Del. Corby Dillon

Maddy summaryHB 2427 amends West Virginia law to permit licensed concealed handgun carry on Capitol grounds and within the Capitol building for individuals with valid concealed carry permits. It requires permit holders to show their permit and firearm upon request when entering the Capitol building. The bill prohibits concealed carry in the Governor’s office, Supreme Court chambers (including specific floors), and bans open carry or pepper spray exceeding one ounce on Capitol grounds. It maintains existing penalties for violations, including fines or jail time for disrupting Capitol operations or damaging property.

Maddy summaryHB 2470 amends West Virginia law to clarify that hunting licenses are required only for hunting on public land, not private land. It updates existing exemptions (such as for landowners on their own property, disabled veterans, military personnel on leave, and seniors over 65) to explicitly state that licenses are unnecessary when hunting on private land. The bill does not create new exemptions but refines the current law to remove ambiguity about where licenses are required. This change directly affects landowners, veterans, military members, and seniors who hunt on their own property without needing a license. The bill is currently in committee review after its February 2025 introduction.

Maddy summaryHB 2448 (West Virginia House Bill 2448), titled the "Religious Freedom Protection Act," prevents state emergency orders from closing or restricting religious services during declared emergencies. It directly affects religious institutions (churches, mosques, synagogues, etc.) and their members by prohibiting government actions that infringe on worship assembly, travel to places of worship, or impose penalties for religious practice. Key provisions include allowing religious groups to sue for violations (seeking injunctions, damages, and attorney fees) within a two-year window, covering psychological, emotional, and physical harm. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage and applies to all emergency orders issued under West Virginia’s emergency management laws.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6) is a non-binding statement by the West Virginia House of Delegates declaring that: (1) only two biological sexes exist (male/female), based on scientific and biblical references; and (2) transgender identity requires psychological evaluation and care, not "blind affirmation." It directs healthcare professionals to prioritize "scientifically-supported treatments" for gender dysphoria, particularly for minors, and encourages policies protecting children's well-being through evidence-based care. The resolution does not create new laws or affect individuals directly but sets forth the chamber's position on gender and healthcare approaches. It is currently pending in the Health and Human Resources committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2469 bans West Virginia municipalities and counties from charging property owners fees based on stormwater, rain, or similar runoff - commonly referred to as a "rain tax." It amends state code (§8-20-10, §16-13-16, and §16-13D-15) to prohibit such fees, directly affecting residential and commercial property owners who might have faced these charges. The bill stops local governments from using rainfall or stormwater management as a basis for fees, requiring alternative fee structures if permitted under existing law. This is a direct policy change prohibiting a specific fee type, not a new tax or service.

Maddy summaryHB 2467 would eliminate West Virginia's personal income tax for all taxpayers starting with the 2026 tax year. The bill amends state law to remove the requirement for individuals, estates, and trusts to pay this tax on their taxable income after December 31, 2025. This means residents and entities subject to the current tax would no longer owe state income tax on their earnings for tax years beginning in 2026 and later. The bill does not specify alternative revenue sources for the state.

Maddy summaryHCR 33 is a concurrent resolution proposing that Spruce Knob - the highest point in West Virginia (elevation 4,863 feet) - be renamed "Trump Mountain" as a tribute to President Donald J. Trump. The resolution asks the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to consider this name change five years after Trump’s death, citing his electoral support in the state and policy achievements like tax cuts and coal industry advocacy. It does not change the name immediately but formally requests federal consideration of the renaming. The resolution affects the symbolic recognition of a geographic feature and honors Trump’s legacy, as stated in the resolution’s preamble.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution asks the West Virginia Legislature to refuse to recognize the results of the 2024 presidential election under specific conditions. It states that the state will not accept an election outcome if the Republican presidential or vice-presidential candidate is assassinated, seriously injured, barred from the ballot, or if election officials determine that fraud or interference by the federal government or other entities significantly influenced the results. The resolution defines these concerns to include issues such as non-citizen voting, vote manipulation, and government censorship, and it directs copies of the document to state officials and the U.S. Congress. Currently, the measure is a non-binding request that has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for review.