Del. Corby Dillon

Maddy summaryHB 2972 amends West Virginia law to clarify which tree removal activities qualify as "timbering operations" for sediment control regulations. It narrows existing exemptions by specifying that tree cutting for oil/gas infrastructure, highway maintenance, or personal use (on one's own property without hiring a professional) only counts as timbering if the trees are sold for commercial wood products. The bill directly affects timber operators, landowners, and entities like oil/gas companies that previously might have been exempt from sediment rules. It updates the legal definition to ensure sediment control measures apply to commercial timber harvesting activities, excluding incidental removals not tied to commercial wood sales.

Maddy summaryHB 2969 increases West Virginia's homestead property tax exemption for eligible homeowners. The bill raises the exemption amount from $20,000 to $30,000 immediately, with further increases to $35,000 by 2028 and $40,000 by 2030. This exemption applies to the first $30,000 (and higher amounts over time) of a home's assessed value for primary residences owned by residents aged 65 or older, or those certified as permanently and totally disabled. To qualify, applicants must meet residency requirements, including being a West Virginia resident for two consecutive years prior to the tax year, with exceptions for military service and returning residents.

Maddy summaryHB 2938 would allow pharmacists in West Virginia to sell ivermectin over the counter without a prescription, directly affecting pharmacies and residents seeking the medication. The bill amends state law to remove the requirement for a prescription for ivermectin, permitting its sale, distribution, or possession by individuals without medical authorization. This change applies specifically to human-use ivermectin, not veterinary products. The legislation does not alter medical guidelines or safety standards but shifts access from prescription-dependent to over-the-counter availability. The bill is currently pending in the Health and Human Resources Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2814 requires West Virginia's Governor to create comprehensive crisis preparedness plans to address five specific threats: nuclear attacks, major energy grid disruptions, long-term cyber-attacks, invasion, and insurrection. The bill mandates that these plans include preventative measures, mitigation strategies, immediate response protocols, remediation steps, and recovery efforts. The Governor must brief the legislature on initial plans by August 31, 2025, with final plans due by November 30, 2025, followed by annual updates. The legislation directly affects state government operations and aims to protect all West Virginia residents by preparing for high-risk scenarios.

Maddy summaryHB 2834 requires all West Virginia public schools to observe a one-minute period of silence at the start of each school day in every classroom. This applies directly to county school boards (which must implement the policy) and classroom teachers (who must ensure students remain seated and silent without suggesting any specific activity, such as prayer or meditation). The bill prohibits teachers from making recommendations about what students should do during the silence to avoid influencing their choices. It also mandates that the Office of the Attorney General defend the law if challenged legally. The policy aims to guarantee students' individual freedom to engage in silent reflection without state pressure.

Maddy summaryHB 2756, the "Uniform Public Expression Protection Act," creates a legal framework to protect individuals and entities filing or defending lawsuits involving constitutional rights like free speech, press, assembly, and petition on matters of public concern. It establishes expedited court procedures, allows immediate appeals for such cases, and permits recovery of attorney fees. The bill applies to lawsuits concerning communications about public issues (e.g., government actions or community matters), but explicitly excludes cases involving government employees acting officially, real property disputes, personal injury claims, or insurance matters. This law directly affects individuals, media, and organizations facing legal challenges over public expression, while streamlining judicial handling of these constitutional rights cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the existing exception that allowed abortions for victims of rape or incest in West Virginia. Previously, adults could obtain abortions within 8 weeks of pregnancy (and minors within 14 weeks) if they reported the assault to police and met specific documentation requirements. The bill deletes this exception from §16-2R-3, meaning rape and incest cases can no longer qualify for abortion under this provision. Now, all abortions must meet the stricter "medical emergency" standard (which excludes psychological conditions), effectively eliminating a legal pathway for victims seeking abortion care.

Maddy summaryHB 2673 would require a criminal conviction (a guilty verdict) before law enforcement can seize an individual's property through civil asset forfeiture. This bill amends West Virginia's asset forfeiture laws to eliminate the current practice of taking property without a criminal conviction, directly affecting individuals whose property might be seized (e.g., cash, vehicles, real estate) and law enforcement agencies. Key provisions include requiring notice to all property owners, holding prompt post-seizure hearings, and protecting innocent owners from losing property. The bill also adds safeguards like mandatory receipts for seized items and limits on how long property can be held as evidence.

Maddy summaryHB 2601 would exempt motor vehicles (such as cars and trucks) from West Virginia's personal property tax, a tax currently levied on most vehicles owned by residents. This change would directly affect vehicle owners who currently pay this annual tax, removing it from their financial obligation. The bill amends West Virginia Code §11-3-9 to add motor vehicles to the existing list of property exempt from personal property tax. This is a policy change that alters the tax base for vehicles, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryHB 2599 would abolish West Virginia's personal income tax for tax years beginning in 2026 and later. This bill removes the tax requirement on individual income, estates, and trusts for all taxpayers subject to the current tax under state law. The change is implemented by amending the state tax code to eliminate the tax provision entirely, meaning residents and nonresidents who currently pay the tax would no longer owe it starting in 2026. The bill does not specify how the state would replace the lost revenue from this tax.