Del. Evan Worrell

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 2457 requires hospitals and county/city governments in West Virginia to report costs related to undocumented immigrants. Hospitals must collect immigration status during patient registration (with privacy safeguards) and submit quarterly reports on admissions by status to the Department of Health. Counties must report quarterly expenses for undocumented residents receiving public resources like housing or education. The Department of Health will compile annual reports for the Governor and Legislature on these costs and their impact on healthcare funding, without sharing personal patient data. This bill focuses on data collection, not policy changes or cost recovery.

Maddy summaryHB 2385 would exempt safe gun storage devices from West Virginia's state sales tax. The bill amends the state's tax code to add these devices - such as gun safes or lockboxes - to the list of tax-exempt items. This change would directly affect consumers purchasing these safety products, reducing their cost by eliminating the 6% sales tax. The policy change specifically targets storage devices designed to securely hold firearms, not other gun-related items.

Maddy summaryHB 2173 requires West Virginia hospitals to publicly disclose the prices for the 50 most common health care services they provide, including procedure codes, undiscounted prices, and facility fees, on their websites by January 31 each year. For nonemergency care, hospitals must provide patients with a good faith cost estimate within five business days of a request, in plain language, and including details about in-network insurance coverage. The bill does not apply to emergency services, and non-compliant hospitals face civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. This law aims to increase price transparency for patients seeking nonemergency care by standardizing how hospitals share cost information.

Maddy summaryHB 2040 modifies West Virginia's Certified Industrial Business Expansion Development Program by removing a requirement that electricity provided to businesses in designated industrial districts must be generated from renewable sources. This change directly affects new or expanded industrial facilities locating within certified high-impact business development districts, which are limited to two per state and must cover no more than 2,250 acres. The key provision allows these businesses to use electricity generated from non-renewable sources within the district without facing certain utility regulations, such as Public Service Commission oversight on rates or net metering rules. The bill does not create new districts but alters the operational flexibility for electricity service within existing or future certified zones.

Maddy summaryHB 2384 would amend West Virginia law to allow individuals aged 18-20 to carry concealed deadly weapons without a permit, matching the current allowance for those 21 and older. The bill specifically revises sections of the code that currently impose misdemeanor penalties (fines up to $1,000 or up to 12 months in jail) on 18-20 year olds carrying concealed deadly weapons without authorization. Existing exceptions remain in place, such as carrying on one's own property, transporting unloaded firearms between home and a repair shop, or during lawful hunting. This change directly affects West Virginia residents aged 18-20 who would no longer need a permit for concealed carry of deadly weapons under the revised law.

Maddy summaryHJR 9 is a proposed constitutional amendment (not a law) that would add a new right to the West Virginia Constitution, allowing individuals to refuse medical treatments, vaccines, devices, or prophylactics without government interference. It would prohibit denying public accommodations or equal legal protection to anyone exercising this right. If approved by voters, this amendment would require constitutional change rather than direct legislative action. The proposal is currently pending in the House Health and Human Resources Committee after introduction on February 13, 2025. It does not change current laws but seeks to enshrine refusal rights in the state constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 2177 requires West Virginia public agencies (including state departments, local governments, and school districts) to use iron, steel, and manufactured goods made in the United States for public building construction, maintenance, and public works projects. Exceptions allow waivers if materials aren't available domestically, would increase project costs by over 25%, or conflict with public interest, but require 30 days of public comment and detailed justification from the Secretary of Administration. The bill also prohibits intentional false "Made in America" labeling for materials used in covered projects, with violators barred from future state contracts. It defines "public works" broadly to include highways, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. The law aligns with international procurement agreements but mandates domestic sourcing as the default.

Maddy summaryHB 2049 allows physician assistants in West Virginia to own medical practices and clarifies their eligibility to be shareholders in medical corporations. The bill also permits physician assistants to serve as designated corporate representatives and designates their profession as a "professional service" under the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. These changes directly affect physician assistants by expanding their business ownership and corporate participation opportunities in healthcare settings. The bill additionally establishes specific grounds for disciplinary action against physician assistants but primarily focuses on enabling new practice structures.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals all sections of West Virginia law requiring mandatory vehicle inspections, including safety certificate requirements and penalties for non-compliance. It directly affects vehicle owners who previously needed state inspections to operate their vehicles legally. The bill eliminates these provisions by removing the entire "Inspection of Vehicles" article (§17C-16-1 through §17C-16-9) from state code. No new requirements or fees are added; it simply deletes the existing inspection mandate. This is a procedural repeal with no new administrative mechanisms.