Sen. Joey Garcia

Maddy summarySB 119 changes how West Virginia's Public Service Commission (PSC) members are selected. It eliminates the current process where the governor appoints PSC members and instead requires them to be elected by voters in nonpartisan, statewide elections held on primary election dates. The bill establishes six-year terms for elected commissioners, with initial terms staggered to ensure continuity, and specifies procedures for filling vacancies. This directly affects PSC members (who will now be elected rather than appointed) and West Virginia voters, who will choose commissioners for the entire state in nonpartisan races. The bill amends specific code sections including §3-5-6f (election procedures) and §24-1-3 (PSC structure).

Maddy summarySB 101 creates a new position for a "homeless education coordinator" in West Virginia counties designated as "urban" by the state board. This coordinator will directly assist homeless students and families in accessing school services and ensuring consistent attendance. The bill requires counties with this position to implement support systems for homeless students, including helping them enroll, stay in school, and address barriers like transportation or housing instability. The policy change specifically targets homeless students in designated urban counties, focusing on practical support rather than altering general attendance rules.

Maddy summarySB 5 exempts retirement income for retired West Virginia campus police officers from state personal income tax, effective July 1, 2026. This applies specifically to retirement benefits received under any qualified retirement system (including those sponsored by colleges/universities) that would otherwise be taxable under federal rules. The exemption covers all retirement income received after the effective date, including survivorship annuities. It directly affects retired campus police officers employed by West Virginia institutions of higher education. The bill amends West Virginia Code §11-21-12 to add this specific exemption to the state's tax code.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution asks members of the West Virginia Legislature to encourage citizens and officials to respect democratic institutions and accept election results regardless of the outcome. It urges elected leaders to avoid spreading rumors or distrust about the voting system and to refrain from claiming fraud solely because their candidate lost. Instead, the resolution directs officials to report any concerns about election tampering to appropriate authorities and allow legal processes to resolve disputes based on facts rather than emotion. The measure serves as a formal request to promote trust in government institutions and does not create new laws or penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 233 requests additional funding from the state's general revenue surplus to support the Child Care Development fund for fiscal year 2025. This bill directly affects the Department of Human Services by authorizing an extra appropriation of $4,600,000 for childcare services. The legislation uses a standard supplemental appropriation process, drawing from unspent state money to increase the budget for the designated fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a permanent state child tax credit of $1,000 for West Virginia residents who claim the federal child tax credit for an eligible child. The credit is refundable, meaning eligible taxpayers will receive the full amount even if it exceeds the taxes they owe. It directly affects working families with children who file state income taxes and claim the corresponding federal credit. The legislation aims to support local economies and reduce child poverty by providing additional financial assistance to qualifying households.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution asks Marshall University and West Virginia University to lead a group of experts in building a tool that calculates the real cost of childcare. The goal is to help the state better model financial needs for providers and ensure public funds are used wisely, addressing limitations in current subsidy rate surveys. The universities must work with state departments and stakeholders to develop this estimator, which must meet federal requirements for setting childcare rates. By June 30, 2025, the universities are required to report their findings to a state committee, with funding for the project provided through legislative appropriations.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to allow employees working at least 20 hours per week in licensed child care centers or family child care homes to receive state child care subsidies, even if their household income exceeds current limits. The key provision adds a new section to state law that removes income restrictions for these specific workers while they work in the child care industry. By making this change, the legislation aims to help child care staff afford their own children's care without requiring them to meet strict income thresholds.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state tax credit for West Virginia residents who claim the federal child and dependent care credit. It allows eligible taxpayers to receive a refundable credit equal to 50% of the federal amount they are entitled to for tax years starting on or after January 1, 2024. The provision applies retroactively to cover the 2024 tax year and is intended to provide additional financial relief to families with child or dependent care expenses.