Maddy summaryHB 2027 updates West Virginia's foster care laws by clarifying when a child can be temporarily or permanently removed from a foster home. It requires the Department of Health and Human Resources to investigate abuse/neglect allegations before removing children, and mandates that foster placements lasting over 18 months (or 50% of a child’s life) cannot be terminated without specific justification - such as parental rights ending, sibling reunification, or a child aged 14+ requesting it. The bill also requires the department to notify foster/adoptive parents about available siblings within 90 days to promote placement together, while allowing court-approved separation if reunification would harm a child. This directly affects foster children, foster parents, and the department, focusing on stability and family connections.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHCR 78 is a non-binding resolution urging West Virginia's Division of Highways to prioritize completing I-73 (the "King Coal Highway") across Wayne, Mingo, McDowell, Mercer, and Wyoming counties. It requests the highway agency treat the project as a high priority to improve economic development and emergency access, especially after recent flooding exposed transportation challenges in the region. The resolution asks the state to provide necessary funding and executive support to expedite the highway's completion but does not allocate new funds or create new law. It directly affects the Division of Highways and residents of the five specified counties by formally advocating for this infrastructure project.
Maddy summaryHB 3001 authorizes West Virginia county courts to establish county parks and recreation commissions, requiring them to create these bodies unless financially unable or if a commission already exists. The bill specifies commissions must have 11 members (adjusted for county population), all residents who own property in the county, serving staggered three-year terms with initial appointments split across one-, two-, and three-year terms. It also requires county courts to fill vacancies and mandates that members remain eligible residents and property owners to retain their seats. This bill directly affects county governments by setting governance standards for existing or new parks systems.
Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 12 urges West Virginia's members of Congress to oppose a potential federal funding cut for the Local Food for Schools and Child Care (LFSCC) program. The LFSCC program provided $660 million over three years to help schools and child care sites purchase locally grown food, directly supporting farmers, ranchers, and local food businesses. This resolution expresses concern that terminating the program would harm rural economies and child nutrition efforts, as the funding was specifically used for fresh, minimally processed foods in school meals. The resolution does not create new policy but requests action from West Virginia's congressional delegation to preserve existing funding.
Maddy summaryHB 2382 prohibits camping and storing camping gear (like tents, cots, or sleeping bags) on specific public property without permission. It bans these activities on Capitol grounds, courthouses, municipal offices, streets, parks, and trails - areas defined as public property owned or controlled by state, county, or municipal governments. Violators face fines of $25-$100 or up to 30 days in jail per day of violation. The bill includes exceptions for authorized uses but does not address broader homelessness or safety concerns beyond the defined legal prohibitions.
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 2393 requires the Mountaineer Trail Network Authority to submit an annual report to the Joint Committee on Economic Development beginning December 1, 2025. The report must detail progress toward trail network goals, a summary of grants requested and received, and updates on trail projects statewide. This bill establishes a mandatory transparency measure for the authority's activities without altering its operational duties or funding.
Maddy summaryHB 2394 requires all West Virginia public schools to implement a wearable panic alert system ("Alyssa's Law") by December 31, 2025. It mandates that each school staff member receive a device capable of instantly contacting emergency services and triggering campus-wide lockdowns through integration with 9-1-1 systems. County school boards must provide the devices, ensure annual staff training on their use, and share security data (like cameras and maps) with local law enforcement. The bill directly affects all school staff in West Virginia public schools and focuses on immediate emergency response capabilities.
Maddy summaryThis resolution requests the West Virginia Economic Development Authority to study land near Tygart Lake in Taylor County for potential public entertainment, amusement, and tourism facilities. The agency must assess the land, explore funding sources (including federal, state, and private investment), and submit a report with recommendations within 12 months. It does not authorize construction or funding but directs a study to evaluate development potential for tourism and economic growth in the area.
Maddy summaryHB 2019 waives the $10 one-time application fee for West Virginia's Veterans license plate for first-time applicants with an Honorable Discharge from any U.S. military branch. This directly affects new veterans applying for the specialty plate, removing a cost barrier for eligible applicants. The bill amends §17A-3-14b of West Virginia law to eliminate this fee while requiring applicants to still provide documentation of their military service. It does not change renewal fees or apply to existing plate holders.