Del. Phil Mallow

Maddy summaryHB 2876 increases the Natural Resources Commission from seven to eleven members by adding four new positions. These additional members must be Division of Natural Resources staff wildlife biologists, each specializing in a specific wildlife area: deer, bears, turkeys, or fisheries. The bill directly affects the commission's structure and operations, requiring specialized expertise in key species management. This change takes effect with appointments in 2025, expanding the commission's capacity to address species-specific conservation needs.

Maddy summaryHCR 40 is a resolution directing West Virginia's Economic Development Authority to identify land near Flatwoods for a tourism and entertainment complex modeled after attractions like Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It requires the Authority to locate suitable sites, secure funding, and recruit private and public developers to build facilities for tourism, entertainment, and amusement. The bill specifically targets the Flatwoods area near Interstate 79 exit 67, citing its central location and access to major regional cities. This resolution aims to replicate economic benefits seen in neighboring states through new tourism infrastructure, directly affecting Flatwoods and surrounding communities.

Maddy summaryHB 3168, titled "The Rossi Act," requires businesses providing goods, services, or utilities in West Virginia to allow customers to modify their online accounts via phone or mail, with identity verification. It directly affects utility companies, telecom providers, and other service entities operating in the state. The law mandates this change to replace current online-only account management options and specifies that violations will be enforced under the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act by the Attorney General. The bill focuses on expanding customer access to account changes through traditional channels, not on specific outcomes or political implications.

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 summaryHCR 60 is a commemorative resolution naming Pleasant Valley Bridge (Bridge Number 25-079/00-135.62) in Marion County as the "Janice L. Cosco Memorial Bridge." It honors Janice L. Cosco, who served as Marion County Clerk for 39 years (1981-2020), making her the county’s longest-serving clerk. The resolution requests the Division of Highways install signage identifying the bridge with this name and a secondary sign stating "Marion County's Longest Serving Clerk." As a naming resolution, it has no substantive policy impact beyond memorializing her public service.

Maddy summaryHB 3190 expands West Virginia's public intoxication law to include intoxication from controlled substances, not just alcohol. It defines "intoxicated" to cover impairment from any controlled substance under state law, directly affecting individuals appearing in public while impaired by such substances. The bill establishes misdemeanor penalties for violations, including fines ($5-$100) and optional alcohol/controlled substance education programs for first offenses, with stricter penalties for repeat violations. It also updates provisions for law enforcement arrests and handling of intoxicated individuals in public settings.

Maddy summaryHB 3072 requires new two-lane highways in West Virginia to use a "Super Two" design, which adds alternating passing lanes on rural roads to allow safe passing in both directions. This applies to all new road construction projects that do not need full four-lane infrastructure, meeting existing safety standards for lane width and shoulders. The design improves immediate traffic safety by reducing hazardous passing attempts while enabling future upgrades to four lanes with minimal modifications. It follows Texas' approach to cost-effectively enhance safety on existing two-lane corridors.

Maddy summaryHB 3295 establishes a "Troops-to-Teachers" program to recruit veterans into teaching positions in West Virginia public schools. The bill requires the state superintendent to create this program specifically targeting veterans, including retirees, for teaching roles. Veterans will receive a hiring preference in public school employment, as outlined in existing law (§6-13-1). This program is integrated into West Virginia’s teacher certification framework under revised education code sections (§18A-3-1 and §18A-3-2a).

Maddy summaryHCR 21 is a commemorative resolution requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways rename a specific bridge in Wetzel County. It asks to name bridge number 52-250/12-000.02 (at coordinates 39.68344, -80.45906), currently known as Church Fork Bridge, as the "U.S. Army Private Terry F. Tustin Memorial Bridge." The resolution cites Private Tustin's military service in Vietnam, his long residence in Hundred, West Virginia, and his family ties as reasons for the memorial. The bill directs the Division of Highways to install signs identifying the bridge by its new name. This is a symbolic naming request with no policy changes or funding impact.

Maddy summaryHCR 25 is a procedural resolution requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways rename a specific section of U.S. Route 250 (north of Moundsville city limits to just north of WV Route 891) to "Waynesburg Pike Road" and install a sign at the intersection of WV Route 88 and U.S. Route 250. It directly affects road signage and identification for drivers using this segment of road. The resolution follows a prior designation by the Marshall County 911 Infrastructure Renaming Committee and does not change traffic laws or regulations. It is a non-binding request for the Division of Highways to implement the name change and signage.