Del. Phil Mallow

Maddy summaryThis bill amends West Virginia law to allow parties (complainants or respondents) in Human Rights Commission (HRC) discrimination cases to transfer their cases directly to circuit court. It affects individuals or organizations involved in HRC complaints by providing an option to bypass HRC proceedings and seek resolution in judicial court. The change modifies existing procedures under §16B-17-10, enabling parties to "remove the matter" to circuit court instead of proceeding through the HRC's investigation and hearing process. This is a procedural adjustment with no new substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 4967 would amend West Virginia law to authorize the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) to revoke the coaching credentials of any high school coach found guilty of illegal recruiting. This directly affects high school coaches in West Virginia who engage in prohibited recruiting practices, such as improper contact with student-athletes. The key provision requires WVSSAC to remove a coach's certification upon a determination of illegal recruiting violations, adding a specific enforcement mechanism to existing athletic regulations. The bill focuses on enforcing ethical recruiting standards within high school athletics.

Maddy summaryHB 4968 would exempt the first $20,000 of annual income from West Virginia state income tax for resident individuals and married couples filing jointly. Effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2026, the bill modifies the tax calculation by reducing taxable income by $20,000 before applying the state tax rate. This directly benefits low-to-moderate income West Virginia residents who earn under $20,000 annually. The change applies to both single filers and couples filing jointly, reducing their state tax liability without altering federal tax treatment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends West Virginia law to maintain a program exempting honorably discharged U.S. military veterans from vehicle registration fees, with only a $10 initial application fee required. It directly affects veterans, their surviving spouses (who may continue using a deceased veteran's plate), and Gold Star spouses (who receive full fee exemption for one plate). Key provisions include waiving all registration fees beyond the $10 application fee for eligible veterans, allowing multiple vehicles per applicant, and requiring verification of military service. The bill preserves existing special plate options rather than creating a new "Veterans" plate designation.

Maddy summaryHB 4469 requires county surveyors first elected or appointed after January 1, 2027, to be West Virginia residents, defined as someone who lives in the state and has intent to stay (e.g., holds a driver's license, pays state taxes, or registers vehicles there). It does not affect current county surveyors but applies to future appointments. The bill also creates a process for county surveyors to request exemptions from the Ethics Commission if they wish to hold multiple public offices simultaneously. These exemptions require demonstrating the office is not widely available, requires personal prestige, and allows financial gain outside the role.

Maddy summaryHB 4841 allows county commissions in West Virginia to formally request the Division of Highways to prioritize repairs for local roads. County commissions must submit detailed petitions including road locations, condition, traffic volume, complaints, and repair cost estimates. The Division must respond within 90 days (with explanations for denials) and hold public hearings for repairs costing over $100,000. The bill requires the Division to annually report petition status to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance. This directly affects county governments and residents relying on local road infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 4839 creates a geographic compensation differential for sworn members of the West Virginia State Police assigned to areas with significantly higher housing costs than the statewide median. Eligible troopers receive a salary supplement calculated as a percentage of their base pay, based on how much housing costs exceed the state average in their designated zone. The State Budget Office will designate these zones using objective housing data (median home values and rental rates) and update them biennially. The supplement does not count toward retirement calculations, ends if a trooper leaves the zone, and is funded through new legislative appropriations without reducing existing benefits. This bill directly affects State Police personnel in high-cost regions, aiming to improve recruitment and retention.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change West Virginia's term limits for county sheriffs. Currently, sheriffs are barred from serving more than two consecutive terms; the amendment would allow them to serve up to three consecutive terms before becoming ineligible. The change would apply to future elections and does not affect current sheriffs serving in 2026. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4787, the Anti-Terrorism Act, creates new felony charges for terrorism in West Virginia, directly affecting individuals or groups committing acts defined as terrorism (including violent protests, riots, or attacks on critical infrastructure). Key provisions include mandatory consecutive prison sentences with no probation, restitution payments to victims up to three times their economic harm (such as lost wages or business shutdown costs), and requiring the Attorney General to designate terroristic entities. The bill also explicitly defines fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction and prohibits "terrorist swatting" (false emergency reports to harass targets). It applies to anyone committing terrorism within West Virginia, regardless of where the act occurred.

Maddy summaryHB 4753 prohibits public utility companies (like electricity, gas, and water providers) from using funds collected from customers to make political contributions or charitable donations. Specifically, it bans contributions to political candidates, campaigns, political action committees, or charitable organizations using ratepayer money. Violations would be classified as criminal offenses with penalties, and the bill creates new legal definitions to clarify these restrictions. The law directly affects utility companies and their use of customer funds, aiming to prevent public money from influencing politics or charity.