2545 would reverse West Virginia's current ban on corporal punishment in public schools by amending state law to authorize principals to administer "moderate corporal punishment" under policies set by the State Board of Education and county school boards. The bill directly affects public school students in West Virginia, as it would permit this disciplinary method for disruptive behavior. Key provisions require school districts to adopt policies encouraging alternatives to corporal punishment, provide training on those alternatives, and involve parents in discipline decisions. The law would not define "moderate" punishment but mandates that school personnel follow established district policies when using this method.

Maddy summaryHJR 13 proposes amending the West Virginia Constitution to prohibit non-U.S. citizens from voting in any state election. It directly affects non-citizen residents who currently participate in West Virginia elections. The bill would add a new provision to Article IV of the state constitution explicitly stating that "no person who is not a citizen of the United States shall be entitled to vote at any election held within this state." This is a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval at the next general election, not an immediate law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors and roadwork crews to remove "Flagger Ahead" signs from public roadways within 30 minutes after flaggers finish their work. It applies to all public roads in West Virginia and imposes escalating fines for violations: $50 for a first offense (covering court costs), $200 for a second, and $500 plus permit revocation for a third offense. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025, aiming to ensure signs are removed promptly once work concludes.

Maddy summaryHB 2584 prohibits all West Virginia state agencies and the Division of Highways from entering new contracts with out-of-state vendors, requiring them to instead select in-state vendors for all services. The bill allows limited exceptions only when no qualified in-state vendor is available to provide the needed service, explicitly stating that higher prices from in-state vendors do not justify using out-of-state vendors. This policy directly affects state procurement decisions across all departments and the highway division, aiming to redirect spending toward local businesses. The law would take effect on July 1, 2025, with no other exceptions permitted beyond the specified availability requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 2574 prohibits public West Virginia colleges and universities from requiring "diversity statements" during admissions, hiring, or promotions, and bans preferential treatment based on race, sex, or other protected characteristics. The bill defines prohibited "diversity training" as any program teaching concepts like systemic racism, structural inequity, or identity-based privilege, and restricts institutions from using race-neutral alternatives that intentionally produce racial outcomes. It requires annual compliance certification to the Legislative Oversight Commission and allows applicants to voluntarily share diversity statements or provide information about academic work, pedagogy, or anti-discrimination compliance. The law directly affects all public higher education institutions in West Virginia, altering their admissions, employment, and training practices.