Del. Ian Masters

Maddy summaryHB 5352 would amend West Virginia law to prohibit the governor from deploying the West Virginia National Guard into overseas combat without a formal declaration of war by the U.S. Congress. The bill specifically requires a Congressional declaration for any combat deployment abroad, while allowing the governor to deploy the National Guard within the United States. This provision would be added to the state code governing the National Guard, making it a legal requirement for the governor to seek such a declaration before authorizing overseas combat missions. The bill directly affects the governor's authority over state National Guard deployments and aligns with the U.S. Constitution's requirement for Congress to declare war.

Maddy summaryHB 5329 would allow West Virginia counties to use up to 25% of impact fees (fees charged to developers for new construction) for operational costs, such as maintaining roads and public services, instead of only for specific infrastructure projects. The bill creates an "operational sinking fund" that can cover all county operations except schools, and existing impact fees already collected can be redirected to this fund. It takes effect immediately upon passage. This change directly affects counties managing development fees and developers paying those fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill would permit recreational gold panning in West Virginia rivers and streams under specific conditions, directly affecting individuals who pan for gold and the Division of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR must establish seasonal dates for panning based on fish spawning seasons and publish these dates for public access. It requires that panning be done using only a standard gold pan, with any sluice (a tool for concentrating gold) limited to no wider than four inches. This change creates a regulated framework for the activity, replacing previous restrictions with defined seasonal windows and equipment limits.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 11) encourages West Virginia's K-12 students to design a new state highway route number shield for the 2026 anniversaries of the U.S. founding (250th) and the U.S. numbered highway system (100th). It directs the West Virginia Division of Highways and Department of Tourism to hold a statewide student design competition, requiring the shield to maintain federal safety standards for legibility while incorporating West Virginia identity. The winning design would be implemented gradually on state highways starting July 2027, replacing existing signs only as they wear out, and the student designer would receive legislative recognition. The resolution is procedural and non-binding, focusing on celebration and civic engagement rather than new policy.

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 5215 limits landowner liability when all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are operated for recreational purposes on their property. It specifically protects landowners from legal responsibility if the ATV use qualifies as "noncommercial recreational activity" under the bill - meaning no charge exceeding $50 per year per participant is collected. The law defines "recreational purposes" to explicitly include ATV riding, while excluding commercial operations or activities charging more than the $50 annual limit. This policy change modifies West Virginia's liability laws to shield landowners from lawsuits related to ATV accidents during permitted recreational use.

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.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House Resolution (not a bill), introduced by multiple West Virginia delegates. It designates the month of June as "Fidelity Month" to promote the values of faith, family, and patriotism across the state. The resolution cites declining support for these values in polling and research, and calls for the state to "rededicate" itself to them during June. It has no binding policy requirements or direct impact on specific groups; it is purely a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis West Virginia House resolution states that the U.S. national debt (over $38 trillion in 2026) poses a national security threat, citing foreign debt ownership, projected Social Security/Medicare shortfalls, and warnings from military/intelligence leaders. It urges Congress to establish regular budgeting procedures but does not create new laws or alter federal spending. As a symbolic resolution, it has no direct legal effect on national debt policy or federal budgets. The resolution focuses on raising awareness rather than implementing concrete changes.

Maddy summaryHB 5033, the Pro-Growth Regulatory Reform Act of 2026, requires state agencies to obtain legislative approval before implementing new regulations that cost more than $500,000 over five years. Agencies must submit such proposed rules to the Legislative Rule-making Review Committee 30 days before the next regular session, and the legislature must enact ratifying legislation for the rule to take effect. If the legislature fails to approve the rule during the session, the agency must terminate the proposed rulemaking. This bill directly affects state agencies creating regulations, adding a cost-based approval step while exempting emergency rules.