Del. Buck Jennings

Maddy summaryHB 3045, the Farmer Protection Act, prohibits financial institutions in West Virginia from denying or restricting financial services to agriculture producers based on environmental or sustainability criteria. The bill defines "agriculture producer" and establishes clear standards to prevent unfair discrimination in financial service provision. It directly affects farmers and financial institutions by requiring state oversight to ensure compliance with these standards. The legislation was introduced to address concerns that ESG-related demands could harm small farms and increase food prices.

Maddy summaryHB 3041 requires West Virginia public elementary and secondary schools to display a specific version of the Ten Commandments in every classroom starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The display must be a durable poster or framed copy at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall, containing the exact text of the Ten Commandments as specified in the bill, and legible from any point in the classroom. Schools without compliant displays must accept private donations of qualifying posters or replace existing displays using public funds or donations. The bill also mandates that schools offer surplus displays to other public schools.

Maddy summaryHB 3011 modifies West Virginia's tax code to limit pollution control facility tax benefits exclusively to wind power projects that were fully operational and generating electricity by January 1, 2025. This means new wind projects proposed after that date will not qualify for the special tax treatment that pre-2025 projects receive. The bill does not prohibit new wind projects but removes a key financial incentive for future developments. It specifically applies to wind turbines and towers (as defined in the bill), excluding other project components from the tax benefit. This policy change directly affects developers seeking tax advantages for wind energy infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 2888 amends West Virginia Code §17-2A-8 to clarify and expand the West Virginia Commissioner of Highways' authority over road maintenance and repair. The bill requires the commissioner to implement "reasonable design techniques to minimize flood damage" during road projects and mandates public hearings with virtual participation options before closing or discontinuing state roads. It also updates procedures for acquiring land for road projects, establishing road standards, and maintaining public records related to road rights-of-way. The bill directly affects the state highway department's operational procedures and public engagement processes for road maintenance decisions. (This is a procedural amendment to existing duties, not a new funding or program.)

Maddy summaryHB 2976 establishes a state subsidy program to help volunteer fire departments and emergency rescue personnel cover increases in their workers' compensation insurance premiums. The State Auditor will administer the program, requiring departments to submit documentation like premium invoices and receipts to qualify for funds that offset premium hikes. Eligible departments must register with the Auditor's Office, maintain good standing with the State Fire Marshal, and agree to have subsidies paid directly to their insurance carrier. The program standardizes how premiums are tracked and billed across different service classifications (e.g., fire fighting, emergency medical services) to create a more equitable process.

Maddy summaryHB 2370 clarifies and updates West Virginia's involuntary hospitalization process for individuals with mental health needs. It expands who can initiate involuntary hospitalization applications to include physicians, psychologists, licensed counselors, social workers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and law enforcement officers. The bill also requires the Department of Health and Human Resources to provide transportation for individuals needing involuntary hospitalization. These changes directly affect mental health professionals, law enforcement, individuals subject to hospitalization, and courts handling these cases, streamlining the process while maintaining procedural safeguards.

Maddy summaryHB 2969 increases West Virginia's homestead property tax exemption for eligible homeowners. The bill raises the exemption amount from $20,000 to $30,000 immediately, with further increases to $35,000 by 2028 and $40,000 by 2030. This exemption applies to the first $30,000 (and higher amounts over time) of a home's assessed value for primary residences owned by residents aged 65 or older, or those certified as permanently and totally disabled. To qualify, applicants must meet residency requirements, including being a West Virginia resident for two consecutive years prior to the tax year, with exceptions for military service and returning residents.

Maddy summaryThis West Virginia House Resolution (HR 7) requests Congress to create a combined investigative task force to examine the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic and the government response. It specifically asks the task force to coordinate with existing state, national, and international investigations, and to recommend corrective actions for pandemic-related issues like vaccine side effects, business closures, and alleged restrictions on public discussion. The resolution cites concerns about adverse health reactions from emergency-approved vaccines, employment discrimination against unvaccinated individuals, and business impacts from public health mandates. It is a non-binding request to Congress - not a law - and does not create any new government authority. The resolution was introduced on February 24, 2025, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2814 requires West Virginia's Governor to create comprehensive crisis preparedness plans to address five specific threats: nuclear attacks, major energy grid disruptions, long-term cyber-attacks, invasion, and insurrection. The bill mandates that these plans include preventative measures, mitigation strategies, immediate response protocols, remediation steps, and recovery efforts. The Governor must brief the legislature on initial plans by August 31, 2025, with final plans due by November 30, 2025, followed by annual updates. The legislation directly affects state government operations and aims to protect all West Virginia residents by preparing for high-risk scenarios.

Maddy summaryHB 2862 exempts ambulances transporting patients for non-emergency appointments from paying tolls on West Virginia turnpikes. The bill amends state law to specifically exclude these vehicles from toll obligations under the electronic toll collection system. This change directly affects ambulance operators and emergency service providers using toll roads for scheduled non-emergency medical transports. The provision removes the requirement for these vehicles to pay tolls, though it does not apply to emergency response trips. The bill focuses solely on removing a financial burden for this specific type of vehicle during non-urgent patient transport.