Maddy summaryHB 4822 redirects tax revenue from "High Impact Data Centers" (as defined under West Virginia law) to three specific recipients: the Public Employees Insurance Association (PEIA) fund, local counties, and public school boards. The bill amends tax distribution rules to require that incremental property tax revenue from these data centers - calculated using a new formula based on assessed value and levy rates - be reallocated instead of following previous distribution methods. This change directly affects data centers certified as "High Impact" under §11-6N-2, ensuring their tax contributions support state health insurance programs, county services, and school funding. The policy shift replaces prior tax allocation rules with a fixed distribution structure for these facilities.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 4509 prohibits counties and municipalities from imposing local zoning, building permits, licensing, or other regulations on certified microgrid districts and certified high impact data centers. It bans local governments from enacting ordinances that restrict the development, operation, or expansion of these specific projects. The bill designates a "Data Economy Liaison" at the Department of Commerce to coordinate with developers and expedite project approvals. This measure removes local regulatory authority over these projects, directly affecting county/municipal governments and the owners of certified microgrid and data center facilities.
Maddy summaryHB 3519 transfers $155,288,050 from the Governor’s Office-Civil Contingent Fund (unspent funds for emergency use) to the Higher Education Policy Commission’s budget for the 2025 fiscal year. The bill creates a new line item titled "Deferred Maintenance of Institutions - Surplus" under the Higher Education Policy Commission’s administrative account. This reallocates unused state funds specifically for deferred maintenance at public colleges and universities, without creating new spending or changing tax policies. The bill directly affects higher education institutions by providing funding for building repairs and infrastructure upkeep.
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 10 is a non-binding resolution from the West Virginia House of Delegates urging Congress to extend enhanced premium tax credits for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act beyond 2025. These tax credits, established by the American Rescue Plan and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act, have helped over 64,800 West Virginia residents afford health insurance. Without extension, premiums would more than double for many residents, making coverage unaffordable and potentially forcing people to choose between health care and basic needs like housing and food. The resolution calls on West Virginia's congressional delegation to support extending these credits to maintain affordable health care access for state residents.
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.
Maddy summaryHB 3502 allocates $250 million from West Virginia's Revenue Shortfall Fund ($100 million) and Income Tax Reserve Fund ($150 million) to create the West Virginia Flood Resiliency Trust Fund. This fund finances flood prevention projects in communities vulnerable to severe flooding, aiming to reduce future damage through proactive infrastructure and planning. The bill requires the State Resiliency Officer to submit annual spending reports for board review, and mandates that 6% of federal flood disaster recovery funds be dedicated to long-term resiliency planning. It directly affects state agencies managing flood response and residents in flood-prone areas by prioritizing prevention over reactive recovery.