Rep. Mike DeVault

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts honorably discharged veterans of any U.S. military branch from West Virginia vehicle registration fees, requiring only a $10 initial application fee for special "Veterans" license plates. It allows veterans to apply for these plates on any number of vehicles they own and permits surviving spouses to retain the plate after a veteran's death until remarriage or death. Documentation of military service is required to qualify for the plates. The bill does not impose renewal fees or other charges beyond the initial $10 fee.

Maddy summaryHB 3045, the Farmer Protection Act, prohibits financial institutions in West Virginia from denying or restricting financial services to agriculture producers based on environmental or sustainability criteria. The bill defines "agriculture producer" and establishes clear standards to prevent unfair discrimination in financial service provision. It directly affects farmers and financial institutions by requiring state oversight to ensure compliance with these standards. The legislation was introduced to address concerns that ESG-related demands could harm small farms and increase food prices.

Maddy summaryHB 3039 requires public service district boards serving multiple communities to include at least one member from each community they represent. This applies to boards established under West Virginia law that cover more than one city, town, or incorporated area. The bill amends existing code to mandate this membership structure, ensuring direct community representation on boards managing shared services like water, sewer, or stormwater systems. It does not alter other board appointment rules or operational requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 3040 creates a 35% tax credit against West Virginia's business and occupation tax for coal-fired electric generating units that spend money on environmental pollution control equipment (like air/water pollution systems or carbon capture technology) to meet regulatory requirements. The credit applies to expenses for installing, repairing, or maintaining such equipment, but cannot reduce a company's tax bill by more than 50% in a single year. Unused portions of the credit can be carried forward for up to five years. This bill directly affects coal power plants operating in West Virginia that comply with environmental regulations and pay the business and occupation tax.

Maddy summaryHB 3011 modifies West Virginia's tax code to limit pollution control facility tax benefits exclusively to wind power projects that were fully operational and generating electricity by January 1, 2025. This means new wind projects proposed after that date will not qualify for the special tax treatment that pre-2025 projects receive. The bill does not prohibit new wind projects but removes a key financial incentive for future developments. It specifically applies to wind turbines and towers (as defined in the bill), excluding other project components from the tax benefit. This policy change directly affects developers seeking tax advantages for wind energy infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 2984 would create a "Law-Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights" in West Virginia, establishing procedural protections for officers during investigations. It defines "law-enforcement officer" broadly to include state police, campus police, hospital police, and certain specialized roles (like rangers and litter control officers), but excludes chief executives and some probationary officers. Key provisions require agencies to use hearing boards for complaints, allow officers to have legal counsel during investigations, provide expungement of formal complaint records, and prohibit false reporting. The bill supersedes conflicting local laws and aims to standardize administrative procedures across all law-enforcement agencies in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 2888 amends West Virginia Code §17-2A-8 to clarify and expand the West Virginia Commissioner of Highways' authority over road maintenance and repair. The bill requires the commissioner to implement "reasonable design techniques to minimize flood damage" during road projects and mandates public hearings with virtual participation options before closing or discontinuing state roads. It also updates procedures for acquiring land for road projects, establishing road standards, and maintaining public records related to road rights-of-way. The bill directly affects the state highway department's operational procedures and public engagement processes for road maintenance decisions. (This is a procedural amendment to existing duties, not a new funding or program.)

Maddy summaryHB 2985 would allow West Virginia water and sewer utilities to offer reduced rates (up to 20% lower) to residential customers living in communities with fewer than 1,000 residents, regardless of income. It also permits reduced rates for customers receiving Social Security SSI, TANF, TANF-UP, or SNAP benefits (if age 60+), with eligibility verified through the Department of Human Services. Utilities must apply retroactive credits to eligible customers’ bills for the previous month’s service, reflecting the rate difference on the next billing cycle. The bill requires the Public Service Commission to approve rate designs and ensures small-community residents can access these lower rates even if they don’t qualify under the income-based programs. This policy directly affects low-income households and small-town residents in West Virginia’s utility service areas.

Maddy summaryHB 2976 establishes a state subsidy program to help volunteer fire departments and emergency rescue personnel cover increases in their workers' compensation insurance premiums. The State Auditor will administer the program, requiring departments to submit documentation like premium invoices and receipts to qualify for funds that offset premium hikes. Eligible departments must register with the Auditor's Office, maintain good standing with the State Fire Marshal, and agree to have subsidies paid directly to their insurance carrier. The program standardizes how premiums are tracked and billed across different service classifications (e.g., fire fighting, emergency medical services) to create a more equitable process.

Maddy summaryHB 2979 requires sex offenders registered under West Virginia's Sex Offender Registry to provide all online identifiers - including email addresses, social media handles, mobile app usernames, phone numbers, and mobile device details - when registering. It also mandates disclosure of information about all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) operated by registrants. The bill amends registration requirements to include verification via mobile device inspection, ensuring police can confirm all digital identifiers are provided. This directly affects individuals convicted of sex offenses required to register under West Virginia law.