Del. John Williams

Maddy summaryHB 2744, the Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act, creates a standardized legal framework in West Virginia to prevent child abduction during custody disputes. It allows courts to issue protective measures - such as travel restrictions or custody orders - when a credible risk of abduction is proven, directly affecting children in custody cases, their parents or guardians, and family courts. Key provisions require petitions to include specific details like the child’s location, prior abuse allegations, and evidence of abduction risk, while mandating courts to consider factors like history of domestic violence. The bill also establishes uniform procedures for courts to communicate across jurisdictions and issue temporary emergency orders. This replaces inconsistent local practices with a statewide system for preventing child abduction before it occurs.

Maddy summaryHB 2486 requires the West Virginia Department of Education to analyze statewide school discipline data (including disparities by race, gender, and disability) and develop a statewide program to address disciplinary actions for K-12 students. County school boards must implement this program to improve disciplinary outcomes. The bill mandates annual reports on progress to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability and requires the Department to publish discipline data on its public dashboard for transparency.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution asks members of the West Virginia Legislature to encourage citizens and officials to respect democratic institutions and accept election results regardless of the outcome. It urges elected leaders to avoid spreading rumors or distrust about the voting system and to refrain from claiming fraud solely because their candidate lost. Instead, the resolution directs officials to report any concerns about election tampering to appropriate authorities and allow legal processes to resolve disputes based on facts rather than emotion. The measure serves as a formal request to promote trust in government institutions and does not create new laws or penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 233 requests additional funding from the state's general revenue surplus to support the Child Care Development fund for fiscal year 2025. This bill directly affects the Department of Human Services by authorizing an extra appropriation of $4,600,000 for childcare services. The legislation uses a standard supplemental appropriation process, drawing from unspent state money to increase the budget for the designated fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a permanent state child tax credit of $1,000 for West Virginia residents who claim the federal child tax credit for an eligible child. The credit is refundable, meaning eligible taxpayers will receive the full amount even if it exceeds the taxes they owe. It directly affects working families with children who file state income taxes and claim the corresponding federal credit. The legislation aims to support local economies and reduce child poverty by providing additional financial assistance to qualifying households.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution asks Marshall University and West Virginia University to lead a group of experts in building a tool that calculates the real cost of childcare. The goal is to help the state better model financial needs for providers and ensure public funds are used wisely, addressing limitations in current subsidy rate surveys. The universities must work with state departments and stakeholders to develop this estimator, which must meet federal requirements for setting childcare rates. By June 30, 2025, the universities are required to report their findings to a state committee, with funding for the project provided through legislative appropriations.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to allow employees working at least 20 hours per week in licensed child care centers or family child care homes to receive state child care subsidies, even if their household income exceeds current limits. The key provision adds a new section to state law that removes income restrictions for these specific workers while they work in the child care industry. By making this change, the legislation aims to help child care staff afford their own children's care without requiring them to meet strict income thresholds.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state tax credit for West Virginia residents who claim the federal child and dependent care credit. It allows eligible taxpayers to receive a refundable credit equal to 50% of the federal amount they are entitled to for tax years starting on or after January 1, 2024. The provision applies retroactively to cover the 2024 tax year and is intended to provide additional financial relief to families with child or dependent care expenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Public Employee Insurance Agency in West Virginia to cover the cost of specific weight loss medications for state employees and their dependents. Effective July 1, 2024, insurance plans issued or renewed on or after that date must include coverage for GLP-1 agonist drugs when they are prescribed by a physician for weight loss purposes. The legislation applies directly to the agency's policies and contracts, ensuring that these particular treatments are reimbursed under the state's public employee insurance program.