Del. George Miller

Maddy summaryHB 3043 strengthens penalties for illegally parking in designated accessible spaces and for fraudulently obtaining special plates or placards for people with mobility impairments in West Virginia. It increases fines for violations, requires clearer display of valid placards (red for temporary, blue for permanent), and mandates a public awareness program about the law and consequences. The bill directly affects drivers who park in accessible spots without authorization, people with mobility impairments using special plates/placards, and organizations transporting disabled individuals. Key provisions include stricter enforcement, updated medical criteria for qualifying for placards, and requirements for organizations to move vehicles after loading/unloading. The law aims to protect accessible parking for those who need it while reducing misuse.

Maddy summaryHB 3037 requires all property tax assessments in West Virginia to follow a strict three-year review cycle, directly affecting property owners and local assessors. The bill prohibits increasing property tax assessments without a valid reason - specifically banning arbitrary hikes solely to generate new revenue. It mandates that any assessment increase must be based on a periodic property evaluation, with the justification publicly disclosed. This law aims to prevent unfair or random tax increases by requiring transparency and regular, systematic reviews of property values.

Maddy summaryHB 3027, introduced in West Virginia's 2025 legislative session, would require all registered voters to present a photo ID at polling places for public office elections. The bill specifies acceptable IDs like driver's licenses, passports, military IDs, or student IDs with photos, and lists 18 additional documents (e.g., Medicare cards, utility bills) that may be used as alternatives if they contain the voter's name. Voters without an acceptable ID could use an affidavit signed by an adult who knows them for six months and presents their own ID. This bill directly affects all registered voters in West Virginia elections and is currently pending referral to the House Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 3063 would provide free license plates and vehicle registration for volunteer firefighters in West Virginia who have completed at least five years of service. The bill amends state law to exempt qualifying firefighters from paying standard registration and license plate fees. This policy change directly affects volunteer firefighters meeting the service requirement by eliminating a recurring cost for their personal vehicles. The bill is currently under review by the House Finance Committee after being introduced on February 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3009 requires West Virginia counties to provide emergency ambulance services at a ratio of one ambulance for every 20,000 residents, specifically where such service is not already available. This applies to county commissions, which must first confirm funds are available in their budget before being obligated to provide service at that level. Counties may deliver the service directly, through private contractors, or by forming public ambulance authorities with participating municipalities or counties. The bill establishes a clear service standard while allowing flexibility in how counties meet the requirement, without mandating new funding beyond existing budget commitments.

Maddy summaryHB 3061 would amend West Virginia law (§11-12-3) to prevent municipalities or counties from requiring separate business licenses if a business already holds a valid state-issued business registration certificate. This directly affects businesses operating in West Virginia that have obtained the state certificate but face additional local licensing demands. The key provision states that holding the state certificate exempts businesses from needing duplicate local licenses, streamlining requirements for those already registered at the state level. The bill does not change the state license requirement itself or address tax obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 3035 requires public entities using taxpayer funds to notify all affected municipalities and counties within seven days of accepting a bid for any public construction or other contract. The notice must include the contractor’s name, contact details, a brief service description, and timeline. Municipalities and counties must then publish the full contract terms and allow a 30-day public comment period. This applies to all contracts where the contractor or subcontractors will perform services in those local jurisdictions. The bill directly affects public entities awarding contracts and local governments managing public input.

Maddy summaryHB 3028 requires West Virginia's Motor Vehicle Commissioner to create an electronic insurance verification program. This system will allow law enforcement and courts to instantly check if a vehicle was insured at the time of an accident using data like vehicle identification numbers and policy details. Insurance companies must cooperate by maintaining accurate coverage data and responding to verification requests. The program aims to streamline identifying uninsured drivers after crashes, directly affecting drivers involved in accidents, insurance providers, and law enforcement agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts honorably discharged veterans of any U.S. military branch from West Virginia vehicle registration fees, requiring only a $10 initial application fee for special "Veterans" license plates. It allows veterans to apply for these plates on any number of vehicles they own and permits surviving spouses to retain the plate after a veteran's death until remarriage or death. Documentation of military service is required to qualify for the plates. The bill does not impose renewal fees or other charges beyond the initial $10 fee.

Maddy summaryHB 3039 requires public service district boards serving multiple communities to include at least one member from each community they represent. This applies to boards established under West Virginia law that cover more than one city, town, or incorporated area. The bill amends existing code to mandate this membership structure, ensuring direct community representation on boards managing shared services like water, sewer, or stormwater systems. It does not alter other board appointment rules or operational requirements.