Del. Evan Worrell

Maddy summaryHB 5209 creates a state registry for individuals convicted of animal abuse (misdemeanor or felony) in West Virginia. It requires these individuals to register with the West Virginia State Police and pay an annual $125 fee, which funds mental health services for state police employees. The registry is integrated into an existing "Central Abuse Registry" that already includes records for child abuse, elder abuse, and sex offenses. This bill directly affects only those with final convictions for animal abuse crimes, not suspected abusers or general animal cruelty cases.

Maddy summaryHR 9 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late West Virginia House Delegate Douglas John Skaff Jr. It expresses the House of Delegates' condolences to his family and commemorates his service, including his roles as a delegate representing multiple districts and as Minority Leader. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, acknowledging his career in public service, business, and community leadership. It was unanimously adopted by the House on February 5, 2026, the same day it was introduced.

Maddy summaryHB 4629 amends West Virginia's tobacco sales law to allow institutions of higher education to distribute tobacco cessation products to individuals aged 18-21 for research purposes. This directly affects college/university research programs approved by institutional review boards (IRBs) that study tobacco cessation or prevention. The key provision creates an exception to the general 21+ age restriction, requiring all such distributions to occur within medically supervised, IRB-approved research programs. The bill changes the policy by permitting this specific age group access for legitimate medical research, while maintaining penalties for unauthorized sales to minors.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House Resolution (not a bill), introduced by multiple West Virginia delegates. It designates the month of June as "Fidelity Month" to promote the values of faith, family, and patriotism across the state. The resolution cites declining support for these values in polling and research, and calls for the state to "rededicate" itself to them during June. It has no binding policy requirements or direct impact on specific groups; it is purely a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis West Virginia House resolution states that the U.S. national debt (over $38 trillion in 2026) poses a national security threat, citing foreign debt ownership, projected Social Security/Medicare shortfalls, and warnings from military/intelligence leaders. It urges Congress to establish regular budgeting procedures but does not create new laws or alter federal spending. As a symbolic resolution, it has no direct legal effect on national debt policy or federal budgets. The resolution focuses on raising awareness rather than implementing concrete changes.

Maddy summaryHB 4770 prohibits the use of AI companions (systems designed to simulate human relationships through personalized, ongoing emotional interactions) in delivering mental health therapy services. It requires explicit, written consent for any AI use in mental health care, banning such tools from diagnosing, treating, or claiming to treat conditions. The law applies to all health insurance policies issued or renewed after January 1, 2027, affecting mental health providers and insurers. Exceptions allow AI for administrative tasks (e.g., scheduling) but not for direct therapy or emotional engagement.

Maddy summaryHB 4641 (the "Feed to Achieve Act") requires West Virginia county school boards to provide nutritionally adequate breakfasts and lunches meeting current federal standards, directly affecting all elementary students. It mandates limits on added sugar and sodium in school meals based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and phases in free breakfasts for elementary students where feasible using existing funds like donations or federal programs. Schools must adopt approved breakfast delivery systems (e.g., "Breakfast in the Classroom") and track participation rates, while the state reports annually on program impacts to legislative committees. The bill codifies existing USDA meal patterns without creating new federal funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends West Virginia's drug scheduling laws to allow the legal prescription, distribution, and marketing of crystalline polymorph psilocybin if it receives FDA approval and DEA rescheduling. The legislation specifically targets this particular form of psilocybin, which is a type of psychedelic compound, and would permit its use under federal regulatory frameworks. The bill requires the state Board of Pharmacy to align West Virginia's controlled substance schedules with federal actions regarding this specific psilocybin variant. It does not change the scheduling status of other drugs or expand access to psilocybin beyond the specific FDA-approved crystalline polymorph form. The measure affects healthcare providers, pharmacies, and patients who might access this substance through approved medical channels.

Maddy summaryHB 4853 requires West Virginia hospitals to create protocols for providing trauma-informed care to patients who have experienced miscarriage, abuse, neglect, or other stressful events. Hospitals must implement staff training, compile patient resources (including mental health contacts, grief guidance, crisis hotlines, and support groups), and develop a specific "Butterfly Protocol" for miscarriage cases. This protocol uses a discreet butterfly symbol on patient records to alert staff, who must be trained to recognize it and provide appropriate care. The bill directly affects all West Virginia hospitals by mandating these concrete procedures. It focuses on hospital operational changes rather than altering patient rights or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 4876 replaces the previous work permit requirement for 14-15-year-olds with a new "age certificate" system. Employers hiring children aged 14 or older must obtain this certificate from the State Commissioner of Labor, which requires proof of age (like a birth certificate), school attendance details, parental consent, and approved work hours. The certificate must include the child's full name, birth details, and work hour limits, and it must be kept on file by the employer. This bill directly affects employers hiring minors and shifts verification responsibility to the Labor Commissioner, while adding penalties for improper certificate issuance.