Del. Mike Hite

Maddy summaryHB 5365 regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that provide prescription drug coverage services to West Virginia's Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). The bill amends state code to create a special investigating unit within PEIA and grants the Insurance Commissioner authority to investigate PBM practices. It defines key terms related to PEIA operations and establishes oversight mechanisms for PBMs handling state employee health benefits. This bill directly affects PEIA and its contracted PBM providers, focusing on increasing transparency and accountability in prescription drug benefit management. The legislation is currently in committee review (House Banking and Insurance) after introduction on February 9, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6) expresses the West Virginia House of Delegates' support for developing natural gas pipeline infrastructure, specifically an intra-Panhandle pipeline connecting western gas fields to the Eastern Panhandle. It aims to improve access to locally produced natural gas for residents, support industrial and commercial growth, and create jobs across the state. The resolution highlights West Virginia's status as a top natural gas producer and notes that existing pipelines transport most output out of state, while Maryland's opposition to pipeline extensions is cited as a barrier. It does not create new laws or funding but urges responsible infrastructure expansion to boost economic development. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct legal effect but signals legislative backing for pipeline projects.

Maddy summaryHB 5379 requires health insurers in West Virginia to pay out-of-network emergency medical services agencies (like ambulances) directly for covered ground ambulance services, rather than reimbursing patients. Insurers must pay "clean claims" (properly submitted claims without errors) within 30 days of receipt, with exceptions for fraud, coordination with other insurers, or prior payment. The bill also mandates that insurers provide written notice within 30 days if denying a claim, specifying the reason or needed additional information. This directly affects ambulance providers who previously relied on patient reimbursement and insurers who must adjust payment processes. The law aims to streamline payment for emergency services while reducing patient financial burden.

Maddy summaryHB 5234 requires voters returning absentee ballots by mail in West Virginia to include specific identifying information (like full name and address) on a form placed inside their ballot envelope. This information allows election officials to securely verify a voter's identity without needing to publish personal details or signatures. The bill directly affects all voters who submit absentee ballots via mail, amending existing absentee voting procedures under West Virginia Code §3-3-5. The key provision streamlines identity confirmation while maintaining voter privacy, replacing previous methods that required additional documentation.

Maddy summaryHB 4501 establishes the Dietitian Licensure Compact, allowing West Virginia-licensed dietitians to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It requires applicants seeking to practice in a "remote state" (a state other than their home state) to complete a national and state criminal background check with fingerprinting, pay associated costs, and authorize the West Virginia Board of Dietitians to share results with state and federal agencies. Background check results are kept private - only shared with the applicant, with their written consent, or by court order - and are not considered public records. The bill creates a commission to manage the compact, set uniform requirements for interstate practice, and handle disciplinary actions across member states. This directly affects dietitians seeking to provide services across state lines and reduces administrative burdens for both professionals and states.

Maddy summaryHB 4767 requires West Virginia's Bureau of Medical Services to file its complete Medicaid policy manual as a legislative rule by July 1, 2026, and to update all future policy changes through the same formal process. This applies directly to the Bureau, mandating that its internal guidance lasting over 180 days must be incorporated into the official rule-making procedure. The bill does not change Medicaid benefits or services but standardizes how the Bureau documents and updates its policies. It affects administrative procedures, not Medicaid recipients or providers.

Maddy summaryHB 5403 establishes fire safety requirements for West Virginia agritourism businesses - such as farms hosting visitors for activities like hayrides, corn mazes, or petting zoos - that use facilities for occasional events. It mandates specific safety measures including multiple exits based on occupancy, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, carbon monoxide detection, and emergency evacuation plans, while prohibiting overnight lodging unless full fire codes are met. The bill applies to businesses using structures for visitor purposes but exempts certain facilities (like educational field trips) from full building code compliance, requiring only minimum fire safety standards. These rules apply to existing and new agritourism operations, with electrical and fire safety standards updated for new constructions.

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 summaryHB 5331 amends West Virginia law to allow municipalities with paid firefighters to join the Municipal Police Officers & Firefighters Retirement System (MPFRS) without requiring prior approval. This directly affects cities and towns that currently cannot participate in MPFRS for their full-time firefighters. The bill removes existing barriers by revising eligibility rules in the retirement system statutes, enabling these municipalities to enroll their paid firefighters in the existing retirement program. The change provides a structured pathway for local governments to offer retirement benefits to municipal firefighters under MPFRS, which currently serves some fire departments but not all.

Maddy summaryHB 5377, the Burial Equity Act, expands eligibility for burial in West Virginia's state veterans' cemetery to include former National Guard and military reserve members (such as IMA, AGR, ART, and TR) who served at least four years, were West Virginia residents for two years before death, or served in the West Virginia National Guard, with retroactive application to deaths after March 15, 2022. It creates a Burial Equity Grant Program administered by Veterans Affairs, providing up to $1,000 per family to cover burial costs on a first-come, first-served basis. The bill also establishes a dedicated Burial Equity Fund in the state treasury, initially funded with $50,000 from the legislature, plus federal funds and private donations, to sustain the grant program without annual budget reversion.