Del. Clay Riley

Maddy summaryHB 3412 would exempt the West Virginia legislative branch from public records disclosure requirements under state law, provided the legislature adopts its own rules governing record access. This bill amends existing public records law to add a new provision (§29B-1-8) stating the law does not apply to the legislative branch once it establishes its own disclosure rules. The bill directly affects the legislature itself, not other government entities or the public. It does not change current disclosure practices but creates a pathway for the legislature to develop its own procedures for handling public records. The exemption is procedural and requires the legislature to act first - no immediate change occurs without adopted rules.

Maddy summaryHCR 99 is a legislative resolution requesting the Joint Standing Committee on the Judiciary to study policies preventing financial fraud and scams in West Virginia. It directs the committee to examine current state laws, review national approaches, and focus on four key areas: reducing robocalls and spoofing, addressing cryptocurrency-related scams (noting $1.4 million in losses in 2023), improving victim restitution, and protecting against property title fraud. The resolution cites data showing 8,000 West Virginians lost $27 million to fraud in 2024, with national losses exceeding $12.5 billion. The committee must report findings and recommendations to the legislature, governor, and attorney general by December 31, 2025. This is a study resolution, not a law, and does not create immediate policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 3505 requires health insurance policies covering cancer chemotherapy to include coverage for scalp cooling systems starting January 1, 2026. These systems are defined as devices used to cool the scalp and prevent hair loss during chemotherapy treatment. The mandate applies to all individual and group health insurance plans, though coverage may still involve standard deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments consistent with other covered benefits. The bill directly affects cancer patients seeking hair preservation during treatment and insurers offering chemotherapy coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 3145 requires real estate brokers, associate brokers, and salespeople in West Virginia to use a written agency agreement before starting any brokerage services. This agreement must clearly state representation roles (e.g., seller or buyer), compensation terms, and confidentiality obligations. The bill also mandates that all real estate contracts include a definite expiration date, prohibits charging fees after expiration, and requires licensees to provide written offers and true copies of contracts to all parties. These changes directly affect real estate professionals and consumers by increasing transparency and preventing unfair post-contract fees.

Maddy summaryHB 2389 would allow West Virginia to join the Dietitian Licensure Compact, enabling licensed dietitians to practice across participating states without obtaining separate licenses in each. The bill establishes uniform requirements for licensure, including background checks and education standards, while eliminating the need for multiple state licenses. It directly affects licensed dietitians, particularly those relocating or serving military personnel and spouses, by simplifying cross-state practice. Key provisions include standardized disciplinary procedures, a fee structure for compact privileges, and protections for active-duty military members and their families. The compact aims to improve public access to dietetics services while maintaining state regulatory authority.

Maddy summaryHCR 88 is a ceremonial resolution honoring two West Virginia first responders nominated for the Medal of Valor. It specifically recognizes Captain Donald Lawson (New Martinsville Police) for rescuing two people from carbon monoxide poisoning despite his own hospitalization, and Darrell Lambert (Lake Volunteer Firefighter) for entering a burning building without protective gear to save a trapped resident, sustaining burns in the process. The resolution formally confirms the Legislature's approval of their award and directs the House Clerk to send a copy to Governor Morrisey. This is a symbolic honor with no new policy or funding changes, directly affecting only these two nominees. It passed unanimously in both chambers on April 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2787 permits West Virginia county commissions to lease, rent, or allow the use of county-owned wireless towers (or portions) to private entities, subject to specific security and eligibility requirements. It prohibits leasing to entities associated with foreign adversaries, terrorist organizations, or those engaging in unconstitutional surveillance, and mandates non-compromised cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure like voting systems. Public safety agencies (including 911, law enforcement, and emergency services), the West Virginia Department of Highways, and other state agencies may use tower space without charge, provided they meet the same security standards as other lessees. The bill also restricts the use of foreign-owned or foreign-produced technology that could threaten critical infrastructure, ensuring local control over tower usage while prioritizing security.

Maddy summaryHB 2566 would transfer authority to set pay scales for magistrate court staff from legislative statutes to the Supreme Court of Appeals' Administrative Director. It directly affects magistrate court clerks, magistrate assistants, and magistrate court deputy clerks across West Virginia counties. The bill amends existing law to replace fixed salary amounts ($54,596 for clerks, $49,232 for assistants) with a pay scale established by the Administrative Director, while maintaining that these staff can still receive general state employee salary increases after July 2023. This change streamlines pay adjustments without altering current salary levels.

Maddy summaryHB 3518 requires West Virginia to automatically disenroll individuals covered under a specific Medicaid expansion (established by the 2010 Affordable Care Act) if federal funding for that program decreases. It mandates written notice to affected beneficiaries, Medicaid managed care plans, and providers before coverage ends, following federal notification of reduced funding. The bill does not change eligibility or funding levels but sets a procedure for removing coverage when federal assistance declines. This directly affects people enrolled in the Medicaid expansion program under 42 U.S.C. §1396d(y)(1).

Maddy summaryHB 2978 amends West Virginia's Municipal Bond Commission governance by designating the State Treasurer as chairman and requiring the chairman to appoint the commission's chief administrative officer. The bill mandates the State Treasurer to provide office space and staff support, increases per diem rates for commission members, and requires quarterly financial statements and annual audits. It also permits video conferencing for meetings, allows the commission to enter contracts with financial institutions, and removes obsolete language to modernize operations. These changes directly affect the commission's structure, funding, and administrative processes.