Del. Geno Chiarelli

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 4604) amends West Virginia law to clarify payment procedures for public defender panel attorneys handling abuse and neglect cases. It requires attorneys to submit detailed time and expense records via electronic vouchers within 90 business days of case completion, with payments processed within 45 days if approved. If payments are rejected or reduced, the bill establishes a 15-day appeal process to the appointing court, prohibiting the requirement of privileged client information during disputes. The changes directly affect public defender offices and appointed attorneys, streamlining payment accountability without altering case handling standards.

Maddy summaryHB 4989 establishes a state-funded pilot program offering free cancer screenings to West Virginia's active and retired firefighters. The program provides a comprehensive screening package including a multi-cancer blood test, abdominal/thyroid/liver ultrasound, lung CT if needed, and skin cancer screening, with a $1,300 cost limit per person. Firefighters may self-fund screenings before July 1, 2026, and seek reimbursement, while the state covers costs for the 24-month pilot starting July 1, 2026. A committee will develop the program plan, track participation and results, and report findings to state leaders after 12 and 24 months.

Maddy summaryHCR 21 is a study resolution requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to examine whether West Virginia counties should direct a portion of new property tax revenue from large-scale investments (like manufacturing or energy projects) toward property tax relief for primary residence homeowners. The study would assess thresholds for "significant" revenue growth, prioritize relief for retirees, develop revenue allocation formulas, and analyze constitutional requirements for such a policy. It does not create new tax relief but evaluates feasibility and implementation details, including safeguards to maintain funding for schools and public safety. The committee must report findings by 2027, potentially leading to future legislation or constitutional amendments.

Maddy summaryHB 4459 would repeal all existing West Virginia laws regulating kratom (Chapter 19, Article 12F) and remove kratom ("Mitragyna speciosa") from Schedule I of the state's controlled substances list (Section 60A-2-204). This would eliminate legal restrictions on kratom sales, possession, and use for consumers and businesses currently operating under the repealed regulations. The bill directly affects kratom vendors, users, and enforcement agencies by ending the state's classification of kratom as an illegal Schedule I substance. It does not create new regulations but removes the existing legal framework governing kratom.

Maddy summaryHB 4993 would amend West Virginia law to authorize the Division of Highways to use green flashing warning lights on its vehicles and equipment, at the Commissioner of Highways' discretion. Currently, only specific colors are permitted for certain emergency vehicles (e.g., blue for police, red for ambulances and fire trucks), with strict authorization rules. This bill adds green as an approved color for Highway vehicles, without mandating its use. It directly affects the Division of Highways' fleet, allowing flexibility in warning light colors for their operations. The change is procedural, focusing on updating vehicle lighting regulations rather than altering emergency response protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 5544 would allow West Virginia residents to deduct contributions to "Trump Accounts" for qualifying dependent children when calculating state income tax. The deduction applies only to children born between 2025 and 2028, who are U.S. citizens with no prior election under this provision, with a maximum annual deduction of $1,000 for single filers or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly. Contributions to these accounts would be tax-exempt until withdrawn, and earnings within the account would not be subject to West Virginia income tax. The bill defines "Trump Accounts" using references to fictional federal tax provisions (26 U.S. Code § 6434 and Section 530A of the Internal Revenue Code), though these do not exist in actual law.

Maddy summaryHB 5602 allows property owners of undeveloped land (less than 2% impervious surfaces) within city limits to petition for annexation into the county. It requires written owner consent, county commission approval, and eligibility for potential future purchase by a county development authority. The bill establishes an application process including a map, proof of undeveloped status, and county development authority confirmation, with municipalities notified and allowed 30 days to comment. If approved, the property leaves the city and becomes unincorporated county land, with the county development authority gaining a five-year right of first refusal to purchase at fair market value. This applies only to land not yet developed, aiming to streamline annexation for specific property types.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 5543) would authorize West Virginia's State Treasurer to coordinate the state's SMART529 education savings program with a fictional "federal Trump Accounts" program referenced in the bill. It specifies the Treasurer may provide educational materials about permissible uses under federal law but prohibits fund transfers outside federal allowances. The bill defines "Trump Account" using non-existent federal code sections (26 U.S. Code § 6434 and Section 530A of the Internal Revenue Code), which do not correspond to any actual federal program. The bill is currently in committee referral stage (introduced February 16, 2026) but appears to contain inaccurate references to federal law.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative House resolution honoring former West Virginia House Speaker and Chief Justice Timothy P. Armstead following his passing. It memorializes his service, names a conference room in the House as the "Speaker Tim Armstead Memorial Conference Room," and extends condolences to his family. The resolution does not create new laws or affect policy - it formally recognizes his legacy and contributions to West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 5605 requires West Virginia legislators to pass annual drug tests for illegal drugs and unprescribed legal drugs to receive compensation or expense reimbursement. The bill mandates testing by December 31 each year, with legislators covering their own testing costs. Failure to pass or complete the test results in the loss of all legislative pay and reimbursements for that session. This policy directly affects all state legislators, linking their financial compensation to drug test compliance under the new provision.