Del. Pat McGeehan

Maddy summaryHB 2795 prohibits private entities receiving state funds (including contracts, grants, or incentives) from implementing specific policies or programs, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, allowing biological men in women's restrooms, or providing abortion-related benefits to employees. It requires these entities to submit an affidavit confirming they do not violate defined "substantial public policies," including bans on discussing "more than two genders" or requiring DEI training. Public entities must also avoid contravening these policies. Violations could result in loss of state funding or lawsuits, with enforcement handled by the Attorney General.

Maddy summaryHB 2792 would amend West Virginia's personal income tax code to exempt Social Security benefits from state taxation. Specifically, it adds a provision (section §11-21-12(c)(7)) stating that Social Security benefits received under Title 42 U.S.C., Chapter 7, will no longer be included in taxable income for West Virginia residents. This change directly affects West Virginia residents who receive Social Security payments, as it reduces their taxable income for state tax purposes. The exemption applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, and modifies the calculation of "West Virginia adjusted gross income" by removing Social Security benefits from the taxable base.

Maddy summaryHB 2604 reinstates a personal income tax adjustment for West Virginia retirees whose pension plans terminated, resulting in reduced payments from an insurance guarantor. It allows eligible retirees to subtract the annual difference between their promised pension amount and the reduced payment they actually receive from their taxable income. The adjustment is capped at $2 million in annual state revenue loss, requiring the Tax Commissioner to reduce the percentage if costs exceed this threshold. The policy applies to tax years 2025 through 2026 and terminates after December 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the existing exception that allowed abortions for victims of rape or incest in West Virginia. Previously, adults could obtain abortions within 8 weeks of pregnancy (and minors within 14 weeks) if they reported the assault to police and met specific documentation requirements. The bill deletes this exception from §16-2R-3, meaning rape and incest cases can no longer qualify for abortion under this provision. Now, all abortions must meet the stricter "medical emergency" standard (which excludes psychological conditions), effectively eliminating a legal pathway for victims seeking abortion care.

Maddy summaryHB 2691 would allow public school teachers and employees with a valid concealed carry permit to carry a concealed firearm on school grounds. This change specifically applies to employees of public schools and public charter schools who meet state concealed carry requirements. The bill requires firearms to remain concealed at all times while on school property and does not alter the general prohibition on firearms for other individuals or open carry.

Maddy summaryHB 2601 would exempt motor vehicles (such as cars and trucks) from West Virginia's personal property tax, a tax currently levied on most vehicles owned by residents. This change would directly affect vehicle owners who currently pay this annual tax, removing it from their financial obligation. The bill amends West Virginia Code §11-3-9 to add motor vehicles to the existing list of property exempt from personal property tax. This is a policy change that alters the tax base for vehicles, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryHB 2597 restores West Virginia's lottery revenue distribution to the West Virginia Infrastructure Fund at 2013 levels, increasing annual deposits to $40 million (with prior adjustments for 2014-2016). It limits grants from this fund to 50% of available funds and eliminates current statutory distributions to the State Excess Lottery Revenue Fund. The bill also restores allocations to the Racetrack Modernization Fund and capital reinvestment, purse, and development funds to 2013 rates while removing pro rata distribution rules. This bill directly affects how lottery revenues are allocated to state infrastructure and racetrack programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2600 would exempt active and volunteer firefighters in West Virginia from paying state income taxes and real and personal property taxes. The bill amends existing tax exemption laws (§11-3-9) to add firefighters to the list of groups already exempt from these taxes, such as churches, schools, and fire department equipment. This change would directly affect all eligible firefighters by reducing their personal tax burden. The bill does not specify implementation details but would require legislative approval to take effect. (Note: Bill introduced February 19, 2025, currently in the House Finance Committee.)

Maddy summaryHB 2599 would abolish West Virginia's personal income tax for tax years beginning in 2026 and later. This bill removes the tax requirement on individual income, estates, and trusts for all taxpayers subject to the current tax under state law. The change is implemented by amending the state tax code to eliminate the tax provision entirely, meaning residents and nonresidents who currently pay the tax would no longer owe it starting in 2026. The bill does not specify how the state would replace the lost revenue from this tax.

Maddy summaryHB 2603 would exempt the personal income earned by teachers working in West Virginia's primary and secondary schools from state income tax. The bill amends Section 11-21-12 of the state tax code to remove teachers' earnings from taxable income. This change would directly affect all K-12 public and private school teachers in West Virginia. The exemption applies to all income earned by eligible educators under the state's tax system.