Del. Mike Hornby

Maddy summaryHB 2381 allows West Virginia residents to vote in municipal elections of cities they don't live in, provided they meet specific conditions. To qualify, voters must either own property in the municipality for 60 consecutive days (holding at least 50% ownership), pay municipal fees during the prior year, or own 25% of a business that paid local taxes. The bill prohibits nonresidents from voting for ward-specific representatives and requires them to register with the county clerk before voter registration closes, providing documentation of eligibility. It ensures nonresidents cast only one vote per municipality and aligns with the "one person - one vote" principle. Municipalities must provide paper ballots for nonresidents at assigned precincts.

Maddy summaryHB 3458 would modify West Virginia's tax on racetrack table games by exempting the first $7,142,857.14 of annual revenue from a 35% tax. It directly affects racetracks operating lottery table games, replacing all other state and local taxes on these operations (except property tax) with this single tax. The bill requires weekly tax payments on revenue exceeding the exemption threshold, calculated using the accrual method, and allows negative weekly revenue to be carried forward. This changes the tax structure to reduce burdens on lower-revenue operations while maintaining a 35% rate on higher earnings.

Maddy summaryHB 2664 changes how county school board members are elected in West Virginia. It requires each school board to have five members: two elected by all voters in the county ("at large"), and three elected based on the voter's magisterial district (local voting area). The bill specifies that the three district members cannot all come from the same magisterial district, though it doesn't require every district to have representation. This directly affects county school boards and voters across West Virginia, altering the election process to include more localized representation.

Maddy summaryHB 3337 clarifies rules for substitute teachers in West Virginia, primarily affecting school districts, principals, and substitute teachers themselves. The bill allows substitutes to remain in a classroom for the full school term if they've served continuously for over half the grading period, unless the principal certifies the regular teacher prepared them for the role. It also requires school districts to provide long-term substitutes with training on IEP and 504 plans (special education and accommodations). Additionally, the bill creates a new pathway for retired teachers to work as substitutes in areas with critical staffing shortages, subject to specific district policies and state approval.

Maddy summaryHB 2774, the "Coach Protection Act," amends West Virginia law to increase penalties for assault and battery against athletic officials and participants during sports events. It establishes minimum jail terms (5 days for assault, 10 days for battery) and fines ($250-$500 for assault, $500-$1,000 for battery), explicitly defining "athletic official or participant" to include coaches, referees, players, and team supervisors. The bill also authorizes school boards to ban convicted offenders from all state school sports events for at least one year, with violations treated as trespassing. This directly affects individuals who commit violence at sports events, schools enforcing bans, and participants in organized sports.

Maddy summaryHB 2781 requires West Virginia judicial officers to consider a person's residency status when determining bail for specific misdemeanor offenses. It applies to cases involving violent misdemeanors, offenses against minors, weapons use, drug violations, sexual abuse, serious traffic offenses, or property crimes exceeding $250 in value. The bill mandates judges to evaluate whether the person is a resident of West Virginia or the U.S. as part of "good cause" for release, alongside other factors like community ties and flight risk. This change modifies existing bail procedures by explicitly adding residency as a consideration for these misdemeanor cases. The bill does not alter penalties but affects how bail conditions are set for eligible defendants.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates West Virginia's campaign finance rules by allowing corporations and membership organizations (including nonprofits and LLCs) to directly contribute to candidates, candidate committees, or political action committees. It clarifies reporting requirements for these contributions and defines key terms like "corporation" and "contribution" to improve transparency. The changes affect candidates, their committees, and corporate donors by streamlining disclosure rules for campaign spending. The bill focuses on modernizing reporting standards rather than restricting contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 3345 establishes a 50% tax credit for West Virginia family caregivers providing uncompensated care to eligible relatives. The credit covers eligible out-of-pocket expenses directly related to daily living needs (like home modifications, medical equipment, hiring aides, or respite care), with a maximum annual credit of $2,000. It applies to caregivers supporting family members who are 18+ and require assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing, feeding, mobility), as certified by a healthcare provider. The credit is nonrefundable and will take effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 3078 establishes a 15 mph speed limit in licensed childcare zones during childcare hours (when children are entering or leaving). It defines childcare zones as all licensed childcare property, including grounds and 125 feet of adjacent streets or highways, similar to existing school zone rules. The bill requires the West Virginia Division of Highways to install signage marking these zones and applies the speed restriction during childcare operation times. This directly affects drivers passing near licensed childcare facilities during drop-off/pick-up periods, mirroring the safety measures already in place for school zones. The bill does not change existing speed limits outside these designated zones.

Maddy summaryHB 3303 would expand the authority of bail bond enforcers (often called bounty hunters) in West Virginia to apprehend defendants for specific serious offenses, including drug trafficking near schools, violent assaults, stalking, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The bill requires enforcers to give law enforcement at least four hours' notice before apprehension and to deliver defendants to court or police within 24 hours. It also mandates the Secretary of State to publish a list of registered enforcers and clarifies prohibited conduct. The bill directly affects defendants charged with the listed offenses and the bail bond industry, but does not apply to all criminal cases.