Del. Margitta Mazzocchi

Maddy summaryHB 2924 would abolish the legal doctrine of adverse possession in West Virginia, meaning individuals can no longer claim ownership of land simply by occupying it openly and continuously for a set period without the owner's permission. The bill amends the state code to remove the existing 10-year limitation period for land claims and explicitly states that "the doctrine and law of adverse possession is abolished." This change directly affects landowners, who will no longer face the risk of losing property through adverse possession claims, and individuals who might have sought to claim land under this rule. The bill does not alter other property laws but specifically eliminates adverse possession as a method to obtain title to land.

Maddy summaryHB 2837 clarifies hiring requirements for classroom teachers and school principals in West Virginia school districts. It specifies that teachers with 0-3 years of experience may only be considered if no other qualified candidates apply, and mandates that school principals and faculty senates must recommend the most qualified candidate for teaching roles. If both the principal and faculty senate recommend the same candidate for a teaching position, the school board must appoint that person regardless of other criteria. The bill also requires the state board to create rules implementing these changes, including compensating teachers who participate in recommendation processes. This directly affects school districts, principals, faculty senates, and educators applying for teaching or leadership roles.

Maddy summaryHB 2923 requires West Virginia's Commissioner of Highways to install rumble strips on all double-yellow lined highways during any road upgrade project, beginning July 1, 2025. This mandate applies specifically to roadways marked with double yellow lines, which typically separate opposing traffic flows. The bill directly affects state highway maintenance operations and drivers traveling on these roads by adding a physical safety feature to reduce run-off-road collisions. It creates a concrete, enforceable requirement for highway upgrades rather than proposing new funding or altering existing traffic laws.

Maddy summaryHB 2482 allows youth hunters (under 16) and hunters with a Class Q special hunting permit (for handicapped individuals) to take one antlered deer during the state's Special Youth Deer Season. This change applies the deer taken during this special season toward the hunter's regular firearms deer season bag limit. The bill specifically excludes holders of Class XS licenses from this privilege during the special season. It modifies existing hunting regulations to expand harvest opportunities for these specific groups during designated seasons.

Maddy summaryHB 2801 prohibits West Virginia state and local government agencies (including counties, schools, and state departments) from purchasing electric vehicles or their components if they may contain forced labor or oppressive child labor. The bill defines "forced labor" as work obtained through coercion, fraud, or abuse of law, and "oppressive child labor" as employment of children under 14 in hazardous work like mining. It aligns with federal actions like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and restrictions on EV tax credits for components linked to forced labor in Xinjiang or child labor in cobalt mining. The bill is currently pending in the House Government Organization Committee after introduction on February 21, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2799 protects employees in West Virginia who use reasonable force (including deadly force when justified) to defend themselves or others from an attack at their workplace. It prohibits employers from terminating an employee solely for such defensive actions, ensuring workers cannot face job loss for acting in self-defense during an attack. The bill specifically allows the use of deadly force without a duty to retreat if an employee reasonably believes they or others face imminent death or serious harm. This amendment expands existing self-defense protections to explicitly cover workplace scenarios, aligning with the bill's stated purpose of shielding workers from employment retaliation.

Maddy summaryHB 2753 would extend the cooling-off period for former state legislators and other public officials seeking to become lobbyists, changing the current one-year restriction to five years. This bill directly affects individuals who leave public office and wish to work as lobbyists for private entities or government clients. The key provision is simply lengthening the mandatory waiting period before they can engage in lobbying activities. The change aims to reduce potential conflicts of interest by limiting immediate transitions from public service to lobbying roles.

Maddy summaryHB 2376 would prevent West Virginia's Department of Human Services from requiring foster children to receive vaccinations as a condition of foster care placement. This applies specifically to foster parents who object to immunizations based on religious or moral beliefs. The bill would amend state law to prohibit the department from mandating vaccinations for children in foster care under these circumstances. It does not affect general vaccination requirements for children outside foster care arrangements.

Maddy summaryHB 2033 prohibits the West Virginia Department of Human Services from requiring foster or adoptive parents to affirm, accept, or support government policies on sexual orientation or gender identity that conflict with their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs. The bill directly affects prospective and current foster/adoptive parents by preventing the department from denying eligibility or authorizations based on such beliefs. Key provisions include banning per se restrictions on placements due to religious views and requiring that religious beliefs not automatically be deemed contrary to a child's best interests. The bill does not prevent the department from considering a child's or family's religious beliefs when making placement decisions, as required by existing law.

Maddy summaryHB 2691 would allow public school teachers and employees with a valid concealed carry permit to carry a concealed firearm on school grounds. This change specifically applies to employees of public schools and public charter schools who meet state concealed carry requirements. The bill requires firearms to remain concealed at all times while on school property and does not alter the general prohibition on firearms for other individuals or open carry.