Rep. Mike DeVault

Maddy summaryHB 3048 limits new permits for wind power facilities in West Virginia and requires that for each new wind project approved, the tax burden on existing and new coal-fired power plants must decrease proportionally. The bill directly affects wind energy developers (by restricting new projects) and coal power plant operators (by mandating tax offsets). Key provisions include capping wind power permits, defining wind turbines as pollution control facilities for tax purposes, and requiring that tax reductions for coal plants match the scale of new wind development. The bill cites coal as the only reliable power source during emergencies like storms, though this rationale does not create new emergency rules.

Maddy summaryHB 2885 would allow West Virginia public employees who joined the retirement system on or after July 1, 2015, to use their unused sick leave toward retirement credit. Currently, these employees cannot apply unused sick leave to increase their retirement service time, unlike those who joined before that date. The bill removes this exclusion, permitting them to convert unused sick leave into retirement credit at the existing 2:1 ratio (two workdays for each sick day), without changing the current calculation method. This change directly affects newer state employees seeking to boost their retirement benefits through accrued sick time.

Maddy summaryHB 2986, introduced in West Virginia's 2025 legislative session, creates a central purchasing program to reduce costs for volunteer fire departments and emergency medical services (EMS) first responders. The bill amends state code to authorize department secretaries to develop rules enabling bulk or discounted purchasing of essential supplies. This program would directly affect volunteer fire and EMS organizations by potentially lowering their operational costs through centralized procurement. The bill focuses on administrative implementation rather than new funding, requiring departments to establish the purchasing mechanism through rulemaking. It remains in committee referral as of March 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3057 would limit how much a county tax assessor can increase the property tax value of antique or classic cars each year in West Virginia. To raise a car's assessed value, the tax assessor must provide written justification based on inflation, the cost-of-living index, or actual market activity for antique/classic cars - not simply the county's revenue needs. This justification must be given to the vehicle owner before any increase takes effect. The bill directly affects owners of antique or classic cars in West Virginia counties by requiring transparency in tax assessments.

Maddy summaryHJR 29 is a constitutional amendment proposal that would allow West Virginia's legislature to exempt certain business property from ad valorem taxation by general law. Specifically, it would authorize exemptions for tangible machinery/equipment used in business, tangible inventory used in business, and personal property tax on motor vehicles. This change requires voter approval at the 2026 general election, as the resolution mandates submitting the amendment to voters for ratification. The proposal does not change current tax rates but provides a constitutional basis for future legislative exemptions affecting businesses that own these property types.

Maddy summaryHB 3065 creates new felony charges for individuals who assault West Virginia police officers or police dogs while they are performing official duties. The bill amends existing law to specifically include police dogs under the definition of "law-enforcement officer" for protection purposes. It establishes two felony levels: malicious assaults (3-15 years in prison) and unlawful assaults (2-5 years), with battery offenses escalating to felonies after a second or third violation. This bill directly affects anyone who intentionally harms officers or their working dogs during official duties, increasing penalties for such attacks.

Maddy summaryHB 3046 requires West Virginia's 55 county school districts to consolidate into no more than 27 regional or area school districts by July 1, 2028. The bill mandates the State Board of Education to study consolidation options and submit recommendations by October 31, 2025, including a new School District Unification Committee with 11 members representing educators, unions, and school boards. This committee must meet monthly until October 2025 to assist the State Board in developing consolidation plans, including regional processes for school boards and superintendents. The legislation directly affects all county school districts and their stakeholders, aiming to address shared challenges like funding and geography through a structured unification process.

Maddy summaryHB 3064 would add a $20,000 property tax exemption specifically for West Virginia farmers who earn more than half their income from farming. This additional exemption applies to qualifying farmers' primary residences (homesteads) beyond the existing $20,000 homestead exemption for older residents or disabled individuals. The bill directly affects West Virginia citizen farmers whose farm income constitutes over 50% of their total earnings. It provides concrete tax relief by reducing the taxable value of their primary residence by $20,000, lowering their annual property tax burden.

Maddy summaryHB 3062 would eliminate property taxes on farm structures (like barns or equipment sheds) for farmers who live on their property and earn at least 40% of their income from farming. The bill amends West Virginia law to add this exemption to existing tax rules for agricultural property. It specifically applies to structures used for farming operations, not the farmland itself, and requires farmers to reside on the property. This change directly affects qualifying farm owners by reducing their property tax burden on essential farm infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 3044 increases penalties for animal cruelty and updates protections for domestic animals in West Virginia. It directly affects pet owners, dog breeders, animal shelters, and humane officers by requiring breeders to provide written disclosures to buyers, setting minimum care standards, and defining when dogs are unfit for sale. Key provisions include raising fines for repeat cruelty offenses, creating new criminal penalties for animal hoarding and unlawful confinement, and mandating humane officers to report suspected child/elder abuse during cruelty investigations. The bill also clarifies enclosure requirements (e.g., limiting temporary confinement to 48 hours) and updates duties for animal care facilities. Introduced in February 2025, it is currently before the House Government Organization Committee.