Del. Joe Statler

Maddy summaryHB 5073 allows deputy sheriffs to retain their seniority when transferring to vacant positions in another county, provided they have not committed wrongdoing at their previous county. This directly affects deputy sheriffs moving between sheriff's offices within West Virginia. The key provision states that seniority transfers with the deputy unless they were found responsible for misconduct in their prior county. The bill amends existing civil service rules to clarify this transfer process while maintaining that promotions are based on merit and competitive examinations.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House Resolution (not a bill), introduced by multiple West Virginia delegates. It designates the month of June as "Fidelity Month" to promote the values of faith, family, and patriotism across the state. The resolution cites declining support for these values in polling and research, and calls for the state to "rededicate" itself to them during June. It has no binding policy requirements or direct impact on specific groups; it is purely a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis West Virginia House resolution states that the U.S. national debt (over $38 trillion in 2026) poses a national security threat, citing foreign debt ownership, projected Social Security/Medicare shortfalls, and warnings from military/intelligence leaders. It urges Congress to establish regular budgeting procedures but does not create new laws or alter federal spending. As a symbolic resolution, it has no direct legal effect on national debt policy or federal budgets. The resolution focuses on raising awareness rather than implementing concrete changes.

Maddy summaryHB 4440 allows law enforcement officers to issue citations to students enrolled in public or public charter schools who possess nicotine products (including e-cigarettes) on school grounds or during school activities. This bill specifically amends West Virginia law to authorize citations for student possession, rather than imposing criminal penalties or school disciplinary actions. The policy change directly affects students in these schools by shifting enforcement authority to law enforcement for nicotine possession violations. It does not alter penalties for tobacco sales to minors or school disciplinary procedures. The bill focuses solely on enabling citations for student nicotine possession within school settings.

Maddy summaryHB 5047 creates a Mobile Career and Technical Education Classroom Program to address limited access to career training and specialized education in rural and coalfield counties of West Virginia. The program, administered by the state Department of Education, provides funding specifically for converting buses or vehicles into mobile classrooms equipped for career and technical education, workforce training, and fine arts instruction. Funds may cover vehicle conversion, renovation, instructional equipment, and safety modifications, but cannot be used for standard school buses. This initiative prioritizes applications submitted jointly by counties, career centers, or workforce development agencies to expand educational opportunities in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryHB 5005 requires West Virginia public schools with self-contained special education classrooms to install video cameras in those classrooms and audio recording devices in the restrooms of those classrooms. Schools must provide written notice to parents (allowing an opt-out for bathroom audio monitoring) and staff before installation, and post a notice in restrooms about the audio recording. The bill also provides liability protection for school officials and employees using these devices, meaning lawsuits against them must meet a "clear and convincing evidence" standard. This applies to county boards of education and public charter schools, directly affecting how they implement these recording requirements in special education settings.

Maddy summaryHB 5014 modifies West Virginia's real property tax rules for farm structures used in agricultural activities. It phases out taxes on eligible structures over three years: 33% reduction in 2026, 67% in 2027, and full exemption by 2028 for structures appraised in 2025. The exemption applies only to farm structures on agricultural land (per §19-19-2b) used for farming operations, excluding commercial solar installations, wood processing facilities, and event venues. This directly affects farm property owners who maintain qualifying structures for agricultural production, storage, or distribution.

Maddy summaryHB 4472 clarifies that commercial real property insurance policies in West Virginia may be written for any amount agreed upon by the insurer and policyholder - including amounts below the property's replacement cost value. This directly affects commercial property owners and insurers, allowing coverage based on options like actual depreciated value, market value, or a mutually agreed amount. The bill amends existing law to explicitly state that policies need not cover full replacement cost, removing ambiguity about permissible coverage levels. It does not change insurance requirements but provides clarity for contracts between commercial property owners and insurers.

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 summaryThis bill reclassifies sixth-grade students from elementary schools to middle schools in West Virginia public schools, effective for the 2026/2027 school year. It directly affects all sixth graders and school staff in the state by changing grade-level placement under the existing school classification system. The policy change is administrative, moving the grade level without altering curriculum or instructional requirements.