Rep. Jim Butler

Maddy summaryHB 4798 requires all West Virginia schools to implement a wearable panic alert system called "Alyssa's Law" for staff by December 31, 2026. The bill mandates that every school staff member (including teachers) receives a device capable of instantly triggering 9-1-1 calls and campus-wide lockdowns while integrating with local emergency systems. Schools must also provide annual training on device use and share security data (like cameras and maps) with law enforcement. This policy directly affects all school staff across the state and aims to improve emergency response during crises. The bill is currently in committee review and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHB 4755 adds "aggravated vehicular homicide" (defined in §17C-5-1(c)) to West Virginia's list of offenses that trigger enhanced sentencing for repeat offenders. This change directly affects individuals convicted of aggravated vehicular homicide who have prior qualifying offenses under the state's recidivism laws. The bill amends Section 61-11-18 of the West Virginia Code to include this offense, meaning a second or third conviction for this crime could result in harsher penalties if the offender has previous serious convictions. The law focuses on increasing penalties for repeat offenders in cases involving severe DUI-related fatalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals to establish a program of child protection commissioners to support child welfare services across the state. The legislation defines the qualifications, powers, and duties of these commissioners while allowing for multi-circuit regions to improve efficiency. It also specifies that retired senior judges and justices may serve in this role without losing their retirement annuities, and requires the court to report annually on the program's activities.

Maddy summaryHB 5401 expands absentee voting eligibility in West Virginia to citizens temporarily residing overseas. To qualify, voters must have been residents of West Virginia before leaving, hold a U.S. passport, not have established permanent residency abroad, and intend to return. They must also be registered or eligible to vote in another U.S. jurisdiction. The bill updates both mail-in and electronic absentee ballot rules to include this group, aligning with federal voting protections for overseas citizens.

Maddy summaryHB 4433 amends West Virginia law to create new criminal offenses for human smuggling (transporting undocumented people to evade enforcement) and human trafficking (recruiting or moving people for forced labor or sexual exploitation). It specifically targets individuals who transport adults or minors for these purposes, defining key terms like "coercion" and "forced labor" to clarify illegal conduct. The bill establishes penalties for these crimes, allows asset forfeiture of property used in trafficking, and requires restitution for victims. It also includes an exemption permitting medical, mental health, and legal services for undocumented individuals without criminal liability.

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 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 4415 amends West Virginia law to explicitly include federal correctional facilities in existing statutes prohibiting the smuggling of prohibited items into correctional settings. The bill makes it a misdemeanor to deliver items like food, clothing, or money without permission (fines up to $500, jail up to 12 months) and a felony to transport weapons, drugs, escape tools, or telecommunications devices (fines $1,000-$5,000, prison 1-10 years). It directly affects individuals attempting to smuggle contraband into federal prisons located within West Virginia, such as visitors, family members, or others delivering unauthorized items. The law updates prior penalties for smuggling into state facilities to apply uniformly to federal correctional institutions.

Maddy summaryHB 5166 modifies West Virginia election filing rules for political committees. It requires the Secretary of State to send written notice (within 14 days of a filing deadline) to committees failing to submit required reports before imposing civil penalties. Committees then have seven days to correct the filing without penalty; the Secretary may grant up to 14 additional days for compliance if requested with good cause. This bill directly affects political committees, their treasurers, and financial agents who handle election filings. The change streamlines penalty enforcement by adding a notice period and short correction window, rather than automatically imposing fines.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 13) honoring the late Senator Tony Eugene Whitlow, a longtime West Virginia legislator who served in the House (1970-1982) and Senate (1984-1992), including as Senate President pro Tempore. The resolution commemorates his life, military service, public career, family, and community contributions, directing the Clerk to send a copy to his surviving family members. It has no policy provisions or direct impact on constituents.