Rep. Evan Hansen

Maddy summaryHB 4108 requires the West Virginia Legislature to hold more public hearings during redistricting for congressional and legislative districts. It mandates at least 10 hearings before proposing maps and 5 additional hearings after proposals but before final adoption, with specific requirements for location, accessibility, and remote participation via videoconferencing. The bill also requires proposed maps and census data to be made available online at least three days before hearings and provides 15 days for public comment before any vote on district plans. This directly affects how the Legislature draws district boundaries by increasing public input opportunities and transparency in the apportionment process.

Maddy summaryHJR 16 proposes adding Section 23 to West Virginia's Constitution, establishing a fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment - including pure water, clean air, healthy soils, a safe climate, and preserved natural resources. It designates the state as a trustee responsible for conserving, protecting, and maintaining these resources for all current and future residents, including children. The amendment would be self-executing (enforceable without additional laws) and requires voter approval at the 2026 general election. It directly affects all West Virginians by embedding environmental protections into the state's foundational law.

Maddy summaryHB 4109 removes numerical limits on oil and gas well operators required to pay annual oversight fees in West Virginia. Currently, operators pay fees for only the first 400 high-production wells (over 250,000 ft³ gas/day), first 400 medium-production wells (60,000-250,000 ft³/day), and first 4,000 low-production wells (10,000-60,000 ft³/day). The bill eliminates these caps, requiring operators to pay the designated annual fees ($350 or $75 per well) for all qualifying active wells meeting production thresholds. This directly affects oil and gas companies operating multiple wells in the state, ensuring all qualifying wells contribute to oversight funding without quantity restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 4194 establishes community air monitoring programs in West Virginia for communities downwind from facilities that emit air pollution. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to install fenceline monitors near polluting facilities, provide technical assistance and funding (if available) for community-led monitoring, and accept real-time air quality data submitted by residents. The DEP must evaluate all submitted data using specific criteria like equipment calibration, location details, and analysis methods before deciding whether to conduct follow-up monitoring. This bill directly affects residents living near industrial facilities by granting them greater access to real-time pollution data and enabling community involvement in air quality oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 4127 repeals a provision in West Virginia law (§17A-10-3c) that allowed for extra registration fees on alternative fuel vehicles. This bill directly affects owners of vehicles using alternative fuels like electric, hybrid, or propane by removing the requirement to pay these additional fees. The key mechanism is the deletion of the specific code section authorizing the fees, meaning the standard registration fees will apply instead. The bill makes no other changes to vehicle registration rules or fees.

Maddy summaryHCR 88 is a ceremonial resolution honoring two West Virginia first responders nominated for the Medal of Valor. It specifically recognizes Captain Donald Lawson (New Martinsville Police) for rescuing two people from carbon monoxide poisoning despite his own hospitalization, and Darrell Lambert (Lake Volunteer Firefighter) for entering a burning building without protective gear to save a trapped resident, sustaining burns in the process. The resolution formally confirms the Legislature's approval of their award and directs the House Clerk to send a copy to Governor Morrisey. This is a symbolic honor with no new policy or funding changes, directly affecting only these two nominees. It passed unanimously in both chambers on April 3, 2025.

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 3173 would temporarily cap electricity rates for all West Virginia utility customers at current levels until July 1, 2026. The bill requires the Public Service Commission to set these rates immediately upon passage and prohibits increases except for adjustments related to fuel and purchased power costs. This directly affects all residential and business electricity users, particularly lower-income households and elderly residents who face high energy costs as their largest expense. The cap aims to provide immediate relief from rapid rate hikes that have outpaced other states, though rates will return to standard regulatory processes after July 2026.

Maddy summaryHCR 72 designates March 20, 2025 as "Black Lung Awareness Day" in West Virginia. It honors coal miners affected by black lung disease (coal worker's pneumoconiosis), a preventable occupational lung condition caused by coal dust exposure. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or policy changes - it serves as a ceremonial observance recognizing the disease's impact and existing protections like the Black Lung Benefits Act. It follows the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act's emphasis on miner safety without altering current regulations.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 9 is a non-binding resolution urging West Virginia's Governor and federal representatives to prevent federal job losses in the state. It highlights that over 17,000 West Virginians work for federal agencies and cites recent layoffs (200-250 at a Parkersburg facility) as a threat to local economies and state finances. The resolution calls for action to protect these jobs, arguing that losing them would harm communities, small businesses, and social services. It specifically urges state leaders to oppose federal workforce cuts, though it does not create new policy or funding mechanisms. The resolution was introduced on March 18, 2025, and referred to the Rules committee.