Del. Mike Hornby

Maddy summaryHB 4865 creates a program allowing high school juniors and seniors (with a 3.0 GPA or higher) to serve as election officials in West Virginia. To qualify, students must meet standard election official requirements (like being a registered voter and completing training), get written approval from their school principal and parent, and agree to one political party affiliation per precinct. The bill ensures these student officials are not marked absent from school on election days and limits appointments to one per political party per precinct. This change directly affects eligible high school students and county election officials who would appoint them.

Maddy summaryHB 4784 extends West Virginia's Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZ) tax incentive program until July 1, 2032. This bill modifies the tax code to allow new businesses in designated opportunity zones to continue receiving a tax reduction on income derived from their operations. Specifically, it permits corporate taxpayers to subtract from federal taxable income an amount equal to net income earned by a qualified opportunity zone business (QOZB) located in West Virginia, provided the business was newly registered between January 1, 2019, and July 1, 2032. The tax benefit applies for a 10-year period starting from the business's first qualifying year, and existing businesses that registered before July 1, 2032, retain their full entitlement.

Maddy summaryHB 4009, the Portable Benefit Account Act, creates a new legal framework allowing independent contractors to access portable benefits through individually managed accounts. It directly affects independent contractors and hiring parties (businesses that contract with them), enabling voluntary contributions from hiring parties to fund benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, life insurance, and income replacement. Key provisions require written, opt-in agreements for contributions, prohibit using account contributions to determine worker classification, and mandate that accounts remain tied to the contractor - not the employer - when changing jobs. The bill establishes definitions for terms like "portable benefit account" and "provider," and requires administrative oversight by the Bank Commissioner.

Maddy summaryHB 4995 requires public schools in West Virginia to install video cameras in self-contained special education classrooms (where most students receive special education services) and audio recording devices in restrooms of those classrooms. The bill mandates that cameras monitor all classroom areas except restrooms for clothing changes, while audio devices must be placed in restrooms with visible notices about the recording. Schools must maintain the equipment, document any malfunctions, and provide recordings to authorized personnel upon request. This law directly affects public school districts operating self-contained special education classrooms, aiming to enhance safety monitoring for students with disabilities.

Maddy summaryHB 4990 creates new criminal offenses related to gift card fraud in West Virginia. It makes it a crime to steal, tamper with, or fraudulently obtain gift cards or their redemption information (defined as unique access codes), and to use stolen gift cards for purchases. Specifically, using stolen gift cards for $1,000+ in value over six months escalates the offense to grand theft. The bill directly affects individuals committing gift card fraud, while protecting cardholders, issuers, and sellers. It provides clear definitions for terms like "closed-loop gift card" (e.g., store-specific) and "gift card redemption information" to clarify the scope of the law.

Maddy summaryHB 4610 allows terminally ill patients in West Virginia to access experimental, individually tailored medical treatments (like gene therapies) when standard FDA-approved options have been exhausted. It defines "eligible patients" as those with life-threatening illnesses who have consulted a physician, considered all approved treatments, and provided written consent detailing treatment risks and alternatives. Key provisions require healthcare providers to document patient eligibility, obtain specific informed consent covering potential outcomes, and prohibit debt collection from estates if a patient dies during treatment. The bill also protects healthcare providers from sanctions for offering these treatments and clarifies that it does not affect health insurers' obligations to cover clinical trial participation.

Maddy summaryHB 4345 requires law enforcement agencies in West Virginia to permanently retain all records and evidence for missing persons cases that remain unresolved after one year. It mandates that agencies digitize all documentation and physical/biological evidence for these cases and transmit the complete records to the West Virginia Fusion Center. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies (including county and municipal departments) by establishing new requirements for record retention, digitization, and database sharing. Key provisions include banning destruction of unresolved case files, requiring secure digital storage, and ensuring evidence is preserved permanently. This applies to all missing persons cases, not just children or high-risk situations.

Maddy summaryHB 4552 clarifies that correctional officers in West Virginia's Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation who complete required training are recognized as law-enforcement officers. The bill authorizes these officers to make arrests on facility property for violations of state law, detain escapees, and carry firearms both on and off duty (with annual firearms training). It also establishes that qualifying officers are recognized under federal law (18 U.S.C. §926B) for off-duty carry and retirement benefits. The policy directly affects correctional officers employed by the Division, expanding their legal authority and equipment access while specifying training and certification requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4996 requires courts to impose mandatory bail conditions for defendants charged with terroristic threats against schools or child-focused facilities (like preschools or daycares). It prohibits defendants from residing within 1,000 feet of the threatened facility or any similar educational location where children are regularly present. Additional conditions may include GPS monitoring to enforce exclusion zones, no contact with students/staff, or home incarceration outside the restricted area. Violations trigger immediate arrest, bail forfeiture, or custody remand, with courts using GIS or property records to measure proximity. The bill directly affects individuals facing charges under §61-6-24(b) related to school threats.

Maddy summaryHB 5012 amends West Virginia law to allow school superintendents, with board approval, to reassign school personnel (like teachers and support staff) during the school year to address unexpected enrollment changes. It directly affects teachers and staff who might be moved between schools or grade levels when actual student numbers differ from projected numbers after May 1. Key provisions require superintendents to notify affected employees in writing by April 1, provide a hearing opportunity before May 1, and prioritize less senior staff for reassignment. The bill specifically permits these adjustments to meet pupil-teacher ratios or class size standards during the school year, but prohibits reassignments after the second school month.