Del. Phil Mallow

Maddy summaryHB 3047 requires licensed contractors to provide a written contract to homeowners or renters before starting any residential construction or renovation work, regardless of project cost. The contract must include a detailed description of the work, total cost, contractor license information (including expiration date), contact details, and bonding status. Contractors must also provide a list of previous clients for similar work upon request. The West Virginia contractor licensing board will create and distribute a standardized contract template to ensure compliance, with written notices sent to all licensed contractors. This bill directly affects residential property owners and licensed contractors performing home improvement projects.

Maddy summaryHJR 28 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase West Virginia's homestead property tax exemption. It would raise the current $20,000 exemption threshold for qualifying homeowners to a higher amount, specifically targeting owners with annual incomes under $20,000 who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. The bill requires voter approval at the 2025 general election to amend the state constitution, as it seeks to change Article X, Section 1b, which governs property tax exemptions. This change would directly affect low-income senior citizens and disabled homeowners by reducing their property tax burden.

Maddy summaryHB 3036, introduced in West Virginia's 2025 legislative session, requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) secretary to adopt standardized rules for oil and gas leases, deeds, and contracts. The bill directly affects landowners who sign these agreements with energy companies by mandating clearer, consistent document formats to reduce confusion. Key provisions direct the DEP to create standardized templates covering terms and conditions, ensuring uniformity across all such contracts. This policy change aims to improve transparency for landowners without altering existing contractual obligations or regulatory requirements. The bill is currently pending referral to the House Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 3033 shortens the time limit for suing over contract disputes in West Virginia. It reduces the statute of limitations for written contracts from 10 years to 5 years and for oral contracts from 5 years to 3 years. This change directly affects individuals and businesses entering into written or verbal agreements, as they would have less time to file legal claims if a contract is breached. The bill amends West Virginia Code §55-2-6 to align the state's rules with those of most other states. The legislation is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee after its introduction on February 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3051 requires West Virginia counties to establish community education programs providing services like estate planning, healthcare information, and prescription assistance to senior citizens, adults without high school diplomas, and low-income residents. The state Board of Education must oversee these programs, which will operate through public facilities in partnership with community organizations. Key provisions mandate that counties coordinate these programs to address community needs in education, recreation, culture, and health. The bill aims to expand access to practical services for underserved groups through existing community infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 3031 replaces West Virginia's current Fusion Center Joint Oversight Committee with a new committee effective July 1, 2025, terminating the existing committee as of June 30, 2025. The new committee, appointed by the House Speaker and Senate President (with party balance rules), will oversee the Fusion Center's handling of intelligence data, including collection, storage, and destruction. Key provisions require an annual audit by the Inspector General, grant the committee confidential access to the Fusion Center, and mandate security clearances for committee members handling classified information. Violations identified in audits may lead to disciplinary action against Fusion Center staff.

Maddy summaryHJR 32 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase West Virginia's homestead exemption for property taxes. Currently, the exemption covers the first $20,000 of assessed value for real property or mobile homes used as a primary residence by homeowners aged 65+ or permanently disabled residents. The amendment would raise this exemption amount, though the specific new figure isn't detailed in the provided text. This change requires voter approval in the 2025 general election, as it modifies Article X, Section 1-b of the state constitution. It directly affects qualifying senior and disabled homeowners who own and occupy their primary residence.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prevent property tax increases for eligible West Virginia homeowners by freezing their tax rates at current levels. It applies to residents aged 65 or older, those certified as permanently disabled, or widowed individuals earning under $20,000 annually, provided they have lived in the state for two years (with limited exceptions for military service or returning residents). The exemption covers the first $20,000 of a home's assessed value and locks in the tax rate when the homeowner qualifies. Proof of residency, such as voter or vehicle registration, is required to claim the exemption.

Maddy summaryHB 3043 strengthens penalties for illegally parking in designated accessible spaces and for fraudulently obtaining special plates or placards for people with mobility impairments in West Virginia. It increases fines for violations, requires clearer display of valid placards (red for temporary, blue for permanent), and mandates a public awareness program about the law and consequences. The bill directly affects drivers who park in accessible spots without authorization, people with mobility impairments using special plates/placards, and organizations transporting disabled individuals. Key provisions include stricter enforcement, updated medical criteria for qualifying for placards, and requirements for organizations to move vehicles after loading/unloading. The law aims to protect accessible parking for those who need it while reducing misuse.

Maddy summaryHB 3037 requires all property tax assessments in West Virginia to follow a strict three-year review cycle, directly affecting property owners and local assessors. The bill prohibits increasing property tax assessments without a valid reason - specifically banning arbitrary hikes solely to generate new revenue. It mandates that any assessment increase must be based on a periodic property evaluation, with the justification publicly disclosed. This law aims to prevent unfair or random tax increases by requiring transparency and regular, systematic reviews of property values.