Del. John Paul Hott

Maddy summaryHB 3404 allows retired prosecuting attorneys and assistant prosecuting attorneys in West Virginia to return to work for the state without losing their retirement annuity payments. Unlike most public retirees who must suspend their annuity if they take full-time state employment, this bill specifically exempts these legal professionals. It permits them to work full-time or part-time as assistant prosecuting attorneys indefinitely, with no limit on annual earnings or employment duration. The change aims to retain specialized legal expertise for the state's prosecution offices after retirement. This bill directly affects retired prosecutors who wish to return to service in their former roles.

Maddy summaryHB 3170 requires all rental properties in West Virginia to have approved sewage systems instead of straight piping sewage. It directly affects landlords of rental properties and property owners converting previously owner-occupied homes into rentals, mandating updated plumbing to meet current standards. The bill’s key provision prohibits straight piping sewage and requires all rental properties to install certified sewage systems. This policy change applies statewide to all residential rental units, focusing on infrastructure upgrades for public health and safety.

Maddy summaryHB 3381 requires insurance companies operating within holding company systems in West Virginia to annually submit group capital calculations and liquidity stress test results to the lead state insurance commissioner. It mandates that these stress tests follow National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) standards and requires confidential handling of all submitted financial data. The bill also clarifies that affiliates of domestic insurers remain subject to the commissioner's oversight during financial distress and prohibits sharing certain system information with the NAIC. Introduced on March 14, 2025, and referred to the House Finance Committee, this bill aims to strengthen oversight of insurance holding company financial health.

Maddy summaryHB 2060 creates a tax exemption for agricultural cooperative associations in West Virginia, directly affecting these organizations operating under Chapter 19 of the state code. The bill exempts qualifying cooperatives from the business and occupation tax on their in-state units starting January 1, 2025, with proration for any tax year containing that date. It defines "agricultural cooperative association" as organizations formed under §19-4-1, which include entities handling agricultural products, food, and related services. The exemption applies retroactively to January 1, 2025, and aligns with existing cooperative association laws. This policy change reduces tax liability for these specific agricultural cooperatives operating within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 3201 amends West Virginia's medical cannabis law to permit edible forms (such as gummies and lozenges) for the first time, adding them to the list of approved product types. The bill establishes strict safety rules for edibles, including a 10-milligram THC limit per serving (with a 15% variance), mandatory bureau approval for each product, and prohibitions on candy-like appearance, color additives, or additives that increase potency. It also requires dispensaries to report all medical cannabis sales to the state's controlled substance monitoring database. This bill directly affects patients and caregivers using edibles, as well as businesses that produce or sell medical cannabis products.

Maddy summaryHB 3188 prohibits individuals who are lawfully detained by police from providing false names or failing to identify themselves, with violations punishable as misdemeanors (up to 1 year in jail) or felonies (up to 5 years) if harm results. It also clarifies that loitering or prowling is illegal only when circumstances cause reasonable safety concerns, requiring officers to first ask for identification and explanation before arresting. The bill allows courts to order restitution for victims of false identification and correct public records containing false information. These provisions apply to law enforcement officers, detained individuals, and anyone affected by false identification misuse.

Maddy summaryHB 3191 requires people to maintain a 25-foot distance from law enforcement officers, probation officers, firefighters, or emergency responders while they are performing their duties, particularly when someone is recording interactions. It prohibits approaching or staying within 25 feet after receiving a verbal warning, if the person intends to interfere with the officer’s work, threaten them, or intentionally distress them. Violating this rule is a misdemeanor punishable by a $50-$500 fine, up to one year in jail, or both. The bill directly affects members of the public who record police or emergency interactions near the scene.

Maddy summaryHB 3196 establishes West Virginia's first comprehensive regulations for teledentistry, requiring dentists and dental hygienists to hold valid state licenses and maintain professional liability insurance when providing remote dental services. The bill mandates that teledentistry services meet the same standard of care as in-person care, prohibits treatment based solely on online questionnaires, and requires providers to establish a "bona fide" provider-patient relationship through review of medical records and an in-person examination before offering ongoing care. It specifically defines key terms like "teledentistry" (including real-time and store-and-forward technology), "distant site," and "originating site," while allowing exceptions for emergent dental conditions requiring immediate treatment. This legislation directly affects dental providers offering remote services and patients receiving teledentistry in West Virginia, aiming to ensure safety and accountability in virtual dental care.

Maddy summaryHCR 49 is a West Virginia legislative resolution (not a bill) requesting the Maryland General Assembly reject proposed changes to the North Branch Potomac River's water classification. It argues that designating the river as "Cold Water Aquatic Life" (instead of "Warm Water") would require West Virginia industrial facilities to install costly thermal controls like cooling towers to meet stricter discharge standards, imposing unnecessary costs. The resolution claims this would violate the U.S. Constitution's dormant commerce clause by unduly burdening interstate commerce, citing Supreme Court precedents like *Sporhase v. Nebraska*. It asks Maryland to withdraw the proposal and directs West Virginia's Attorney General to investigate the constitutional issues. (Note: This is a procedural resolution, not a law affecting policy changes.)

Maddy summaryHB 2790 establishes rules for mergers between West Virginia-chartered banks that operate exclusively within the state (intrastate banks). It requires commissioner approval for such mergers or asset transfers, mandates that the surviving bank must be FDIC-insured, and specifies that all assets and rights transfer automatically to the surviving institution. The bill also gives the banking commissioner authority to issue cease-and-desist orders against unauthorized mergers or asset sales, with appeals possible in circuit court within 30 days. This applies only to state-chartered banks operating solely in West Virginia, not to national banks or institutions with out-of-state operations.