Del. Evan Worrell

Maddy summaryHB 4895 would create a $2,000 state income tax exemption for each unborn child carried by a West Virginia resident individual, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2027. The exemption applies to any pregnancy at any stage of development that is not aborted, as defined in the bill. This policy reduces taxable income for qualifying residents rather than providing direct cash payments. The bill directly affects West Virginia taxpayers who are pregnant and filing state income taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change West Virginia's term limits for county sheriffs. Currently, sheriffs are barred from serving more than two consecutive terms; the amendment would allow them to serve up to three consecutive terms before becoming ineligible. The change would apply to future elections and does not affect current sheriffs serving in 2026. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4807 restructures West Virginia's mental health commitment system by creating mental hygiene regions under the Supreme Court of Appeals, replacing the previous commissioner structure. It requires all mental health evaluations and hearings for involuntary commitment to be conducted via video technology (with facilities providing required equipment), mandates 24/7 examiner coverage in each region including weekends, and limits civil commitments to 120 days without a hearing. The bill also establishes a temporary observation release option, grants civil immunity to providers in involuntary proceedings (with exceptions), and requires hearings for commitments exceeding 90 days. This directly affects mental health patients undergoing involuntary commitment, providers conducting evaluations, and courts managing these proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 4721 would amend West Virginia's drug scheduling law to automatically remove a specific form of psilocybin - crystalline polymorph psilocybin - from Schedule I if approved by the FDA and DEA for medical use. This change would apply only to the crystalline form of psilocybin that receives federal approval, not to other forms or uses of psilocybin. The bill creates a direct pathway for this specific approved form to be legally accessible for medical purposes without requiring additional state legislation. It does not change current restrictions on other psilocybin forms or recreational use.

Maddy summaryHB 4752 repeals §55-2-1 of West Virginia's Code, which previously limited the time period for filing lawsuits to enter or recover lands. This procedural bill removes an existing legal restriction but does not create new rules or directly affect any specific groups. The change simplifies the legal process by eliminating the specified time limit for land-related court actions. No new provisions or impacted parties are introduced by this repeal.

Maddy summaryHJR 24 is a proposed constitutional amendment (not a law) that would add Section 23 to West Virginia's Bill of Rights. If approved by voters, it would guarantee individuals the right to refuse any medical treatment, injection, device, vaccine, or prophylactic without legal interference. The amendment also states that refusing such medical procedures cannot deny a person equal protection under the law or public accommodation rights. This is a procedural resolution seeking voter approval at the 2026 general election to amend the state constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 4589 clarifies that time limits for filing occupational pneumoconiosis claims do not restrict when workers can seek medical evaluations from the Occupational Pneumoconiosis Board. It directly affects coal miners and others diagnosed with pneumoconiosis (like black lung disease) who need to obtain board evaluations to pursue compensation. The bill explicitly states that standard claim filing deadlines (three years for diagnosis or exposure) do not apply to the evaluation process itself. This ensures claimants can access necessary medical assessments without being barred by the usual time limits for submitting formal claims.

Maddy summaryHB 4750 prohibits registered sex offenders in West Virginia from living within 3,000 feet of schools (public or private elementary/secondary), childcare facilities, residential child-care agencies, children's group homes, or recreational areas used by children under 18. The bill directly affects all sex offenders required to register under West Virginia law. Exceptions include offenders in correctional facilities within the restricted zone, those under specific court commitments, or minors under guardianship. The law aims to create physical separation between sex offenders and vulnerable youth facilities while acknowledging certain institutional settings.

Maddy summaryHB 4643 establishes regulatory requirements for "liability shield products" (medical, pharmaceutical, biological, or technological products already immune from federal liability). It requires manufacturers to conduct five-year placebo-controlled studies, track adverse outcomes using West Virginia's health network and VAERS, and publish safety data publicly. The bill grants individuals the right to refuse these products and imposes civil penalties of up to $100,000 per violation for noncompliance with study, reporting, or refusal requirements. Enforcement begins January 1, 2032, with the Attorney General or affected individuals able to pursue legal action. This applies directly to manufacturers distributing such products in West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 4642 establishes the West Virginia Clean Water Act of 2026, directly affecting all public water systems in the state and their residents. The bill sets stricter drinking water quality standards exceeding federal levels, requires quarterly testing for contaminants like lead and bacteria with public reporting within 30 days, and mandates annual infrastructure assessments. It creates the West Virginia Safe Water Fund to provide grants and low-interest loans for upgrading treatment systems and replacing aging pipes, with priority for rural and underserved communities. The law also requires a statewide lead pipe survey by 2028, phased removal of lead service lines by 2036, and financial assistance for low-income households, while imposing fines up to $100,000 for violations to fund the Safe Water Fund.