Maddy summaryHB 2057 amends West Virginia law to clarify that military protection orders issued under federal law (10 U.S.C. § 1567) can serve as sufficient evidence of immediate danger for civilian courts to issue emergency protective orders. It directly affects military service members, their families, and civilian victims of domestic violence who receive military protection orders. The bill requires courts to accept these military orders as proof of "immediate and present danger" without needing additional evidence, streamlining the process for obtaining emergency protective orders. It also standardizes procedures for serving these orders to law enforcement and scheduling final hearings within 10 days. The bill is currently in the House Judiciary Committee.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 2186 requires local governments in West Virginia, including counties, cities, and specific agencies like urban renewal authorities, to provide a 20% matching contribution for grants received from the Reclamation of Abandoned and Dilapidated Properties Program, unless they demonstrate fiscal inability using data from the State Auditor. The bill also mandates that fines collected from abandoned or dilapidated property violations must be used either to support these matching funds or to demolish condemned properties. This program, funded by a special state revenue fund including federal grants and charitable donations, helps communities address blighted properties through cleanup and redevelopment. The bill adds a new financial requirement for local entities seeking program grants.
Maddy summaryHB 2083 sets specific deadlines for when absentee ballot applications must be received by election officials, not for when completed ballots must be returned. It requires most voters to submit applications by the sixth day before an election, while qualified first responders must submit by 5:00 p.m. the day before. This affects all West Virginia voters seeking absentee ballots by mail or electronic means, ensuring officials have sufficient time to verify eligibility and mail ballots. The bill updates existing application timing rules without changing the current requirement that completed ballots must be received by polls closing on election day.
Maddy summaryHB 2078 requires all candidates for state, county, or local elected offices to live within the specific district they are running to represent. It defines "principal residence" as living in the district with intent to remain there, using concrete evidence like voter registration, driver's license, vehicle registration, or tax filings to verify residency. The bill does not apply to candidates for Circuit Court Judge, Family Court Judge, or Prosecuting Attorney positions. This law directly affects candidates seeking most elected offices by mandating they reside in their district, aiming to ensure representatives live where they serve.
Maddy summaryHB 2148 establishes "Tourism and Commercial Opportunity Zones" in West Virginia to incentivize business development. It creates designated zones (calculated as county population ÷ 1,000 × 30 acres per county) where businesses making qualified investments of at least $250,000 receive a tax credit. The bill grants these zones priority over conflicting local zoning ordinances and requires investment to bring new businesses into the designated areas. It directly affects businesses investing in these zones and county/municipal authorities managing land use.
Maddy summaryHB 2092 requires West Virginia counties and municipalities to provide public notice at least three months before purchasing land or buildings. The notice must include property size, sale details (date, location, method), inspection periods, and contact information, and must be accessible via social media, courthouse postings, or local newspapers. Proposals submitted for these purchases must be publicly available for 10 business days prior to final decisions. This bill directly affects local governments by standardizing transparency in property acquisitions, ensuring community awareness of potential land or building purchases.
Maddy summaryHB 2101 creates a standing legislative committee to review and approve all financial contracts entered into by West Virginia’s Economic Development Authority (WVEDA) before they become effective. This directly affects WVEDA, which negotiates economic development deals, and the businesses or entities receiving state development funds. The bill mandates that WVEDA must obtain committee approval for every financial contract - including loans, insurance, or revenue bonds - before signing, as specified in the amended §31-15-6 and new §31-15-6d. This requirement applies to all such contracts, aiming to add legislative oversight to economic development spending.
Maddy summaryHB 2034 requires all West Virginia high school students (grades 9-12) to pass a test on the U.S. Constitution to graduate. The State Board of Education must create the test, which demands an 85% passing score and covers the Constitution's provisions and principles. Students who fail may retake the test weekly until they meet the threshold. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, directly affecting every public high school student in the state.
Maddy summaryHB 2102 creates the West Virginia Title Protection Act to protect property owners from losing their homes due to fraudulent title claims. It requires county clerks to mail written notices to property owners whenever a transfer occurs or a deed (like a quitclaim or warranty deed) is filed or modified against their property, even if the owner didn’t initiate the action. This ensures rightful owners retain full title and are not held liable for loans or claims made using their property’s equity through fraud. The bill directly affects residential property owners in West Virginia who face risks of online title fraud, where thieves could forge documents to seize homes or take out loans.
Maddy summaryHB 2115 creates a property tax exemption for homeowners in West Virginia with household incomes at or below the federal poverty guidelines. It specifically exempts eligible homeowners from "school excess levy" taxes (extra taxes levied by counties for school funding beyond regular property taxes), but does not affect standard property taxes. To qualify, homeowners must own a primary residence used exclusively for living, have paid property taxes for two years in WV, and submit annual proof of income (like tax returns) and residency. The exemption attaches to the property on July 1 each year and must be renewed annually; it cannot be transferred if the property changes ownership. This bill directly affects low-income homeowners in West Virginia who pay school-related property taxes.