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 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 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 summaryHB 5674, titled "Prohibiting civil rights violations based on disability, gender identity or sexual orientation," makes it a felony to commit violence or intimidation against someone because of their disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. It establishes criminal penalties of up to $5,000 fines or 10 years in prison for such bias-motivated acts, while requiring judges to consider alternative sentencing like community corrections. The bill explicitly excludes protected speech or labor union activities from being used as evidence in prosecutions, and prohibits using constitutionally protected associations as grounds for conviction unless directly tied to the crime. This law directly affects individuals targeted by bias-based violence, those committing such acts, and the criminal justice system through revised sentencing guidelines.
Maddy summaryHB 5670 would update West Virginia's animal cruelty law by establishing specific care standards for animal owners. It requires providing food meeting National Research Council standards, water every four hours, and shelter with detailed specifications (e.g., four-sided structures with proper insulation). The bill also sets strict tethering rules - like using non-choke harnesses and limiting tether length - and creates a public registry for repeat offenders (second violation), barring them from adopting or purchasing animals. This bill directly affects pet owners, caretakers, and animal shelters statewide.
Maddy summaryHB 5673 creates a legal right for certain adults to petition West Virginia circuit or family courts for visitation with their minor siblings. It specifically allows blood, half, step, or adoptive siblings who are at least 18 years old to request visitation with minor children (under 18) when no other custody case is pending, or to file a motion during ongoing divorce, custody, or paternity proceedings. The bill requires courts to prioritize the "best interests of the child" when reviewing such requests and outlines where petitions must be filed based on whether other family court actions are active. This law directly affects siblings aged 18+ seeking to maintain relationships with younger siblings and the courts handling these petitions.
Maddy summaryHB 5671 would change West Virginia's minimum wage law to automatically increase the hourly wage each year on September 1 based on the previous year's inflation rate, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the U.S. Department of Labor. This replaces the current system of fixed wage rates set on specific dates (e.g., $7.25 after 2008) with an inflation-linked adjustment mechanism. The bill ensures the minimum wage never falls below the federal minimum wage, while applying to all employers and employees covered by West Virginia's minimum wage law, including state agencies. This adjustment would directly affect hourly workers and businesses across the state by tying wage growth to cost-of-living changes.
Maddy summaryHB 5672 imposes an annual excise tax on opioid manufacturers and distributors selling Schedule II drugs to West Virginia pharmacies. The tax equals one cent per 100 pills multiplied by the previous year's state opioid overdose death count (as reported by the Department of Health). Pharmacies collect this tax from manufacturers/distributors (not patients) and remit it to the Ryan Brown Addiction Prevention and Recovery Fund. This revenue directly funds state addiction prevention and recovery programs. The tax rate adjusts yearly based on updated overdose statistics.
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.