Rep. Wayne Clark

Maddy summaryHB 4647 would change West Virginia law to extend the term of county sheriffs from four years to six years. This bill directly affects sheriffs across all West Virginia counties, who would now be elected every six years instead of every four years. The key provision amends Section 3-1-17 of the state code to adjust the election cycle for sheriffs from "every fourth year" to "every sixth year" following the 2028 election. This change would alter the frequency of sheriff elections without modifying election procedures or qualifications.

Maddy summaryHB 4675, titled "Relating to 'Rain Tax'," would prohibit West Virginia municipalities from charging property owners a fee based on stormwater, runoff, rain, or similar precipitation-related factors. This bill amends state law to remove local governments' authority to impose such fees, directly affecting residential and commercial property owners who might have been charged for these services. The key mechanism is a clear prohibition on assessing any fee tied to precipitation management, replacing existing provisions that allowed stormwater fees under municipal ordinances. This change would require municipalities to find alternative funding methods for stormwater programs but does not specify new funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 4549 requires West Virginia local governments to award public construction contracts over $50,000 to the lowest qualified responsible bidder - defined as the lowest-priced bidder meeting standards for ability, compliance with state laws, and a valid bid bond. The bill also permits political subdivisions (like counties, cities, and school boards) to enter into project labor agreements (pre-hire union contracts) for construction projects. Additionally, for projects exceeding $250,000, the winning bidder must provide a list of subcontractors performing over $25,000 in work within one business day of the bid opening. This directly affects local governments and contractors involved in public construction projects across West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 4649 requires purchasers of property sold at tax sales (by the West Virginia Auditor for unpaid taxes) to satisfy any outstanding municipal liens (such as unpaid water or sewer charges) recorded against the property before securing a deed. Specifically, buyers must pay off these local government claims and provide the Auditor with a certified record of satisfaction from the municipality, in addition to existing requirements like preparing redemption notices and paying associated costs. Failure to meet this new requirement within 120 days (with a possible 60-day extension for a $100 fee) results in losing the property purchase. This change ensures new owners receive clear title without hidden municipal claims.

Maddy summaryHB 4674 prohibits the use or sale of "abortifacients" (defined as drugs requiring an FDA prescription or primarily used to cause abortion) in West Virginia. It directly affects healthcare providers, pharmacies, and individuals who mail or prescribe such drugs within the state, with criminal penalties for violations. The bill creates a private right to sue for damages if someone violates the prohibition and defines "medical emergency" narrowly to exclude psychological conditions. Key mechanisms include strict definitions of terms like "abortifacient" and "abortion," and it explicitly excludes exceptions for miscarriage, stillbirth, or ectopic pregnancies.

Maddy summaryHB 4677 would amend West Virginia law (§20-7-4) to require natural resources police officers to obtain either a landowner's consent or a warrant before entering private property for enforcement purposes. This change directly affects landowners and DNR officers, altering current authority to enter private lands. Key provisions include adding this requirement to the officer's duties while maintaining exceptions for emergencies involving imminent threats to public safety or accidents. The bill does not change officers' existing authority to enter state-owned lands or enforce laws on public waters.

Maddy summaryHB 4582 increases the annual commission paid to West Virginia county sheriffs for collecting property taxes. Starting July 1, 2026, sheriffs will earn a $30,000 commission after collecting 85% of all real and personal property taxes in their county, replacing the previous $15,000 amount. The commission is paid directly from the tax funds collected, becoming part of the sheriff's regular budgeted compensation. This bill directly affects county sheriffs who serve as treasurers in their jurisdictions. It modifies existing law to adjust compensation for their ongoing tax collection duties without creating new tax obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 4593 modifies West Virginia's public school physical education requirements by allowing students to opt out of mandatory PE classes if they can demonstrate five or more hours per week of outside physical activity through written evidence. The bill applies to middle and high school students, replacing required PE periods with supervised study hall for qualifying students. It maintains core PE time requirements (30+ minutes three days/week for elementary, full course credit for graduation in high school) but adds this exemption pathway. The policy directly affects students in West Virginia public schools who participate in organized sports or physical activities outside of school.

Maddy summaryHB 4585 modifies eligibility requirements for West Virginia volunteer firefighters seeking a state tax credit. To qualify, firefighters must now obtain certification from their fire department chief confirming they were active members for the full year, participated in at least 30 hours of on-site activities, met all required training, and provided specific details like rank, years of service, emergency responses, and training attendance. This certification must be submitted to the Tax Commissioner to claim the credit. The bill directly affects volunteer firefighters who currently or will seek this tax credit under West Virginia’s Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurers to accept prior authorization requests via fax or electronic portal (not just mail) and mandates clear submission instructions, a 5-business-day response deadline (2 days for urgent care), and quarterly updates to lists of required authorizations. It ensures insurers include step therapy details on forms and carry approved authorizations across insurers for three months within West Virginia. The law directly affects insurers, healthcare providers, and patients by streamlining the approval process and reducing delays. Key provisions include standardized electronic notifications, clear deficiency identification, and expedited appeals within 10 business days.