Del. Phil Mallow

Maddy summaryHB 4011 creates a certification framework for verifying that recycled materials used in manufacturing actually contribute to the final product, through third-party certification of "mass balance attribution." This directly affects manufacturers who want to use recycled feedstock (like plastic waste) in new products, as it standardizes how recycled content is measured and verified. The bill amends West Virginia's solid waste laws to clarify that advanced recycling facilities (which convert waste plastics into raw materials) are not considered waste disposal sites, supporting their role in recycling. By streamlining certification, the bill aims to reduce barriers for businesses adopting recycled materials in production.

Maddy summaryHB 4179 creates a new felony charge for individuals who injure or kill animals used by law enforcement or fire officials, such as police dogs or horses. It replaces existing provisions and adds specific penalties for harming these animals, including 3-15 years in prison. The bill also requires restitution for victims, covering veterinary costs and replacement expenses for injured or killed animals. This directly affects anyone who assaults or harms trained animals working with police, fire, or emergency response teams. The law focuses on concrete penalties and financial accountability, not broader policy speculation.

Maddy summaryHB 4932 amends West Virginia law to allow accounting corporations to use "A.C." as a name ending instead of writing out "accounting corporation." This directly affects accounting corporations formed under West Virginia law, permitting them to use the abbreviation "A.C." in their official names. The bill specifically adds "A.C." to the list of acceptable name endings, replacing the current requirement to include the full phrase. This is a technical naming change with no impact on business operations or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 4040, the Non-State Owned Roads Improvement Act, grants West Virginia municipalities (cities, towns, and counties) authority to repair and improve roads not owned or maintained by state or federal governments. It allows municipalities to pave, fix potholes, install signage, and enhance drainage on these roads while providing legal protection from lawsuits if improvements are done in good faith and follow safety standards, excluding cases of serious negligence. Municipalities must notify the public through notices, media, or meetings before starting projects and publish details like timelines and funding sources online. The bill permits using existing municipal funds, state/federal infrastructure grants, or private partnerships to cover costs, with immediate effective date upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 5423 would change West Virginia's voting and driver's license requirements to restrict undocumented immigrants. It removes certain identification documents (like out-of-state licenses) from being valid for voting, requiring instead that voters present state-issued IDs with photos or specific federal/military documents. The bill also mandates a special-colored driver's license for documented non-citizens and prohibits the state from recognizing out-of-state licenses issued to undocumented immigrants. These changes directly affect undocumented immigrants in West Virginia who currently use non-compliant IDs for voting or driving.

Maddy summaryHB 5400 increases criminal penalties for child neglect resulting in death in West Virginia. It raises the minimum prison sentence from 3 to 10 years for offenders convicted of causing a child's death through neglect when both a fine and imprisonment are imposed. The bill also clarifies that religious healing methods meeting IRS criteria for medical expenses do not count as neglect (but this exception does not apply to professionals like teachers or doctors responsible for a child's health). Additionally, it specifies that interfering with court-ordered medical treatment is considered neglect under this law. The bill directly affects parents, guardians, custodians, and others in positions of trust responsible for a child's well-being.

Maddy summaryHB 5404 creates an Office of Entrepreneurship within the West Virginia Secretary of State's Office. It directly assists new and early-stage businesses (operating fewer than five years) by providing policy support, technical resources, and acting as a liaison with state agencies. The bill allocates $350,000 for fiscal years 2027-2028 to fund two full-time staff positions and support these services. This office would focus on helping businesses during their critical first three to five years of operation.

Maddy summaryHB 5397 would exempt the sale of firearm suppressors from West Virginia's consumer sales and service tax. This bill directly affects individuals purchasing suppressors, which are devices designed to reduce the sound of a firearm discharge. The key provision amends the tax code to specifically exclude suppressor sales from taxable transactions, aligning them with existing exemptions for small arms and ammunition. The bill does not change ownership laws or safety requirements for suppressors, only the tax treatment of their purchase.

Maddy summaryHB 5427, the "Anti-Doxxing and Privacy Protection Act," prohibits publishing another person's personally identifiable information (PII) without consent when intending to harass, threaten, stalk, or cause harm. It directly affects individuals who engage in malicious doxxing (e.g., sharing home addresses, phone numbers, or location data to intimidate) and protects victims, including public officials, healthcare workers, and private citizens. Key provisions establish criminal penalties for violations, allow civil lawsuits for victims, and create procedures for redacting PII from public records when safety is at risk. The bill explicitly excludes lawful public records disclosures, judicial proceedings, and good-faith journalism to preserve constitutional protections.

Maddy summaryHB 4522 requires non-government entities providing funds or services for West Virginia election administration (such as ballot initiatives) to certify to the Secretary of State whether they knowingly receive foreign donations. This affects organizations or individuals funding state ballot measures, not voters or candidates. The bill mandates annual certification updates within five business days of new information, with penalties including fines of three times the donation amount for false or late filings, and invalidates agreements for non-compliance. It also requires government entities to submit quarterly reports on such funding and mandates public posting of certifications on the Secretary of State’s website.