Del. Bill Ridenour

Maddy summaryHB 2471 eliminates tax credits for corporations and businesses using solar, wind, or other renewable energy systems (like solar/wind farms), effective after July 1, 2024. It directly affects commercial renewable energy operators, excluding individual homeowners who retain tax credits for residential systems. The bill also imposes new requirements: renewable energy facilities must be set back at least one mile from homes and require $400 million in liability insurance per 100 acres for cleanup after disasters. These changes aim to remove financial incentives for corporate renewable projects while maintaining support for residential installations.

Maddy summaryHB 2426 would require West Virginia law enforcement to immediately transfer individuals determined to be in the U.S. illegally to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation upon first apprehension. For a second offense, the bill classifies the individual as a felony offender, mandating 3-5 years in state prison followed by deportation to ICE. The bill explicitly states that state or local entities cannot interfere with federal immigration enforcement under this law. It directly affects undocumented immigrants apprehended by West Virginia law enforcement twice or more. The policy changes establish a two-tiered criminal penalty system for repeat immigration violations within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 2424 would require the West Virginia legislature to vote and approve any governor's declaration of a state of emergency or state of preparedness before it becomes effective. Currently, the governor can unilaterally declare such a state for an initial period (60 days for emergencies, 30 days for Class I preparedness) and the legislature may later vote to extend it. This bill eliminates the governor's current ability to initiate emergency declarations without prior legislative consent, shifting that authority to the legislature. It directly affects the governor's emergency powers and the process for managing state emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 2449 eliminates West Virginia's application of the "open fields doctrine," meaning police can no longer search private land beyond a home's immediate area without a warrant. It directly affects landowners whose property (including fenced areas and wooded land) is not considered public, requiring law enforcement to obtain a warrant for searches of these defined "open fields." The bill explicitly abolishes the common law rule that previously allowed warrantless searches of such areas, aligning with constitutional protections against unreasonable searches. This change ensures that private property beyond a dwelling - where a reasonable person would view it as private - receives Fourth Amendment safeguards.

Maddy summaryHB 2518 would remove existing state taxes on tobacco products (including e-cigarettes/vapes), alcohol, and gambling activities by repealing specific sections of West Virginia's tax code. The bill eliminates provisions that currently impose excise taxes on these items, such as taxes on tobacco sales, alcohol purchases, and gambling licenses. This would directly affect state revenue streams and businesses selling these products, as they would no longer be required to pay these taxes. The bill focuses solely on repealing the tax provisions without adding new requirements or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 2470 amends West Virginia law to clarify that hunting licenses are required only for hunting on public land, not private land. It updates existing exemptions (such as for landowners on their own property, disabled veterans, military personnel on leave, and seniors over 65) to explicitly state that licenses are unnecessary when hunting on private land. The bill does not create new exemptions but refines the current law to remove ambiguity about where licenses are required. This change directly affects landowners, veterans, military members, and seniors who hunt on their own property without needing a license. The bill is currently in committee review after its February 2025 introduction.

Maddy summaryHB 2448 (West Virginia House Bill 2448), titled the "Religious Freedom Protection Act," prevents state emergency orders from closing or restricting religious services during declared emergencies. It directly affects religious institutions (churches, mosques, synagogues, etc.) and their members by prohibiting government actions that infringe on worship assembly, travel to places of worship, or impose penalties for religious practice. Key provisions include allowing religious groups to sue for violations (seeking injunctions, damages, and attorney fees) within a two-year window, covering psychological, emotional, and physical harm. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage and applies to all emergency orders issued under West Virginia’s emergency management laws.

Maddy summaryHB 2446 declares that federal laws restricting firearm ownership, accessories, or ammunition within West Virginia are unenforceable and legally void. It directly affects West Virginians by asserting state authority over firearm regulations, overriding federal restrictions on gun possession, sale, or use within the state. Key provisions require state courts and law enforcement to protect this right, establish legal claims against those violating it, and award damages for infringements. The bill also prohibits state employment for individuals enforcing federal restrictions on firearms within West Virginia. This legislation seeks to prevent federal gun regulations from applying in the state, though it has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHB 2468 would repeal all legal provisions establishing the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, including sections §5B-2-1 through §5B-2-21 of the state code. This bill directly affects the department itself and the cabinet-level position overseeing it, eliminating both from state law. The legislation would remove the department's legal foundation without creating new structures, effectively abolishing the entity and its associated leadership role. This is a procedural bill focused solely on repealing existing statutes, not on creating new policies or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2461 prohibits the sale, use, or distribution of abortifacients - drugs primarily used to cause abortion, including those requiring a prescription under FDA guidelines or not FDA-approved for that purpose. It directly affects healthcare providers, pharmacies, and anyone supplying such drugs within West Virginia, including out-of-state entities mailing or shipping them into the state. Key provisions establish criminal penalties for violations and allow private lawsuits against those providing abortifacients. The bill defines "abortifacient" broadly while excluding terms like miscarriage or stillbirth from its scope, and specifies that medical emergencies requiring abortion must involve serious risk of death or life-threatening impairment.