Del. Rick Hillenbrand

Maddy summaryHB 5359 creates a new tax method for high voltage electric transmission line property in West Virginia, directing property tax revenue from newly constructed transmission projects into the existing Electric Grid Stabilization and Security Fund. This fund will use the collected revenue to support grid stabilization, security, and efficiency upgrades for regulated utilities, including maintenance of coal and natural gas generation facilities serving West Virginia ratepayers. The bill specifies that these funds must be used to lower electricity rates for West Virginia consumers, directly benefiting all ratepayers by reducing costs through improved grid infrastructure. Key provisions include defining "high voltage transmission line property," requiring tax returns to the Board of Public Works, and ensuring unspent fund balances carry forward annually. The bill is currently in the House Finance Committee for review.

Maddy summaryHB 5347 requires volunteer and part-volunteer fire companies or departments in West Virginia to be members in good standing with the West Virginia State Firemen’s Association to qualify for funding from the Fire Protection Fund. "Good standing" means having current membership without overdue dues exceeding 90 days and no active suspension or expulsion by the Association. The bill maintains existing requirements like submitting fire loss data, completing firefighter training, and complying with federal/state laws (e.g., NFPA, OSHA). It applies directly to eligible fire companies seeking fund allocations, with temporary exemptions for disaster-affected organizations and a 90-day grace period for compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 4461 requires internet and telecommunications providers in West Virginia to automatically provide prorated bill credits to customers when service is interrupted for five or more consecutive days (120 hours) due to the provider's fault. It directly affects subscribers who lose service for extended periods, ensuring they aren't charged for unavailable service. The bill mandates credits proportional to the outage duration, excludes outages caused by customers, cyberattacks, or force majeure, and sets civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation. Providers must report outage data monthly to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division for oversight, though mobile service disruptions are excluded from these rules.

Maddy summaryHB 5274 would amend West Virginia law to grant the Secretary of State new investigative powers when enforcing the Charitable Solicitation Act. Specifically, it allows the Secretary to administer oaths, issue subpoenas for witnesses and documents, involve circuit courts to enforce subpoenas, and request legal assistance from the Attorney General during investigations of charitable organizations, professional fund-raisers, or solicitors. These changes would directly affect the Secretary of State’s ability to conduct investigations and the entities subject to the Charitable Solicitation Act. The bill does not alter penalties for violations but streamlines enforcement procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 5217 requires write-in candidates for most elected offices in West Virginia (excluding delegates to national conventions) to pay a filing fee and submit a sworn certificate of announcement. This certificate must include the candidate's name, address, intent to run, and sworn statement, and must be filed with election officials by specific deadlines (49 days before an election, or by the 5th day before an election if a vacancy occurs). Candidates who qualify as indigent (with very low income and limited resources) may be exempt from the fee. Once filed, the Secretary of State and county election officials will post the names of certified write-in candidates so that valid write-in votes can be counted.

Maddy summaryHB 5221 increases civil penalties for political committees, candidates, and their treasurers who fail to file required campaign finance reports or submit grossly incomplete/inaccurate reports. It raises penalties from $10 per day to a maximum of $500 for a first violation and $1,000 for subsequent violations in the same election cycle. The bill requires the Secretary of State to provide written notice before imposing fines, grant up to 14 additional days for compliance, and allow payment plans. Unpaid fines exceeding 30 days must be referred to a debt collection agency. This affects all entities managing campaign finances in West Virginia elections.

Maddy summaryHR 9 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late West Virginia House Delegate Douglas John Skaff Jr. It expresses the House of Delegates' condolences to his family and commemorates his service, including his roles as a delegate representing multiple districts and as Minority Leader. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, acknowledging his career in public service, business, and community leadership. It was unanimously adopted by the House on February 5, 2026, the same day it was introduced.

Maddy summaryHB 4446 establishes a four-year pilot program in Kanawha, Ohio, Mineral, and Raleigh counties to provide free Fire Fighter I and II training through community colleges. It directly affects eligible high school and college students in those counties by covering tuition and fees for courses meeting West Virginia State Fire Commission standards. The program requires each county to provide at least one certified fire service instructor, funded by the Higher Education Policy Commission, with annual reports tracking participation, certifications earned, costs, and student employment. The pilot runs from July 2026 through June 2030, with mandatory evaluations to determine future expansion or termination.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies and expands cooperation between law enforcement agencies within West Virginia and with agencies in neighboring states. It defines key terms such as "criminal justice enforcement personnel" and "law-enforcement agency" to establish who can participate in joint efforts. The legislation allows agency heads to request temporary assistance for investigations, including sharing personnel, equipment, and technical resources, with written requests required except in emergencies involving immediate danger to life. Personnel assigned to other agencies retain their original benefits and jurisdiction while operating under the operational command of the host agency's leadership. Agreements must be filed with local circuit clerks to remain in effect.

Maddy summaryHB 5177 creates a state sales tax rebate for builders constructing modest homes under 1,600 square feet in West Virginia. The bill provides a rebate equal to the state's 6% sales tax paid on qualifying building materials purchased from in-state suppliers, subject to strict fixed quantity limits (e.g., 174 sheets of sheathing, 475 pieces of lumber). Builders must use only specified materials, retain documentation for 60 months, and receive approval after the home is sold and inspected. The rebate excludes municipal taxes unless a municipality voluntarily participates, and materials like basement finishes or out-of-state purchases are ineligible.