Del. Gary Howell

Maddy summaryHB 4985, the "Strategic and Critical Resources Act," defines specific minerals (like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements) as critical to West Virginia's security and economy. It prohibits local governments outside cities from regulating the extraction of these resources or the development of related facilities, preempting local ordinances. The bill also restricts foreign adversaries (entities designated by federal law) from owning or controlling land used for extracting these resources. Importantly, the law does not override federal environmental regulations or state building codes, and it aligns with existing federal restrictions on foreign ownership.

Maddy summaryHB 4868, the West Virginia Consumer Privacy Act of 2026, requires businesses like financial institutions, creditors, mortgage lenders, and brokers to obtain explicit "opt-in" consent from consumers before disclosing or selling their personal financial information. It directly affects West Virginia consumers who apply for credit or engage in financial transactions, granting them the right to know what data is shared and control its use. Key provisions mandate clear disclosure of data practices, prevent unauthorized sharing, and impose fines of up to $10,000 per violation for non-compliance. The bill aims to strengthen privacy protections against identity theft and deceptive practices by giving consumers active control over their financial information.

Maddy summaryHB 4870 extends campaign finance report deadlines for West Virginia legislators during legislative sessions. It requires that reports due while the Legislature is in session (regular, extraordinary, or special) be filed seven days after the session ends, instead of the original statutory date. This applies only to legislators and ensures no late fees or penalties are applied for reports filed under this extension. The bill aims to align reporting requirements with legislators' session duties without reducing transparency.

Maddy summaryHB 4876 replaces the previous work permit requirement for 14-15-year-olds with a new "age certificate" system. Employers hiring children aged 14 or older must obtain this certificate from the State Commissioner of Labor, which requires proof of age (like a birth certificate), school attendance details, parental consent, and approved work hours. The certificate must include the child's full name, birth details, and work hour limits, and it must be kept on file by the employer. This bill directly affects employers hiring minors and shifts verification responsibility to the Labor Commissioner, while adding penalties for improper certificate issuance.

Maddy summaryHB 4014, the Workforce Readiness and Opportunity Act, creates a state-run micro-credential program to recognize skills gained through project-based learning (like critical thinking or trade skills) outside traditional classroom settings. It expands tax credits for businesses funding apprenticeships, modifies tax rules to allow portable benefits contributions for independent contractors without creating employer-employee relationships, and removes proficiency exam requirements for military-trained individuals seeking professional licenses. The bill directly affects workers (especially in skilled trades), employers, training programs, and veterans pursuing licenses. Key mechanisms include standardizing micro-credential recognition across education and employers, and streamlining licensing for military veterans. The bill is currently in the House Finance Committee after passing the Education Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4478 creates legal immunity for West Virginia racing facilities from certain civil claims by surrounding property owners. It protects facilities operating lawfully for five or more years against lawsuits based on noise, vibration, nuisance, or similar claims brought by owners who acquired property after the facility opened or failed to sue within five years. The bill also prohibits local governments from enacting rules that conflict with this immunity. Key provisions include defining "racing facility" broadly and stating that compliance with state/federal law is prima facie evidence of reasonable operation. The law would take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 4722 creates a new offense for knowingly making or spreading false claims in court or legal proceedings after being notified the claim is false, with intent to cause harm. It imposes criminal penalties (misdemeanor for first offense, felony for repeat) and enhanced penalties for cases leading to arrest, loss of custody, or job loss. Upon conviction, courts must order restitution, correct false records, and assist with expungement, while victims can sue for damages including triple damages for repeat violations. The bill also establishes a confidential registry for convicted individuals and includes protections for good-faith reports.

Maddy summaryHB 4627 requires health insurance plans and self-insured employer health plans in West Virginia to cover preventive cancer screenings for professional firefighters without cost-sharing (such as copays or deductibles), except in high-deductible health plans where standard deductibles apply. The bill applies to all firefighters employed by state, county, or municipal entities and mandates coverage based on the International Association of Fire Fighters' current screening guidelines. This ensures firefighters can access regular cancer screenings at no additional cost, promoting early detection and health monitoring for this occupational group.

Maddy summaryHB 4623 requires West Virginia counties and municipalities to provide public notice at least three months before purchasing land or buildings. The notice must include property size, sale details (date, location, method), inspection periods, and contact information, and can be shared via social media, courthouse postings, or news ads. It also mandates that proposals within 10% of specifications be made publicly available for 10 business days prior to the purchase decision. This bill directly affects local governments buying property, ensuring transparency for potential buyers. The legislation is currently in the introduction phase, having been referred to the Judiciary Committee on January 21, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 4529 requires local governments (including counties, cities, and land reuse agencies) that receive grants from West Virginia's Reclamation of Abandoned and Dilapidated Properties Program to provide a 20% matching contribution. This applies unless the entity can demonstrate financial inability using data from the State Auditor's Office. The bill also mandates that fines related to abandoned properties be used to support either the matching funds or the demolition of condemned properties. The program aims to help local entities remediate blighted structures through state grants, with this new requirement ensuring local financial commitment.