Del. Margitta Mazzocchi

Maddy summaryHJR 31 proposes a constitutional amendment to recognize the Holy Bible (including all 66 books of the Old and New Testaments) as the "divinely inspired, inerrant foundational document" for West Virginia society and government. If approved, it would require the Bible to be given "a place of prominence and reverence" in state public buildings, laws, policies, and schools. This is a procedural resolution seeking voter approval in the 2026 general election to add the amendment to the state constitution, not an immediate policy change. The bill does not alter current laws but aims to establish constitutional recognition of the Bible as the state's moral and historical foundation.

Maddy summaryHB 2999 amends West Virginia law to extend the payment deadline for fees charged by county fire prevention units from 75 days to 180 days after a fire service response. This change directly affects property owners, businesses, or individuals responsible for paying fire department charges for services like firefighting, rescue, or hazardous material cleanup. The bill requires these fees to be itemized in writing and allows fire departments to pursue legal action for unpaid fees after 90 days if no payment plan is established. The amendment specifically updates Section 7-1-3d of the West Virginia Code regarding fee collection timelines.

Maddy summaryHB 3022 would allow West Virginia's Division of Motor Vehicles to issue special license plates featuring autism awareness. Vehicle owners who apply can choose this plate design by paying a $10 one-time fee and a $15 annual fee, with both fees deposited into the State Road Fund. The bill amends existing law to authorize this specific plate type, without changing autism support services or funding. It directly affects West Virginia residents who wish to display this awareness plate on their vehicles.

Maddy summaryHB 3023 requires every West Virginia county school board to employ at least one full-time school nurse for each public school, based on kindergarten through seventh-grade enrollment (one nurse per 1,500 students or major fraction). County boards may contract with public health departments for equivalent services if approved by the state board, and the state may provide funding to support additional health services beyond the minimum requirement. The bill mandates school nurses be licensed registered professionals and establishes standards for trained school employees (like teachers or aides) to assist with specialized health procedures under nurse supervision. It also creates a council of school nurses to develop training standards and recommends a procedural manual for implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 2478 clarifies eligibility rules for West Virginia's HOPE Scholarship Program, directly affecting students seeking to use the scholarship. It updates the definition of an "eligible recipient" to specify that students must be enrolled full-time in a West Virginia public school for at least 45 days during an instructional term (or meet specific kindergarten enrollment criteria), with an exception for kindergarten students if the program's participation rate remains below 5% of public school enrollment. The change would take effect July 1, 2026, allowing kindergarten-eligible students to qualify without full-term enrollment if participation is low. The bill does not alter scholarship amounts or funding but streamlines eligibility criteria. This is a substantive policy clarification, not a procedural change.

Maddy summaryHB 2954 requires medical professionals in West Virginia to report all vaccine side effects and injuries to the Bureau for Public Health. It also mandates that professionals administering vaccines receive annual educational materials about vaccine side effects and complete formal training every five years. The bill creates a public reporting mechanism allowing individuals, including parents, to submit vaccine-related concerns directly to the Bureau. The Bureau must then produce an annual report for the West Virginia Legislature summarizing this data. This legislation directly affects healthcare providers, patients, and parents by expanding vaccine safety monitoring.

Maddy summaryHB 2974, the "Second Amendment Preservation Act," declares federal regulations on intrastate firearm sales within West Virginia invalid, prohibiting state officials from enforcing such rules. It imposes $50,000 civil penalties for violations and requires the West Virginia Attorney General to defend residents facing federal charges over intrastate firearm transactions or prosecute federal agents who enforce prohibited regulations. The bill directly affects West Virginia residents engaging in local firearm sales, law enforcement, and federal agencies like the ATF operating within the state. It explicitly states that federal laws restricting intrastate firearm transfers violate both the U.S. and West Virginia constitutions.

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.