Del. Joe Funkhouser

Maddy summaryHB 5219 defines "residence" for voter registration and voting in West Virginia, directly affecting voters registering to cast ballots. The bill establishes clear rules: a person's residence is where they live with intent to return, using their primary sleeping area if boundaries divide their living space. It requires election officials to document residency challenges with a Secretary of State form, giving applicants 30 days to prove residency with evidence like maps. Special provisions clarify that temporary moves (e.g., teachers returning to parents' home, government workers in D.C.) don't change residence status, while voting in another jurisdiction automatically changes it.

Maddy summaryHB 4725 clarifies West Virginia's animal cruelty law by specifying that courts may return an animal to its owner after a dismissed case, provided conditions protect the animal, or order euthanasia if a vet recommends it. It also establishes clear duration for possession bans: 5 years to life for misdemeanor convictions and 15 years to life for felony convictions. These provisions directly affect courts handling cruelty cases, convicted individuals, and animal shelters managing seized animals. The bill ensures consistent guidelines for animal disposition and ownership restrictions without altering existing penalties for cruelty offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 4003 creates the WV First Small Business Growth Act, offering tax credits to investors who fund certified "growth funds" that invest in eligible West Virginia small businesses. The program, administered by the West Virginia Department of Commerce, provides a 15% annual tax credit (after the first two years) against insurance premium taxes for qualified investments. To qualify, growth funds must use 100% of investment proceeds within three years to make "qualified investments" in businesses with fewer than 250 employees operating primarily in West Virginia. This directly affects growth investors (who receive tax credits), growth funds (which must be certified), and eligible small businesses receiving capital.

Maddy summaryHB 5461 creates the "Financial Accountability Stable Token Act" (FAST Act), authorizing West Virginia to use U.S.-dollar-backed stable tokens for payments to state vendors and contractors. The bill establishes strict requirements for qualifying tokens, including 1:1 U.S. dollar backing, U.S. corporate control, quarterly audits, and public reserve reports, all overseen by the State Treasurer. Participation by vendors and contractors is voluntary - no one can be forced to accept token payments - and the state will maintain a public list of approved tokens. The law also mandates annual reporting on transaction volumes, cost savings, and risk assessments to ensure fiscal safety.

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 5477 requires state-supported law enforcement agencies - including county sheriffs, municipal police, and regional jails receiving state funds - to join the federal 287(g) program for immigration enforcement. Larger detention facilities must use the "Jail Enforcement Model" under this program, with a fallback to the "Warrant Service Officer Model" only if federal authorities deny the primary option. The bill mandates reporting, audits, and allows withholding of state public safety funds from noncompliant agencies. It standardizes cooperation with federal immigration enforcement in detention settings across West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 4405 requires West Virginia public defender corporations in any judicial circuit to split into two separate, independent offices when they employ six or more assistant public defenders (including the chief public defender). This change directly affects public defender offices that reach this staffing threshold, mandating a structural split while keeping the same governing board for both new entities. The bill expands the executive director's authority to create, merge, or dissolve public defender corporations to improve legal representation quality, address conflicts, and manage state funds more effectively. It also requires the executive director to consult with circuit judges before making such changes and submit reports to the Legislature. The key mechanism is the automatic split trigger at six attorneys, aiming to enhance resource allocation without adding new staff.

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 5025 allows farm owners to burn obsolete, uninsured farm structures on agricultural land without facing second-degree arson penalties. It directly affects farmers who own outdated buildings (like barns or sheds) that are uninsured and no longer in use. To qualify, owners must submit a notarized letter to the county assessor and fire department seven days before burning, confirming the structure is uninsured and meets Department of Environmental Protection permitting requirements. The bill modifies existing arson law to create this specific exemption for eligible farm structures.

Maddy summaryHB 4600 requires that all absentee ballots for primary and general elections must be received by 8:00 p.m. on election day to be counted. This applies to voters who request absentee ballots by mail or electronically. The bill amends West Virginia law to establish a clear deadline for ballot receipt, ensuring all absentee ballots are processed by the same time as in-person voting. It directly affects voters who choose to mail in their ballots, requiring timely delivery to meet the election day cutoff.