Del. Geno Chiarelli

Maddy summaryHB 2479, now Chapter 67 of the 2025 regular session laws, addresses the management and control of county authority vested in county boards. The bill's title indicates it modifies how county governing bodies exercise specific powers, though the provided context does not detail the exact provisions or affected counties. As a procedural or administrative bill, it focuses on structural governance rather than new programs or funding. No specific mechanisms, affected groups, or policy changes are described in the available information. The bill was approved by the Governor on April 25, 2025, and enacted into law.

Maddy summaryHB 2165 allows disabled Purple Heart recipients to park for free at all municipal metered parking spaces. This law directly affects veterans who received a Purple Heart and have a disability, removing the requirement for them to pay for parking in city-owned metered spots. The key provision amends existing parking regulations to exempt these veterans from meter fees, streamlining access to public parking. The bill became law on April 25, 2025, after approval by the Governor and both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryHB 2755 allows the West Virginia Board of Education to create new rules or policies for public education. These rules must then be submitted to the state Legislature for review. The bill directly affects the Board of Education and the legislative process for education policy changes. It does not change existing education laws but adds a step requiring legislative review of new Board rules before they take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 2576, the NIL Protection Act, protects college student-athletes' rights to earn income from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) without penalty from public universities. It directly affects student-athletes at public institutions in the state by prohibiting colleges from restricting or penalizing them for participating in NIL deals, such as endorsements or social media promotions. The law ensures athletes can monetize their personal brand without losing eligibility or facing disciplinary action from their schools. Effective July 30, 2025, this legislation aligns with broader state efforts to support student-athlete financial opportunities.

Maddy summaryHB 2411 updates high school graduation requirements and revises academic content standards for public schools. It directly affects high school students, school districts, and educators by changing the specific courses and assessments needed for graduation. The bill modifies the existing standards to align with updated educational goals, requiring schools to adjust their curriculum and assessment methods accordingly. This law became effective upon the Governor's approval on April 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2871 creates new vehicular homicide offenses (including aggravated versions and those occurring in school/construction zones) and expands criminal protections to embryos. It establishes specific fines, penalties, and automatic driver's license revocation for convictions related to these offenses. The bill also links these new crimes to commercial driver's license disqualification, insurance policy cancellation, and updated definitions in juvenile court proceedings. This directly affects drivers involved in fatal crashes, insurance companies, and law enforcement handling traffic-related deaths.

Maddy summaryHB 2595, the Non Profit Athletics Act, allows West Virginia public universities to partner with nonprofit corporations to manage their intercollegiate athletics programs. The bill requires that all voting directors of these athletic-focused nonprofits must be employees of the university or its affiliate, ensuring university control. It permits universities to transfer property to these nonprofits and exempts their athletic operations from standard state regulatory processes. The law aims to streamline athletic program management while keeping oversight within the university system, directly affecting public higher education institutions and their athletic departments.

Maddy summaryHB 3166 requires public school districts to create and annually update detailed safety maps for all school buildings. These maps must show emergency exits, security cameras, communication systems, and other safety features, and be made available to law enforcement upon request. The bill directly affects all public school districts in the state by mandating this standardized safety documentation. It became law on April 29, 2025, after approval by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 3111 increases salaries for West Virginia judges effective July 1, 2026, and 2027. It raises Supreme Court justices' annual pay to $154,600 (from $149,600), circuit court judges to $143,600 (from $138,600), and family court judges to $113,950 (from $103,950). The bill also requires judicial employees to contribute to the retirement system while suspending employer contributions until specific conditions are met. These changes directly affect all state judges and their staff, aligning family court secretary-clerk salaries ($44,876) with future state employee increases.

Maddy summaryHouse Concurrent Resolution 18 proposes renaming Johnsontown Bridge (located on WV 009 over Tilhance Creek in Berkeley County, West Virginia) to the "Paul J. Hofe Memorial Bridge" to honor Paul J. Hofe, a local resident who served in the U.S. Army, worked for the IRS for 35 years, and operated a well-drilling business for 50 years that provided free wells to families and community organizations. The resolution directs the Division of Highways to update the bridge's official name and install new signage identifying it as the "Paul J. Hofe Memorial Bridge." This is a commemorative resolution with no substantive policy changes beyond the bridge name and signage.