Del. Joe Statler

Maddy summaryHCR 78 is a non-binding resolution urging West Virginia's Division of Highways to prioritize completing I-73 (the "King Coal Highway") across Wayne, Mingo, McDowell, Mercer, and Wyoming counties. It requests the highway agency treat the project as a high priority to improve economic development and emergency access, especially after recent flooding exposed transportation challenges in the region. The resolution asks the state to provide necessary funding and executive support to expedite the highway's completion but does not allocate new funds or create new law. It directly affects the Division of Highways and residents of the five specified counties by formally advocating for this infrastructure project.

Maddy summaryHB 2958 clarifies trespassing rules for West Virginia college campuses by defining "residence halls" (student housing) and "student facilities" (campus venues serving alcohol to students). It states that entering these areas without authorization is trespassing - even if no disruption occurs - and allows campus staff to immediately ask unauthorized individuals to leave. Repeat offenses carry escalating fines: $100 for first, $250-$500 for second, and up to $1,000 or 30 days in jail for third offenses. This directly affects students, visitors, campus security, and enforcement personnel at public colleges and universities.

Maddy summaryHB 2922, the Safer Communities Act, allows West Virginia counties to impose a public safety sales or amusement tax of up to 1% on qualifying purchases, subject to voter approval via referendum. It directly affects counties that meet specific requirements (e.g., current on state fees, utilizing maximum millage rates, and having fire/EMS levies). The tax funds public safety services, emergency response, and school resource officers in unincorporated areas, while excluding municipalities already in the Municipal Home Rule Program or with existing amusement taxes. Counties must notify state tax officials 180 days before implementing the tax.

Maddy summaryHB 3150 amends West Virginia's medical student loan program to replace scholarship language with loan repayment terms for health science and mental health providers. It clarifies that medical student loans - maxing at $10,000-$20,000 annually for up to four years - will prioritize West Virginia residents, require service in designated shortage areas, and mandate direct payments from the state commission to federal loan servicers. The bill removes licensure requirements for repayment eligibility and updates definitions to align with current health workforce needs, such as specifying "approved service commitment areas" as locations meeting both geographic and specialty shortages. These changes aim to streamline loan administration and better target support for health professionals in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryHB 2355 allows middle and high school students in West Virginia to participate in travel sports teams without facing penalties from school athletic programs. The bill prohibits the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission from taking adverse action against students who compete in both public school sports and travel teams. To comply, students must notify both their public school coach and travel coach about their dual participation, and they must prioritize their public school athletic schedule if conflicts arise. This directly affects student athletes in public schools who also join outside travel sports organizations.

Maddy summaryHB 2514 is a procedural bill that removes outdated references in West Virginia law to two specific one-time reports already submitted to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education. The bill amends sections of the education code (§18-2-7f and §18-2E-10) that previously required reporting on extended learning programs and early literacy support systems. It does not change any program requirements or student eligibility - it only eliminates redundant reporting language for reports that have already been provided. This is a technical cleanup measure with no direct impact on schools, students, or program operations.

Maddy summaryHB 3387 creates a pilot program allowing West Virginia's State Board of Education to establish regional school districts that combine neighboring county school districts. It directly affects county districts facing shared challenges like funding gaps, rural population issues, and geographic barriers. The bill authorizes regional districts to consolidate schools, make financial decisions, and supersede county boards within their area, starting July 1, 2025. It also permits the State Board to develop rules for a smooth transition during consolidation. The program aims to address operational inefficiencies through regional planning while maintaining the same powers as current county boards.

Maddy summaryHB 3452 transfers administration of Advanced Career Education (ACE) programs - from high school courses preparing students for specific careers - from county school boards to community and technical colleges. The bill amends education code to end current county board oversight (repealing §18-5-19b) and establishes community colleges as the new administrators for ACE programs, including approval of curricula and credentials. This directly affects high school students enrolled in ACE pathways, county schools currently managing these programs, and community colleges taking on this responsibility. The change aims to align career education with college-level technical training structures, though it does not alter program content or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 3507 requires counties participating in a 10-county pilot program to ensure every public school has at least one qualified mental health professional (QMHP). A QMHP is defined as a professional registered with the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling, and the bill explicitly classifies school counselors as QMHPs for this purpose. The pilot program, to be administered by the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education and Accountability, will operate for two years in 10 designated counties. This policy change directly affects public school students and staff in those 10 counties by mandating mental health support access in every school. The bill does not apply statewide but is limited to the designated pilot counties.

Maddy summaryHB 3508 modifies West Virginia's school funding formula to provide increased support for public schools in rural counties with low population density. It adjusts how "net enrollment" is calculated for counties where student population density is low (specifically, counties with fewer than 1,400 students), using a formula that accounts for the ratio of students to square miles. This adjustment increases funding for these counties by effectively raising their calculated enrollment, with a specific provision also giving special education enrollment a 1.5 weighting for funding special education aides. The bill directly affects school districts in rural areas, particularly those with sparse populations, by changing the calculation method used to distribute state education funds.