Rep. Sean Hornbuckle

Maddy summaryHB 5307 adds $10 million in funding from West Virginia's unappropriated surplus balance to the Division of Culture and History within the Department of Tourism for fiscal year 2026. This supplemental appropriation directly affects the division's ability to fund cultural programs, historical preservation, and related activities. The funds will be used for operational expenses during the 2026 fiscal year, as specified in the state budget's surplus allocation.

Maddy summaryHB 5288 provides additional funding to West Virginia's existing Spay Neuter Assistance Fund, which helps low-income pet owners cover spaying and neutering costs for their animals. The bill supplements an unappropriated balance from the 2026 fiscal year budget to increase the fund's allocation without changing program eligibility or requirements. This is a procedural funding adjustment, not a new policy, and directly supports the state's veterinary assistance program for pet sterilization. The fund operates under West Virginia Code Chapter 19, continuing existing services for qualifying residents.

Maddy summaryHB 5317 allocates $20 million from West Virginia's unappropriated surplus funds to the Department of Commerce's Division of Natural Resources for fiscal year 2026. This supplemental funding specifically supports capital outlay, repairs, and equipment within the Division's existing budget (Fund 0265). It does not create new programs or change policy, but rather uses leftover state funds to address operational needs for natural resource management. The bill directly affects the Division of Natural Resources' ability to maintain infrastructure and equipment during the 2026 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryHB 4022 amends West Virginia law to establish how child protective services (CPS) workers are allocated and stationed across counties. It requires the state agency to base allocations on county population (using U.S. Census data), current referrals for child safety concerns, and average caseloads, effective July 1, 2024. The bill prevents allocations from dropping below the January 1, 2023, levels when all positions were filled, but allows adjustments for immediate needs like vacancies. It mandates an annual report to the Legislative Oversight Commission by July 1 each year, detailing all allocation changes lasting over three weeks and their justifications. This bill directly affects county CPS offices and the state agency managing child welfare staffing.

Maddy summaryHB 5480 establishes the West Virginia Youth Summer Employment and Career Readiness Program to provide paid summer jobs and career training for youth aged 14-20, with priority given to those in foster care, receiving public assistance (like TANF or SNAP), or involved in the justice system. Administered by the Department of Commerce’s Division of Workforce Development, the program requires partnerships with private businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to create work placements and career exploration opportunities. It mandates annual reporting on program effectiveness, allows private funding through matching contributions, and creates a special revenue account to support operations. The goal is to address workforce shortages, retain youth in West Virginia, and build a skilled local workforce through structured employment experiences.

Maddy summaryHB 5457 allows West Virginia State Police troopers who receive disability benefits to count half of their disability service time toward retirement eligibility. The bill amends retirement system rules to provide one-half service credit for periods when troopers are on disability leave under existing provisions. This change directly affects active troopers and retirees who have periods of disability service but do not qualify for full retirement credit. It ensures these service periods contribute to retirement benefits without requiring full-time employment. The policy applies specifically to disability service under §15-2A-9 or §15-2A-10 of the West Virginia Code.

Maddy summaryHB 5686 changes the timing for annual deposits into West Virginia's Hope Scholarship accounts. Starting July 1, 2026, the total annual deposit must be paid in four equal installments: by August 15, October 15, January 15, and April 15 each year. This replaces the previous single annual payment requirement under §18-31-6(d). The bill directly affects Hope Scholarship recipients who receive these annual deposits. The change aims to provide more consistent funding throughout the year.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs West Virginia's Office of Energy to develop a comprehensive energy policy and plan covering coal, natural gas, nuclear, renewable, hydrogen, and geothermal sources. It transfers the Office of Coalfield Community Development into the Office of Energy, eliminates outdated duties like the annual coalfield report, and grants the Office new authority to hold stakeholder meetings, set energy-ready community criteria, and designate project sites. The legislation also repeals the 2023 Coal Fired Grid Stabilization Act, merging its provisions into a new "Comprehensive Grid Stabilization and Energy Security Act." The Office must submit annual reports on its findings and develop strategies for multiple energy sectors, including state energy security planning. This restructures state energy policy to embrace diverse energy sources while focusing on stability, cost, and security.

Maddy summaryHB 4765 increases annual base salaries for West Virginia State Police officers, public school teachers, school service personnel, and forensic laboratory staff, effective July 1, 2026. The bill establishes specific salary schedules for police ranks (e.g., troopers, sergeants, captains), school personnel, and forensic roles (e.g., evidence custodians, forensic scientists), with detailed pay tables showing incremental increases. It directly affects over 10,000 state employees across law enforcement, education, and forensic services. The legislation provides fixed annual salary adjustments based on position and length of service, with no additional provisions beyond these compensation changes.

Maddy summaryHB 5004 requires Medicaid and private health insurance plans in West Virginia to cover medically necessary diagnosis and treatment for Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuroimmune Disorders (PANS and PANDAS), as defined by the National Institutes of Health. This directly affects Medicaid enrollees and patients with these conditions, ensuring coverage for diagnostic testing, medications, immune-related treatments, and behavioral services when ordered by a physician and supported by medical evidence. The bill mandates coverage parity for behavioral symptoms, preventing insurers from restricting care solely due to psychiatric manifestations. It also requires the state health department to educate providers on recognizing PANS/PANDAS symptoms, including acute onset, association with strep infections, and neurological symptoms. The legislation applies to all health benefit plans subject to West Virginia's insurance laws.