Rep. Bryan Smith

Maddy summaryHB 4597 increases West Virginia's homestead property tax exemption for eligible seniors and disabled homeowners. It phases in higher exemption amounts: starting at $20,000, rising to $30,000 by 2028, $35,000 by 2030, and fully eliminating property taxes on the first $40,000 of home value by 2032. The exemption applies to homeowners aged 65+ or certified permanently disabled who reside in West Virginia for two consecutive years (with limited exceptions for returning military veterans or short-term out-of-state residents). This change directly affects qualifying homeowners by reducing their annual property tax burden over time.

Maddy summaryHB 4526 establishes rules for election observers in West Virginia, affecting political parties, candidates, and third-party organizations that may send up to two observers per election location. The bill requires observers to present a letter of appointment and wear a badge, while allowing them to observe most election activities - including ballot handling, tabulation, and equipment testing - except for individual vote casting or confidential ballot completion. It mandates election officials to provide full access to observation areas, prohibit obstructing observers, and ensure public access to ballot reviews and recounts. The law also permits observers to use recording devices and handwritten notes, with officials facing potential sanctions for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryHB 4164, the "Election integrity and People’s vote protection act," requires poll workers at each West Virginia precinct to manually count physical ballots using the electronic voting machines' printed audit trail after polls close on election day. This manual count must be reconciled with the electronic tally to verify accuracy and detect discrepancies, involving election officials and authorized observers. The bill directly affects poll workers, county election offices, and the Secretary of State, who must develop training for implementation. It mandates this process for all elections using electronic voting machines, aiming to enhance transparency without changing voting methods.

Maddy summaryHB 4163 requires all West Virginia public agencies to maintain a publicly accessible online database tracking Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and outcomes. It protects the privacy of individuals making FOIA requests by mandating that their names, contact details, and other personal information be redacted from all public records and databases. Agencies must update their online FOIA logs within 90 days of the law’s passage and face penalties, including potential damages of up to $5,000 per violation, for failing to redact personal information. This bill directly affects government agencies handling FOIA requests and all residents who submit such requests.

Maddy summaryHB 2397 prohibits immediate family members (such as spouses, parents, or children) from serving in fiduciary roles - like financial or legal representatives - for the same government agency. This directly affects government employees and officials who might have family members working in comparable positions within their department. The law creates a clear restriction preventing family members from holding these trust-based roles simultaneously within one agency. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on April 25, 2025, and became Chapter 139 of the 2025 Regular Session statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 3016 requires voters to present a valid photo identification card when casting an in-person ballot at polling places. This law directly affects voters who do not already possess a qualifying photo ID at the time of voting. The key provision mandates that voters show one of several approved photo IDs (such as a state-issued driver's license or passport), and provides for provisional ballots if a voter lacks acceptable ID. The bill does not change absentee voting rules or apply to voting by mail. It became law on April 30, 2025, after Governor approval.

Maddy summaryHB 3111 increases salaries for West Virginia judges effective July 1, 2026, and 2027. It raises Supreme Court justices' annual pay to $154,600 (from $149,600), circuit court judges to $143,600 (from $138,600), and family court judges to $113,950 (from $103,950). The bill also requires judicial employees to contribute to the retirement system while suspending employer contributions until specific conditions are met. These changes directly affect all state judges and their staff, aligning family court secretary-clerk salaries ($44,876) with future state employee increases.

Maddy summaryHB 3017 requires county commissions to inspect all precinct voting machines one week before in-person voting to verify they are disconnected from the internet (no modems or SIM cards) and properly sealed. The Secretary of State must then conduct a random pre-election audit of 10% of machines across at least five counties, with public reports detailing compliance. This directly affects county election officials and the Secretary of State, mandating specific verification steps and reporting. The bill aims to ensure voting equipment remains physically isolated from internet connectivity as required by state law.

Maddy summaryHCR 88 is a ceremonial resolution honoring two West Virginia first responders nominated for the Medal of Valor. It specifically recognizes Captain Donald Lawson (New Martinsville Police) for rescuing two people from carbon monoxide poisoning despite his own hospitalization, and Darrell Lambert (Lake Volunteer Firefighter) for entering a burning building without protective gear to save a trapped resident, sustaining burns in the process. The resolution formally confirms the Legislature's approval of their award and directs the House Clerk to send a copy to Governor Morrisey. This is a symbolic honor with no new policy or funding changes, directly affecting only these two nominees. It passed unanimously in both chambers on April 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2190 permanently includes Potomac State College of West Virginia University as an eligible institution for the "Learn and Earn Program," removing its previous status as a temporary "pilot" program. The bill modifies West Virginia law to ensure Potomac State College meets the definition of a community and technical college for program participation, allowing its students to access this workforce development initiative. Under the program, students work with employers while studying, with employers required to provide a dollar-for-dollar cash match for student salaries. This change directly affects Potomac State College students pursuing technical programs and participating employers across West Virginia. The policy shift makes Potomac State College’s eligibility permanent, rather than time-limited.