Del. Scot Heckert

Maddy summaryHB 2366 would create a mandatory registry for individuals convicted of specific domestic violence offenses in West Virginia, requiring them to register with local State Police. It applies to those convicted of offenses like domestic battery (§61-2-28), domestic assault, or strangulation against an intimate partner (defined as a spouse, co-parent, or current/former romantic partner). Registrants must provide full names, addresses, and aliases in person at their county’s State Police office. The bill states its purpose is to help law enforcement and the public access information for safety, not to impose additional punishment, and covers both past and future convictions.

Maddy summaryHB 2372, titled "Creating the Parents' Bill of Rights," would establish that parents and legal guardians in West Virginia have final authority over decisions about their minor children's health, medical care, education, and welfare. Key provisions include the right to choose medical treatments (including vaccines and mental health services), select educational options (such as home schooling or private schools), and serve as their child's sole advocate in court without needing an attorney. The bill prohibits government entities from questioning or altering parental decisions unless a court finds clear evidence of imminent harm to the child. It also allows parents to sue the government for violations and restricts public institutions from exposing minors to certain materials or nudity in public settings like schools.

Maddy summaryHB 2163 terminates the Purchasing Division within West Virginia's Department of Administration, effective July 1, 2025. This bill directly affects the Department of Administration and state agencies that previously used the division for procurement services. The key provision adds a new section to state law explicitly ending the division's operations, requiring the department to discontinue all purchasing-related functions. The bill does not specify alternative procurement arrangements but formally dissolves the division's structure within state government.

Maddy summaryHB 2368 removes voting restrictions for people with felony convictions after they are released from prison in West Virginia. It automatically restores voting rights upon release through parole, probation, pardon, or completion of sentence, eliminating the need for additional steps like applying for restoration. This directly affects formerly incarcerated individuals who were previously barred from voting while on probation or parole. The bill amends West Virginia Code §3-3-2 to remove the disqualification language that previously prevented them from registering to vote during these post-sentence periods.

Maddy summaryHB 2088 prohibits individuals listed on West Virginia’s state sex offender database from attending any public school activities, events, or athletic functions, regardless of whether they have children enrolled. This applies to all such individuals, including parents or guardians, and directly affects those on the registry who would otherwise participate in school-related settings. The bill imposes penalties: a first violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail, while subsequent violations are felonies carrying 1-5 years in prison. It also requires parent-teacher conferences involving registered sex offenders to occur off school grounds, such as at a courthouse or police station. The law creates a clear policy change banning these individuals from school premises during school activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows West Virginia manufacturing businesses to apply tax credits from equipment investments against personal income tax. Eligible manufacturers (including those with specific industry codes 211112, 332992, or 332994) receive a 5% credit on qualifying costs, or 50% for codes 332992/332994. The credit applies over 10 years, starting when equipment is first used, and must first reduce other taxes like mining or corporate taxes before affecting personal income tax. It directly affects manufacturers operating in West Virginia who meet the defined industry code requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2058 establishes new protections for military-connected students in West Virginia schools. It defines these students as those with parents/guardians serving in active duty, reserves, National Guard, or who died in service, and requires schools to allow remote enrollment without physical registration for families relocating due to military orders. The bill mandates schools to accept temporary addresses (like base housing) for residency, guarantee equal access to all courses and activities, and provide counseling services when a parent is activated. It also requires schools to coordinate promptly for students with disabilities during transfers and notify teachers about military-connected students (with parent opt-out). These provisions directly affect military families moving within West Virginia and ensure smoother educational transitions.

Maddy summaryHB 2118 allows off-duty and retired law enforcement officers (LEOs) meeting specific requirements to carry concealed handguns in locations where active-duty officers could carry, including the State Capitol Complex. It requires these officers to comply with their agency's firearms policies and present agency-issued credentials upon request. The bill modifies Capitol access rules to permit concealed carry on Capitol grounds and in the Capitol building (excluding the Governor's office, Supreme Court chambers, and designated gallery areas), while maintaining restrictions on pepper spray and other weapons. This directly affects off-duty LEOs, retired officers with LEOSA certification, and Capitol security protocols. The policy change clarifies exemptions for authorized officers without altering general concealed carry laws.

Maddy summaryHB 2125 expands safe surrender options by permitting 24/7 staffed 911 centers and ambulance stations to install newborn safety devices. These devices must include dual alarms tested weekly, visually checked daily, and alert staff within 30 seconds of a baby’s placement, triggering a 911 call if unattended for 15 minutes. Parents can anonymously leave infants under 30 days old without legal repercussions or abuse charges, while emergency responders gain liability protection for good-faith actions. The bill directly affects parents seeking anonymous surrender, emergency medical staff, and facilities operating these devices.

Maddy summaryHB 2051 would amend West Virginia law to permit licensed concealed handgun carriers to carry firearms on Capitol grounds and within the Capitol building. It allows individuals with valid concealed carry permits to carry concealed handguns in the Capitol complex, including the building itself, but requires them to show their permit upon request when entering. The bill prohibits concealed carry in the Governor’s office, Supreme Court chambers (third and fourth floors), and maintains existing restrictions on open carry and pepper spray exceeding one ounce. This change directly affects licensed concealed carry permit holders who access the Capitol complex, while preserving current rules for other areas.