Del. Geno Chiarelli

Maddy summaryHB 3211 requires West Virginia to provide free, annual cancer screenings - including multi-cancer early detection testing - to all firefighters during their routine health assessments. The bill creates a voluntary program allowing firefighters to anonymously share test results with the Department of Human Services to identify cancer trends in the profession, while protecting their personal information. It directly affects all West Virginia firefighters by mandating accessible prevention services and enabling data collection to understand cancer risks. The key mechanism is the state-funded screening during annual assessments plus anonymized data sharing for trend analysis, with no cost to firefighters. This policy change focuses on proactive health monitoring for a specific occupational group.

Maddy summaryHB 3100 would align retirement and disability benefits for dependents of West Virginia State Police officers who take disability retirement with the benefits provided to dependents of officers who retire after 20 years of service. Currently, dependents of disability retirees receive less than those of regular retirees under the existing §15-2-33 formula. The bill proposes amending the law to ensure surviving spouses and dependents of disability retirees receive the same monthly benefit amount as those of regular retirees - calculated as three-fourths of the retired officer's benefits (with a minimum $5,000 annual payment). This change directly affects dependents of State Police officers who must leave service due to disability before reaching 20 years. The bill is currently in the House Finance Committee after introduction on March 4, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3199 prevents West Virginia local governments (cities/counties) from creating their own rules about tobacco products and e-cigarettes that lack "characterizing flavors" (such as fruit, candy, or dessert flavors). It makes any existing local laws on these products unenforceable, but only applies to products with federal FDA approval and excludes tobacco, menthol, mint, or wintergreen-flavored items. The bill clarifies state law preempts local regulation for specific tobacco products without those flavors, without changing product availability or safety standards. (Note: Introduced March 2025, currently pending in committee.)

Maddy summaryHB 2437 clarifies enhanced penalties for crimes involving fentanyl, specifically targeting individuals convicted of possessing, delivering, or manufacturing fentanyl as a Schedule II substance. It increases penalties for these offenses: a $50,000 fine or 3-15 years in prison (instead of the standard $25,000 fine or 1-15 years), directly affecting those convicted of fentanyl-related crimes. The bill amends West Virginia law to explicitly state these higher penalties when fentanyl - alone or mixed with other substances - is the Schedule II controlled substance involved. It does not change penalties for other drugs or create new offenses, only clarifying existing sentencing for fentanyl cases. The bill passed the House on March 5, 2025, and is now pending in the Senate.

Maddy summaryHB 2139 exempts cash tips received by West Virginia residents from the state's personal income tax. It directly affects workers who earn cash tips, such as servers and bartenders, by removing tax liability on that specific income. The bill adds a new section (§11-21-12o) to the tax code, explicitly stating that cash tips from any source are not subject to state income tax. This policy change provides a direct tax benefit to individuals whose income includes cash tips.

Maddy summaryHB 2746 regulates vape shops in West Virginia by prohibiting retailers from selling electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes, vapes, etc.) outside original packaging, to anyone under 21, to visibly impaired individuals, or during unauthorized hours. It also bans allowing consumption on premises, altering product information, or permitting minors under 18 to sell devices (with limited exceptions for 16-17 year olds under strict supervision). Violations are misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $5,000 or up to one year in jail. The bill requires vape shops to follow state safety standards set by the Health and Agriculture Departments and coordinate with them for approved product sales. It directly affects vape shop owners and employees operating under retail licenses.

Maddy summaryHB 3165, the Streaming Rights and Equality Act, sets maximum fees for streaming high school sports in West Virginia: $250 per football game and $100 for other sports, with annual increases capped at 5%. It requires publicly funded high schools to allow West Virginia-based streaming producers to broadcast events at these rates, ensuring equal access statewide. The bill mandates that schools cannot deny local producers access to regular-season or playoff games if fees are paid, and requires the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) to make championship events available to local producers under the same terms as regular season. Violations incur penalties, including double the streaming fee for non-compliance or failure to provide required on-camera oversight during events.

Maddy summaryHB 3141 requires private or government entities taking property through eminent domain to pay an additional 15% fee based on the court-ordered value paid to landowners. This fee must be paid to the county where the property is located and is in addition to all other costs. The funds collected can only be used by counties for acquiring or improving public forests, parks, recreation facilities, and related infrastructure. The bill does not reduce the amount paid to landowners and applies to all eminent domain proceedings under West Virginia law. It is currently in the House Finance Committee for review.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 8) is a symbolic request from the West Virginia House of Delegates asking Congress to pass the federal National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (HR 38). It states that West Virginia residents with valid concealed carry permits should be able to carry concealed weapons in any state that allows concealed carry, without needing to verify if that state recognizes their West Virginia permit. The resolution does not change any laws itself but urges Congress to enact HR 38, which would require all states to honor out-of-state concealed carry permits, similar to how driver's licenses are recognized across state lines. It directly affects West Virginia permit holders traveling to other states.

Maddy summaryHB 3138 would create a 25-foot buffer zone around first responders (including police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel) while they are lawfully performing their duties. It makes it unlawful to approach within 25 feet after receiving a verbal warning, specifically to impede their work, threaten them with harm, or harass them. Violators would face misdemeanor charges with fines of $50-$500 or up to one year in jail. The bill directly affects anyone near first responders during emergency operations and aims to protect them from interference. (Note: The bill is in early stages, having been introduced on March 4, 2025.)