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.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 5669, known as "Raylee's Law," temporarily blocks custodial parents or guardians accused of child abuse or neglect from withdrawing children from public or private schools to homeschool or resuming home instruction during an active Department of Human Services investigation. The restriction applies only while an investigation is ongoing and ends when the investigation is closed without finding abuse or if a court orders otherwise. The Department of Human Services must notify both the child's school and the parent/guardian in writing about this temporary restriction. The bill directly affects children in abuse/neglect cases where the alleged perpetrator is their custodial caregiver.
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 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 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 summaryHB 5478 establishes a statewide pilot program distributing free, internet-free learning touchpads to eligible preschoolers in West Virginia to improve kindergarten readiness. The program targets children aged 3-4 who qualify based on family income (at or below federal poverty level), participation in programs like WIC or Head Start, or other risk factors identified by the state. Each touchpad kit includes preloaded early-learning apps, headphones, a protective case, and parent guides with daily activity suggestions and text-message tips. The West Virginia Department of Education will administer the program, partner with community organizations, and evaluate its impact on readiness metrics annually, while ensuring compliance with child privacy laws.
Maddy summaryHJR 40 proposes adding Article XV to the West Virginia Constitution, granting voters the power to directly propose new laws or constitutional amendments (initiative) and reject laws passed by the legislature (referendum). To use these powers, voters would need to gather signatures equal to 10% of the votes cast for Governor in their district or county, with statewide initiatives requiring signatures in two-thirds of counties. The bill specifies that initiative and referendum measures cannot propose laws the legislature couldn't enact, name specific individuals for office, or amend Article XV itself, and limits statewide initiatives to five per election. This would directly affect registered voters by creating new tools for direct participation in lawmaking, subject to the outlined procedural requirements.
Maddy summaryHJR 41 proposes a constitutional amendment to change West Virginia's legislative session schedule. It would alternate between a 60-day general session (every other year) where any bill can be considered, and a 30-day session (the following year) limited solely to passing the state budget. During 30-day sessions, lawmakers could only address budget-related matters unless the Governor issues a proclamation or a two-thirds vote of both chambers allows other business. The amendment aims to shorten legislative sessions every other year, with the stated purpose of "saving taxpayers money" by reducing session length. This is a procedural constitutional change affecting how the state legislature organizes its work and budget process.
Maddy summaryHB 5606 establishes a tax credit for West Virginia residents who remain in-state after graduating from a West Virginia college or university. The credit allows individuals or their employers to reduce their personal income tax liability by up to 50-75% of eligible student loan payments made while working in West Virginia (based on degree level and transfer status). It covers loans included in the graduate's original financial aid package, requires payments to be made during residency, and permits unused credits to carry forward for up to 10 years. This policy directly affects recent WV graduates and their employers, aiming to incentivize retention in the state through tax relief on student debt.
Maddy summaryHB 5609 creates a tax credit for retail food distributors who donate surplus food to nonprofit organizations. It allows a credit equal to 10% of the original retail value of donated food (up to $5,000 annually), applicable against business or personal income taxes. Distributors must maintain receipts proving the donation value, and the Tax Commissioner must develop rules and notify businesses about the credit. The bill directly affects food retailers and distributors by incentivizing food donations to combat waste, while nonprofits receiving the food are not directly impacted by this provision. This complements existing liability protections under West Virginia's Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.