Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Recharge West Virginia Program, which provides financial reimbursement to private employers in the state for costs associated with training their employees in new skills. The program is administered by the Division of Economic Development and targets companies that wish to upskill their workforce through specialized technical training, leadership development, or registered apprenticeships. To qualify for reimbursement, employers must demonstrate that their employees complete industry-recognized credentials and achieve a wage increase of at least 25% above their previous earnings, with individual reimbursements capped at $10,000 per employee and $100,000 annually per employer. The legislation defines eligible employees as those who have lived and worked full-time in West Virginia for the past six months, while excluding public bodies and foreign nonprofit corporations from participating. Employers must submit detailed applications including training plans, job descriptions, and wage projections to the Division of Economic Development, which will establish specific procedures and standards for evaluating reimbursement requests.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 5464 modifies West Virginia's horse racing regulations to support thoroughbred racing operations. It establishes definitions for "West Virginia Certified Thoroughbred horses," sets purse requirements for restricted races, and increases the $1 million annual funding cap for racetracks that did not participate in the West Virginia Development Fund before 1992. The bill also adds an inflation adjustment for net terminal income deposited into the state Excess Lottery Revenue Fund and changes how that income is distributed. These changes directly affect licensed thoroughbred racetracks in West Virginia, particularly those with historical non-participation in the Development Fund. The policy focuses on adjusting financial mechanisms for existing racetracks rather than creating new facilities or jobs.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the West Virginia Office of the Attorney General and Office of the Treasurer to conduct a study of state budget spending from the current year and the previous five years. The study will categorize expenditures into four groups: spending required by the state constitution, spending for core government functions, spending for policy goals not constitutionally required, and spending with unclear or speculative purposes. The findings and recommendations will be reported to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance by December 21, 2026. This resolution does not change how money is spent but instead asks officials to analyze and categorize existing budget items to better understand how taxpayer dollars are allocated.
Maddy summaryHB 5525 creates the "Southern West Virginia Clean Water Fund" to improve drinking water in 13 specific counties (Boone, Fayette, Greenbrier, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, and Wyoming). The bill requires water utilities to conduct quarterly contaminant testing, replace lead service lines by 2035 (with financial help for low-income households), and implement advanced filtration systems where water quality fails state standards. It appropriates $10 million in state funds for infrastructure upgrades, mandates public reporting of test results within 30 days, and imposes fines (reinvested into the fund) for violations of safe drinking water limits. The law also requires annual infrastructure assessments and updates to contaminant standards every three years based on scientific research.
Maddy summaryHB 5475 would change West Virginia's Public Service Commission from an appointed body to an elected one. The bill requires three commissioners to be elected to six-year nonpartisan terms from three districts corresponding to the state's three congressional districts, with staggered terms for the first election cycle. It maintains existing requirements, including one commissioner needing a law license with at least 10 years of experience and prohibitions against financial ties to public utilities or holding other elected office. The bill eliminates the Governor's appointment authority and Senate confirmation process for commission members.
Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally recognizes President Donald J. Trump for various policies and actions that the West Virginia House of Delegates claims have benefited the state. The document highlights specific initiatives including regulatory reforms in the energy sector, tax relief measures, funding for rural healthcare, and programs aimed at reducing prescription drug costs and establishing investment accounts for newborns. It also cites border security improvements and drug control efforts as contributing factors to public safety and economic well-being. The resolution expresses appreciation for these actions and requests that the formal recognition be sent to the President.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the life and legacy of the late West Virginia legislator Larry D. Kump, who passed away on February 28, 2026. The resolution formally expresses the House of Delegates' condolences to Kump's family and acknowledges his service as a representative for Berkeley County across three different terms. It recognizes his career in criminal justice and mediation, his commitment to limited government, and his role as a devoted family member and church leader. The document is a ceremonial tribute rather than a law that changes policy or affects public programs.
Maddy summaryHB 4894, the "West Virginia Utility Affordability and Economic Competitiveness Act," prohibits utility companies from raising rates for one year (a moratorium) and establishes a phased approach to reduce high utility costs for West Virginia residents and businesses. It requires utilities to evaluate all costs - including base rates, fees, environmental impacts, and long-term system reliability - when making future rate decisions, rather than focusing solely on individual projects. The bill directly affects all West Virginia households and businesses that pay utility bills, aiming to lower the state’s position as having some of the highest combined electricity and water costs in the U.S. The law mandates that affordability be measured by total system costs and competitiveness relative to neighboring states, not just immediate rate changes.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the Capitol Building Commission and Department of Administration to assess and address hazardous trees along California Avenue and Kanawha Boulevard on the State Capitol Complex grounds. The resolution requests an immediate evaluation of trees that have caused property damage through falling limbs and broken trunks over the past two years. It specifically asks officials to trim trees back to the grass side of sidewalks or remove and replace hazardous trees to protect public safety and state property. This non-binding resolution directs state agencies to take preventative maintenance actions without mandating specific enforcement measures.
Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding House Resolution (HR 15), not a bill with legislative effect. It expresses the West Virginia House of Delegates' support for extending Interstate 68 from Morgantown, West Virginia, to Kent, West Virginia, then crossing into Ohio toward I-77 and I-75. The resolution urges federal, state, and local government bodies to secure funding for this corridor, which is framed as a project to boost economic growth and job creation in the Shale Crescent energy manufacturing region. It does not create new laws, funding, or requirements.