Del. Kathie Hess Crouse

Maddy summaryHB 2516 repealed outdated and unused sections of state code. It did not create new laws or impact residents, as it solely removed obsolete legal language from the statutes. The bill was signed into law by the governor on April 8, 2025, and became Chapter 59 of the 2025 regular session laws. This procedural action simplified the legal code without altering policy or affecting any individuals or entities.

Maddy summaryHB 2387 repeals a requirement for hunters to obtain a Class A1 pistol stamp when using such firearms for hunting. This change directly affects hunters in the state who previously needed this specific stamp for Class A1 pistols during hunting activities. The bill eliminates the administrative step of securing the stamp, streamlining the process for eligible hunters. The law took effect on July 31, 2025, after being approved by the governor on April 8, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2434, the Stop Squatters Act, creates a new legal process for property owners to immediately remove unauthorized occupants (squatters) from residential or commercial properties without using standard eviction court procedures. It defines a "squatter" as someone occupying without legal right (not including tenants who've overstayed), requires owners to first demand departure in writing, and allows law enforcement to remove occupants if specific conditions are met (e.g., no public access, no pending lawsuits). The bill also establishes criminal penalties: misdemeanors for property damage under $1,000 ($2,500 fine or 1 year jail) and felonies for damage over $1,000 (1-10 years prison), plus penalties for false documents or advertising properties without legal title. This directly affects property owners, law enforcement, and individuals occupying properties without legal authority.

Maddy summaryHB 2773 authorizes existing legislative rules governing West Virginia's higher education programs, rather than creating new policies. It formally validates 19 previously filed rules related to the Higher Education Policy Commission, including the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program, PROMISE grants, degree-granting institution oversight, and the Teacher Loan Repayment Program. Specific provisions include updating citizenship requirements for scholarship recipients and clarifying evaluation criteria for college presidents. This bill directly affects state universities, community colleges, and students participating in these authorized programs. As a procedural measure, it confirms the legal standing of these rules without introducing new funding or requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 2491) establishes specific requirements for businesses conducting online raffles. It directly affects businesses that operate online raffles, requiring them to meet certain conditions set by the law. The bill passed the legislature and was signed into law by the Governor on April 28, 2025 (Chapter 122, Acts, Regular Session, 2025). However, the provided context does not include the specific conditions or mechanisms of the bill, only its passage and enactment date. Therefore, a detailed summary of its provisions cannot be provided from the available information.

Maddy summaryHB 2411 updates high school graduation requirements and revises academic content standards for public schools. It directly affects high school students, school districts, and educators by changing the specific courses and assessments needed for graduation. The bill modifies the existing standards to align with updated educational goals, requiring schools to adjust their curriculum and assessment methods accordingly. This law became effective upon the Governor's approval on April 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2709 allows voters who have moved to a new address to vote in their new precinct without needing to cast a provisional ballot. It directly affects voters who have changed residence but have not yet updated their voter registration with election officials. The bill eliminates the requirement for provisional ballots in these cases, enabling voters to cast a regular ballot immediately upon moving. This change streamlines the voting process for address-changers and takes effect as part of Chapter 109 of the 2025 regular session laws.

Maddy summaryHB 2897 requires the West Virginia Legislative Auditor to conduct regular performance and financial audits of the West Virginia Department of Education. The bill authorizes the Auditor to examine the Department’s finances, records, and operations while protecting the confidentiality of any protected information. It mandates that the initial audit be completed by December 1, 2025, and reported to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance and the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 2776 requires the West Virginia Department of Health to add alpha-gal syndrome (a red meat allergy triggered by tick bites) to the list of diseases mandating reporting to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This bill directly affects the Department of Health, which must propose new rules to include alpha-gal syndrome in statewide reporting protocols. The key mechanism is amending existing public health reporting requirements under West Virginia Code §16-1-4 to expand the list of reportable conditions. This change would ensure healthcare providers’ positive alpha-gal test results are systematically shared with the CDC for public health monitoring.

Maddy summaryHB 2349 requires opioid treatment programs licensed under West Virginia law to offer long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), such as IUDs or implants, to patients receiving methadone or suboxone treatment. This applies directly to patients in medication-assisted treatment programs and the facilities operating those programs. The bill amends licensing rules (§16B-13-3 and §16B-13-5) to mandate that facilities provide information about and access to LARC options as part of their standard services. It does not specify which contraception methods must be offered, only that facilities must make LARC available to eligible patients.