Del. Pat McGeehan

Maddy summaryHJR 21 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds vote in both the West Virginia House and Senate to pass any bill that imposes a new tax, creates a new license fee, or increases an existing tax or fee rate. This would directly affect the legislative process for tax-related bills, making it harder to pass such measures without broad bipartisan support. The amendment includes one exception: a simple majority vote could approve a tax or fee increase solely to pay state debt interest or principal when due. The bill does not apply to taxes or fees already authorized before the amendment's ratification. If approved by voters in 2026, this would change how West Virginia handles tax legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 2602 prohibits West Virginia public schools from using Common Core standards and associated Smarter Balanced Assessments starting July 1, 2025. The bill defines "Common Core" as the standards adopted by the state in 2010 and bans the State Board of Education from implementing these standards or any assessments measuring student achievement under them. This directly affects all public schools in West Virginia, requiring them to transition away from the current standards and assessment system. The law does not specify replacement standards but mandates the discontinuation of the Common Core framework.

Maddy summaryHB 2596 would exempt income earned by West Virginia law-enforcement officers and officials from state income tax. The bill creates a new tax deduction that subtracts this employment income from federal adjusted gross income for state tax calculations, effectively removing it from taxable income. This exemption applies only to income already included in federal adjusted gross income and takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025. The bill uses existing definitions from §30-29-1 to determine who qualifies as a law-enforcement officer or official.

Maddy summaryHB 2594 amends West Virginia law to permit year-round, 24/7 hunting of coyotes using artificial light or night vision technology at any hour. The bill explicitly overrides existing restrictions by stating it is lawful to hunt coyotes with these tools "at any hour and at all times throughout the year," removing previous time or seasonal limitations. This change directly affects coyote hunters in West Virginia who use artificial light or night vision equipment. The bill does not alter hunting regulations for other wildlife species like fox or raccoon.

Maddy summaryHB 2573 would exempt married individuals or surviving spouses claiming four or more dependent children from paying West Virginia state income tax starting in 2026. The bill applies to taxpayers filing as married or surviving spouse with four or more children who qualify as dependents under federal tax rules (26 U.S.C. §152(c)(1)). It directly affects families meeting these specific filing status and dependent child criteria, removing state income tax liability for their household income. The exemption takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and applies to all subsequent years while the filer maintains the qualifying status.

Maddy summaryHB 2592 declares all current and future federal, state, and local laws restricting firearms, ammunition, or related activities (like possession, carrying, or manufacturing) invalid within West Virginia. It prohibits state officials from enforcing such laws and makes attempting to enforce them a felony punishable by up to two years in prison or a $10,000 fine. The bill also requires the state Attorney General to defend West Virginians prosecuted under federal gun laws. It applies broadly to all levels of government and covers all firearm-related activities protected under the Second Amendment and West Virginia's state constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 2591, the "Defend the Guard Act," requires the West Virginia National Guard to remain under state control for combat operations unless the U.S. Congress formally declares war or takes specific action under the Constitution to call the militia for enumerated purposes. It directly affects West Virginia National Guard members, preventing their deployment to active-duty combat without congressional authorization. The bill defines "active duty combat" as participating in armed conflict, performing hazardous duty in foreign countries, or using instruments of war. The governor must ensure compliance with this requirement, effectively blocking federal deployment for combat without explicit congressional action. This policy change aims to align state military control with the constitutional principle that Congress holds exclusive authority to declare war.

Maddy summaryHB 2526 requires West Virginia public schools to designate shared restrooms and changing areas exclusively for students based on the sex assigned at birth, as listed on their original birth certificate. It mandates that schools provide single-occupancy restrooms as a "reasonable accommodation" for students unable to use designated facilities, but prohibits access to restrooms designated for the opposite sex. Violations could result in fines up to $500 for school officials like principals or superintendents, with parents able to sue if students encounter opposite-sex individuals in designated areas without permission. The bill excludes accommodations needed under the Americans with Disabilities Act or for young children requiring physical assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 2590 would exempt law-enforcement officers employed by municipal police departments, county sheriff's offices, or the West Virginia State Police from paying state income tax and personal property tax on their personal belongings. The bill amends existing tax exemption laws to add these officers as a covered group, similar to other public servants like teachers or firefighters in some jurisdictions. This change directly affects eligible sworn law-enforcement personnel by reducing their state tax burden on both income and personal property. The provision would apply to officers' homes, vehicles, and other personal assets subject to West Virginia property tax.

Maddy summaryHB 2593 requires West Virginia state government agencies and public entities to obtain written certification from companies before entering contracts for goods or services. This certification must confirm the company has no financial ties to specific foreign nations deemed to hold values "antithetical" to West Virginia, including state sponsors of terrorism (like Iran and Saudi Arabia) and nations aligned with communist ideology (like China, North Korea, Cuba, and Vietnam). Companies must provide documented proof of their ownership structure, tracing to individual natural persons, to verify compliance. Contracts failing this requirement are void under public policy, directly affecting all state procurement processes involving private vendors.