Del. Gary Howell

Maddy summaryHB 4480 modifies West Virginia's rules for access points to state highways used by commercial or industrial properties. It removes permit requirements for new access points, streamlining the process for businesses. The bill also creates standards for reviewing existing access points (especially those over 50 feet wide on highways with speed limits above 45 mph), allowing the Division of Highways to require safety changes like "no parking" signs based on traffic data. These changes directly affect property owners with highway-facing commercial or industrial properties.

Maddy summaryHB 3181 allows all retired law enforcement officers to purchase firearms without restrictions that previously applied to them. The bill removes a prior ban on retired police and sheriff's department officers buying guns directly. It became effective on July 31, 2025, after being signed by the governor on April 28, 2025. This change directly affects retired officers who now have the same firearm purchasing rights as other state residents.

Maddy summaryHB 3504 creates West Virginia's Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, defining "critical infrastructure" to include facilities like power plants, water treatment centers, pipelines, hospitals, and telecommunications equipment. It prohibits unauthorized entry (trespassing) on these sites, with misdemeanor penalties of up to $1,000 fines or one year in jail. For damaging critical infrastructure (including cyberattacks) causing over $2,500 in harm, it imposes felony charges with fines of $3,000-$10,000 or 1-5 years in prison, increasing for repeat offenses. The law directly affects property owners who can enforce these rules and anyone entering or damaging these designated facilities without permission.

Maddy summaryHCR 29 is a memorial resolution requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways name a 2.9-mile segment of County Route 9 (Knobley Road) between specific coordinates as "Sheriff Jeremy Taylor Memorial Road." It commemorates Sheriff Jeremy Taylor, a Mineral County law enforcement officer and firefighter who died in 2024, by designating this road segment and installing signage. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a naming convention with no direct effect on residents, laws, or government operations. It was enacted by the legislature on April 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3174 requires West Virginia municipalities to calculate the cost of extending water or sewer service when potential customers apply for service, then apply to the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council for available funding. If a grant covers the extension costs, the municipality must provide service to applicants who make required deposits. The bill amends existing statutes (§8-19-17, §16-13-22a, and §16-13A-24) to mandate these steps for municipalities. This directly affects municipalities providing water/sewer services and new customers seeking connection.

Maddy summaryHCR 101 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study requirements for device manufacturers and app stores to obtain parental consent before children under 18 download software applications. It would examine age verification systems, parental control features, and standardized procedures for age-based content restrictions. The study aims to inform future legislation, referencing HB2609 as a framework, and requires the committee to report findings to the 2026 legislature. This resolution does not enact new laws but seeks to evaluate potential measures for child safety on digital platforms.

Maddy summaryHCR 98 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study improvements to West Virginia’s Reclamation of Abandoned and Dilapidated Properties Program. It focuses on two key areas: (1) creating mechanisms to reinvest proceeds from sold remediated properties and fines from property maintenance violations into the program, and (2) exploring incentives like temporary tax relief or affordable housing price caps to accelerate redevelopment of cleaned sites. The study aims to address housing shortages by ensuring local governments contribute financially and linking property remediation to faster, affordable housing development. This resolution does not enact new law but seeks a committee analysis to inform future policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution designates December 14 as "Frosty the Snowman Day" to honor West Virginia songwriter Walter "Jack" Rollins, who co-wrote the holiday classic. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a ceremonial recognition of the song's cultural significance and Rollins' West Virginia roots. The resolution commemorates the December 14, 1950, release date of the song performed by Gene Autry.

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 summaryHB 2190 permanently includes Potomac State College of West Virginia University as an eligible institution for the "Learn and Earn Program," removing its previous status as a temporary "pilot" program. The bill modifies West Virginia law to ensure Potomac State College meets the definition of a community and technical college for program participation, allowing its students to access this workforce development initiative. Under the program, students work with employers while studying, with employers required to provide a dollar-for-dollar cash match for student salaries. This change directly affects Potomac State College students pursuing technical programs and participating employers across West Virginia. The policy shift makes Potomac State College’s eligibility permanent, rather than time-limited.