Del. Gary Howell

Maddy summaryHB 3072 requires new two-lane highways in West Virginia to use a "Super Two" design, which adds alternating passing lanes on rural roads to allow safe passing in both directions. This applies to all new road construction projects that do not need full four-lane infrastructure, meeting existing safety standards for lane width and shoulders. The design improves immediate traffic safety by reducing hazardous passing attempts while enabling future upgrades to four lanes with minimal modifications. It follows Texas' approach to cost-effectively enhance safety on existing two-lane corridors.

Maddy summaryI notice a significant discrepancy in the information provided. The bill title states "Productive Energy Site Reclamation Waiver," but the bill text describes a "Consumer Data Protection Act" that establishes privacy standards for personal data processing. The actual content of the bill focuses on: - Creating a framework for controlling and processing personal data in West Virginia - Establishing consumer rights to access, correct, delete, and opt out of data processing - Defining terms like "consumer," "controller," and "biometric data" - Setting requirements for businesses that control or process data for 100,000+ consumers or derive revenue from data sales This appears to be a mismatch between the stated title and the actual content of the bill. The bill text describes a consumer data protection law, not an energy site reclamation waiver.

Maddy summaryHB 3346 clarifies that municipal business and occupation (B&O) taxes apply only to the owner of a construction contract, not to subcontractors working on the project. This bill amends West Virginia law to explicitly exempt subcontractors from paying these local taxes, preventing municipalities from imposing such taxes on subcontractor work. The change directly affects construction subcontractors and municipalities by requiring them to adjust tax collection practices to align with the clarified exemption. It focuses on a concrete policy adjustment to the tax code without altering broader tax rates or obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 3318 requires all West Virginia state employees who interact with the public - such as through phone calls, in-person visits, email, or written correspondence - to complete mandatory customer service training. The bill mandates an 8-hour in-person training program for current public-facing staff by July 1, 2027, and for all new hires before they begin work. State agencies must develop this training by January 1, 2026, and provide an online handbook of customer service policies. Additionally, employees must take a 4-hour refresher course every three years to stay updated on protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 3317 allows high school students in West Virginia who complete a certified driver's education course to receive a "High School Driver Education Certificate" from their teacher. This certificate waives the need for written and road skill tests at the DMV for six months, replacing the standard testing requirement. Students must still pay all standard DMV fees for a driver's license. The bill directly affects high school students enrolled in approved driver's education programs and streamlines the licensing process for them.

Maddy summaryHB 2800 requires West Virginia's Public Service Commission (PSC) to survey solid waste collection and transportation fees in border counties by October 1, 2025, and establish an annual maximum rate for these services. It directly affects private commercial waste carriers operating in those border counties, allowing them to adjust fees up to the PSC-set maximum rate. Carriers must provide customers with written notice of any fee increase at least one billing cycle in advance. The bill aims to standardize fees across border counties while giving carriers flexibility within the established rate cap.

Maddy summaryHB 3307 requires non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and nonprofit corporations receiving $100,000 or more in state funding (grants, awards, tax credits, or other support) to limit administrative costs to 15% of that funding. These organizations must submit annual financial reports to the West Virginia State Auditor, including sworn statements verifying funds were used as intended. The bill also mandates an annual audit by the State Auditor for all qualifying NGOs to ensure compliance with the spending limits and reporting requirements. This directly affects nonprofits receiving significant state funds, adding accountability measures to their financial operations.

Maddy summaryHB 3218 creates a tax credit program to incentivize the rehabilitation of underutilized commercial, industrial, and residential properties across West Virginia. Businesses and property owners who invest at least $250,000 in renovation, increase property value by 30%, and create or sustain five full-time jobs within three years can claim a 25% tax credit (up to $2 million) on eligible costs for business and occupation or corporate income tax, plus a 50% property tax credit on increased value for up to five years. Additional credits of up to 15% are available for projects in rural or distressed areas (10%) or for brownfield/historic properties (5% each). The bill also establishes a fast-track permitting process for qualifying projects to streamline development approvals within 90 days.

Maddy summaryHB 3262 requires county commissioners who also serve on non-statutory boards to recuse themselves from voting when decisions involve both the county commission and the other board. It directly affects county commissioners holding dual roles on voluntary boards, such as planning or economic development commissions. The bill mandates that these commissioners step aside from specific votes where their participation in both bodies could create a conflict of interest. This policy change aims to prevent conflicts by ensuring decisions are made without overlapping influence. The bill is currently in committee for review after its March 7, 2025, introduction.

Maddy summaryHB 3239 establishes the West Virginia Tri-Share Child-Care Assistance Program to help families who do not qualify for existing state child-care subsidies. The program requires employers (with 20+ weeks of employees) to contribute toward child-care costs for their employees, while the state matches those contributions up to 100% using funds administered by the Department of Economic Development. Eligible employees must have household income below the state median, and the state match is paid directly to child-care facilities, not employees. This program fills gaps in current state subsidies by creating a public-private partnership where employers, the state, and employees share costs for child-care services.