Del. Evan Worrell

Maddy summaryHJR 22 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase West Virginia's homestead exemption from $20,000 to $50,000. This would exempt the first $50,000 of assessed value on residential property (or mobile homes) owned by qualifying residents - those aged 65+ or permanently disabled - as their primary residence. The amendment requires voter approval at the 2025 general election to take effect. If passed, it would directly reduce property tax burdens for eligible homeowners.

Maddy summaryHB 2180 requires West Virginia's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue a free, temporary identification card to eligible released inmates no earlier than seven days before their release. This card, valid for 180 days, has the same legal standing as a standard DMV ID and can be used to prove identity, age, and residency when applying for a new ID or driver's license. The bill mandates collaboration between the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation and DMV to verify Social Security numbers for applicants, while excluding inmates who already hold a valid WV ID/license expiring more than 30 days after release or who are not U.S. citizens. It explicitly ensures compliance with federal REAL ID standards and aims to help formerly incarcerated individuals access essential services like banking and employment by providing immediate identification.

Maddy summaryHB 2698 would remove West Virginia's legal requirement for vehicles to undergo periodic safety and emissions inspections. This change directly affects all vehicle owners in the state, eliminating the need for annual inspections at designated stations and removing associated fees. The bill repeals all existing provisions (§17C-16-1 through §17C-16-9) that mandated inspections, required inspection certificates, or imposed penalties for non-compliance. If enacted, vehicles would no longer need to be inspected to remain legally registered or operated.

Maddy summaryHB 2650 would allow individuals aged 21 or older with a valid concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed firearm in public school property and buildings in West Virginia. The bill creates an exception to the existing ban on firearms in schools, specifically permitting licensed permit holders to carry concealed handguns while adhering to strict storage rules: firearms must be stored out of view when in a vehicle, or locked in a glove compartment, trunk, or secured container when the vehicle is unoccupied. This change directly affects licensed concealed carry permit holders who are not students and applies to public primary and secondary schools (not private schools with their own policies). The bill does not alter existing restrictions for students or other prohibited individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 2617 amends West Virginia law to require law enforcement to obtain a warrant before entering privately owned land that is posted with "No Trespassing" signs, except in emergencies. The bill directly affects landowners who post their property and law enforcement agencies by clarifying that warrantless entry is generally prohibited. Key provisions include updating §20-1-7 (which governs Natural Resources entry powers) to add these warrant requirements and clarifying that surveillance cameras on or near posted private lands must comply with these rules. The bill does not change existing emergency exceptions for law enforcement entry during immediate threats.

Maddy summaryHB 2174 establishes a licensing system for birthing centers in West Virginia, requiring all facilities providing midwifery-based care for low-risk births to obtain a license from the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification. The bill defines key terms (like "birthing center," "administrator," and "governing body"), sets minimum safety and operational standards, and specifies required services (e.g., midwifery care, newborn care) while prohibiting certain services. It outlines application procedures, license fees, inspection protocols, and enforcement measures - including civil penalties for non-compliance - and allows for variances or waivers under specific conditions. This legislation directly affects birthing centers, their operators, and the state agency responsible for oversight, ensuring facilities meet consistent patient safety and care standards.

Maddy summaryHB 2386 requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant before entering private lands for searches or seizures, directly affecting landowners and law enforcement officers. The bill prohibits warrantless entry onto posted private property, bans surveillance cameras on private land, and clarifies that using drones to gather information from private land constitutes a search requiring a warrant. It abolishes the common law "open fields" doctrine, which previously allowed warrantless searches in unoccupied areas, and sets specific procedures for lawful entry. These changes aim to strengthen privacy protections for private property owners across West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 2510 allows hunters to use drones equipped with thermal imaging to locate and recover legally harvested big game (black bear, deer, elk, and turkey) after a legal kill during open season. The bill requires drone operators to get landowner permission before flying, prohibits carrying weapons while drones are in use (except concealed firearms), and bans disturbing wildlife with drones. It exempts drone operators from hunting license requirements (as long as they didn’t kill the animal) and clarifies that drone-assisted recovery doesn’t count as "pursuing" wildlife under existing laws. This directly affects hunters using drones for recovery and landowners who control access to their property for drone operations.

Maddy summaryHB 2436 requires judicial officers to conduct mental health evaluations before setting bonds for individuals charged with specific misdemeanors in West Virginia. It directly affects people accused of crimes like violent misdemeanors, offenses against minors, drug violations under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, sexual abuse, serious traffic offenses, or property crimes exceeding $250 in value. The bill mandates that for these offenses, judges must consider mental health evaluations when determining bond conditions, potentially requiring home incarceration, electronic monitoring, or other restrictions to ensure court appearance and community safety. It amends existing bond procedures to add this evaluation step as a standard consideration for the listed misdemeanor charges. The bill is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee after its introduction on February 17, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2175 establishes a new licensing system for all behavioral health centers in West Virginia, including both residential and non-residential facilities treating individuals with mental health, behavioral, or addiction disorders. The bill requires centers to meet minimum safety and care standards, maintain proper governance structures, and undergo oversight by the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification. It creates separate license categories with associated fees, restricts facility locations, and outlines procedures for inspections, license denial, and civil penalties. The law aims to ensure treatment environments protect client health and safety while requiring centers to provide individualized, person-centered care.