Rep. Mike DeVault

Maddy summaryHJR 28 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase West Virginia's homestead property tax exemption. It would raise the current $20,000 exemption threshold for qualifying homeowners to a higher amount, specifically targeting owners with annual incomes under $20,000 who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. The bill requires voter approval at the 2025 general election to amend the state constitution, as it seeks to change Article X, Section 1b, which governs property tax exemptions. This change would directly affect low-income senior citizens and disabled homeowners by reducing their property tax burden.

Maddy summaryHB 3036, introduced in West Virginia's 2025 legislative session, requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) secretary to adopt standardized rules for oil and gas leases, deeds, and contracts. The bill directly affects landowners who sign these agreements with energy companies by mandating clearer, consistent document formats to reduce confusion. Key provisions direct the DEP to create standardized templates covering terms and conditions, ensuring uniformity across all such contracts. This policy change aims to improve transparency for landowners without altering existing contractual obligations or regulatory requirements. The bill is currently pending referral to the House Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 3031 replaces West Virginia's current Fusion Center Joint Oversight Committee with a new committee effective July 1, 2025, terminating the existing committee as of June 30, 2025. The new committee, appointed by the House Speaker and Senate President (with party balance rules), will oversee the Fusion Center's handling of intelligence data, including collection, storage, and destruction. Key provisions require an annual audit by the Inspector General, grant the committee confidential access to the Fusion Center, and mandate security clearances for committee members handling classified information. Violations identified in audits may lead to disciplinary action against Fusion Center staff.

Maddy summaryHJR 32 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase West Virginia's homestead exemption for property taxes. Currently, the exemption covers the first $20,000 of assessed value for real property or mobile homes used as a primary residence by homeowners aged 65+ or permanently disabled residents. The amendment would raise this exemption amount, though the specific new figure isn't detailed in the provided text. This change requires voter approval in the 2025 general election, as it modifies Article X, Section 1-b of the state constitution. It directly affects qualifying senior and disabled homeowners who own and occupy their primary residence.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prevent property tax increases for eligible West Virginia homeowners by freezing their tax rates at current levels. It applies to residents aged 65 or older, those certified as permanently disabled, or widowed individuals earning under $20,000 annually, provided they have lived in the state for two years (with limited exceptions for military service or returning residents). The exemption covers the first $20,000 of a home's assessed value and locks in the tax rate when the homeowner qualifies. Proof of residency, such as voter or vehicle registration, is required to claim the exemption.

Maddy summaryHB 3043 strengthens penalties for illegally parking in designated accessible spaces and for fraudulently obtaining special plates or placards for people with mobility impairments in West Virginia. It increases fines for violations, requires clearer display of valid placards (red for temporary, blue for permanent), and mandates a public awareness program about the law and consequences. The bill directly affects drivers who park in accessible spots without authorization, people with mobility impairments using special plates/placards, and organizations transporting disabled individuals. Key provisions include stricter enforcement, updated medical criteria for qualifying for placards, and requirements for organizations to move vehicles after loading/unloading. The law aims to protect accessible parking for those who need it while reducing misuse.

Maddy summaryHB 3037 requires all property tax assessments in West Virginia to follow a strict three-year review cycle, directly affecting property owners and local assessors. The bill prohibits increasing property tax assessments without a valid reason - specifically banning arbitrary hikes solely to generate new revenue. It mandates that any assessment increase must be based on a periodic property evaluation, with the justification publicly disclosed. This law aims to prevent unfair or random tax increases by requiring transparency and regular, systematic reviews of property values.

Maddy summaryHB 3027, introduced in West Virginia's 2025 legislative session, would require all registered voters to present a photo ID at polling places for public office elections. The bill specifies acceptable IDs like driver's licenses, passports, military IDs, or student IDs with photos, and lists 18 additional documents (e.g., Medicare cards, utility bills) that may be used as alternatives if they contain the voter's name. Voters without an acceptable ID could use an affidavit signed by an adult who knows them for six months and presents their own ID. This bill directly affects all registered voters in West Virginia elections and is currently pending referral to the House Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 3063 would provide free license plates and vehicle registration for volunteer firefighters in West Virginia who have completed at least five years of service. The bill amends state law to exempt qualifying firefighters from paying standard registration and license plate fees. This policy change directly affects volunteer firefighters meeting the service requirement by eliminating a recurring cost for their personal vehicles. The bill is currently under review by the House Finance Committee after being introduced on February 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3009 requires West Virginia counties to provide emergency ambulance services at a ratio of one ambulance for every 20,000 residents, specifically where such service is not already available. This applies to county commissions, which must first confirm funds are available in their budget before being obligated to provide service at that level. Counties may deliver the service directly, through private contractors, or by forming public ambulance authorities with participating municipalities or counties. The bill establishes a clear service standard while allowing flexibility in how counties meet the requirement, without mandating new funding beyond existing budget commitments.