Rep. Anitra Hamilton

Maddy summaryHB 5607 would amend West Virginia's PROMISE Scholarship Program to cover full tuition, room, and board for students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at state institutions of higher education, replacing the current $4,750 annual cap for these students. This change applies to new recipients and continues existing awards for STEM students who received the scholarship before January 1, 2010. The bill does not alter other eligibility requirements, such as maintaining a 3.0 grade point average or applying for federal student aid. The policy directly increases financial support for eligible STEM students at West Virginia's public colleges and universities.

Maddy summaryHB 5586 establishes a new minimum salary schedule for classroom teachers in West Virginia, effective for the 2024-2025 school year and continuing thereafter. The bill sets specific minimum salary amounts based on teachers' years of experience (0-26+ years) and educational qualifications (Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degrees). This policy change directly affects all public school classroom teachers in West Virginia by creating a standardized pay structure with different rates for various experience levels and education levels. The bill amends §18A-4-2 of the Code of West Virginia to implement this new salary framework.

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 5584 requires West Virginia county school boards to provide one day of in-service training annually to school service employees preparing for mandatory competency tests. These tests determine qualification for specific job classifications, such as cafeteria managers or secretaries, as defined by state law. The training must help employees meet the test requirements, which are designed to align with job duties without altering the tests or passing standards. This bill applies directly to county school boards and their employees who must take the annual competency tests.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 5523 requires hospitals, clinics, and emergency departments in West Virginia to provide a physician or certified nurse midwife examination before discharging any woman in the later stages of pregnancy. It mandates that facilities provide written and verbal discharge instructions covering key topics like labor signs, warning symptoms, activity guidance, follow-up care, and emergency contacts, all in accessible language. The instructions must be reviewed with the patient or their representative, and the facility must document that they were provided. This bill directly affects pregnant patients in late-stage pregnancy and healthcare facilities across the state, aiming to improve safety through standardized discharge protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 5522 creates an annual sales tax holiday in West Virginia for feminine hygiene products and diapers. The bill exempts these items from sales tax on the second Saturday of May plus the Friday and Sunday directly surrounding that date each year. It defines "feminine hygiene products" broadly to include tampons, pads, menstrual cups, and similar items, whether disposable or reusable. The tax holiday directly affects consumers purchasing these products during the designated dates, reducing their out-of-pocket costs. The bill establishes this exemption by amending the state's sales tax code to exclude these items from taxation during the specified period.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds Juneteenth (June 19) as an official state holiday in West Virginia. It directly affects state government operations, including state employees and courts, by designating June 19 as a legal holiday. The bill specifies that if Juneteenth falls on a Sunday, it will be observed on the preceding Friday (unlike most other holidays, which would move to Monday). This change aligns with existing holiday rules for government closures but creates a unique observation rule for Juneteenth. The bill does not alter private business operations or other holiday observances.

Maddy summaryHB 5501 establishes a licensing and regulatory framework for Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) in West Virginia. The bill requires applicants to hold a current NARM certification, complete MEAC-accredited education or a NARM portfolio evaluation, and meet basic qualifications like being 18+ and having a high school diploma. It mandates that licensed midwives renew their licenses every two years by providing proof of current NARM certification and participation in perinatal outcome data reporting. This bill directly affects midwives seeking to legally practice in West Virginia by creating new licensing standards under the state's regulatory authority.

Maddy summaryHB 5503 would provide a $5,000 annual salary increase to state mine inspectors, including electrical, underground, and surface mine inspectors, as defined in the existing law. The bill directly affects these specific inspectors by increasing their base pay on the effective date of the law. Key provisions require the salary adjustment to apply to all inspector categories covered under the current mine safety chapter. The bill focuses solely on the concrete policy change of raising salaries, with no additional provisions or program requirements.