Del. Margitta Mazzocchi

Maddy summaryHB 4864 requires West Virginia counties to make all election data - including voting records, system logs, and audit files - publicly accessible under the state's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to any registered voter, removing all standard exemptions for this information. It mandates random physical inspections of electronic voting systems, restricts certain software, and establishes hand-counting procedures for verification. The bill directly affects all West Virginia counties using electronic voting systems and registered voters seeking election data transparency. Key provisions become effective immediately upon passage, shifting election data access from limited official review to direct public disclosure.

Maddy summaryHJR 27 proposes a constitutional amendment to transfer control of most roads in West Virginia from the state to counties. It would repeal nine existing constitutional amendments related to road funding and management, replacing them with a new Amendment 19. Under this amendment, counties would have exclusive authority over the maintenance and upkeep of all local roads, excluding roads in the National Highway System and designated West Virginia State Highways. The state legislature would still be required to appropriate funds to support county road maintenance through the regular budget process. This amendment must be approved by voters in the 2027 general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4845 (West Virginia) creates new state-level criminal offenses for "illegal entry into the state" and "illegal reentry," directly affecting individuals entering West Virginia without legal authorization. Key provisions establish penalties for these offenses, prohibit probation or parole for convictions, require the Criminal Identification Bureau to maintain records of such entries, and grant immunity to officials enforcing these provisions. The bill also mandates court procedures for deportation orders and ensures prosecution continues regardless of federal immigration status. It does not address border security but defines state-level criminal liability for unauthorized entry.

Maddy summaryHB 4837 extends the waiting period for former state legislators and other public officials to become lobbyists, changing the current one-year ban to five years. This bill directly affects former state legislators, county officials, and public employees who leave their government roles. The key mechanism requires these individuals to wait five years before lobbying state agencies or officials, aiming to reduce potential conflicts of interest from recent government service. The change applies to all public officials covered under West Virginia’s ethics code, including those in county and municipal positions.

Maddy summaryHB 4812, the West Virginia Anti-Federal Commandeering Act, prohibits federal authorities from compelling state or local law enforcement agencies to conduct activities that violate constitutional rights. It defines "commandeering" as federal control of state resources without explicit state authorization and requires such authorization for any federal request. The bill empowers the West Virginia Attorney General to challenge federal actions deemed unconstitutional and to publish model policies for law enforcement. It directly affects all West Virginia law enforcement entities, including local police departments and state agencies, by preventing federal coercion of their personnel or resources. The law aims to protect constitutional rights while allowing cooperation on lawful federal-state law enforcement efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 4766 increases West Virginia's homestead property tax exemption for eligible homeowners from a flat $20,000 to 50% of a property's assessed value (capped at $20,000 if the property is valued below $40,000). This change directly affects homeowners aged 65 or older or certified as permanently and totally disabled who meet the state's residency requirements. The bill modifies existing law (§11-6B-3) to adjust the exemption calculation method while preserving the same eligibility criteria. It does not alter residency rules or other qualifying conditions for the exemption.

Maddy summaryHB 4788 allows current West Virginia county school board members to run for state legislative seats while retaining their school board position during the campaign. It amends eligibility rules to explicitly permit school board members to seek other public office (including the state legislature) without resigning from the school board, as long as they do not receive compensation for other boards related to public schools. The bill also provides legal protections, requiring county boards to reimburse members for legal costs if they rely on an Ethics Commission advisory opinion confirming eligibility. This directly affects school board members who wish to pursue state legislative office without leaving their current role. The change removes a previous restriction that barred school board members from holding other public office during campaigns.

Maddy summaryHB 4757 (West Virginia, 2026) prohibits requiring patients to receive, be administered, or disclose medical treatment history unless the manufacturer of the medical product is liable for death or serious injury caused by it. The bill directly affects patients and healthcare providers by blocking mandatory treatments or disclosure of medical product use, applying to all medical devices, drugs, and biologics. Its key mechanism requires manufacturer liability as a condition before any medical product use or disclosure can be mandated. The bill aims to establish privacy rights around medical treatments but does not create new penalties or enforcement procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 4753 prohibits public utility companies (like electricity, gas, and water providers) from using funds collected from customers to make political contributions or charitable donations. Specifically, it bans contributions to political candidates, campaigns, political action committees, or charitable organizations using ratepayer money. Violations would be classified as criminal offenses with penalties, and the bill creates new legal definitions to clarify these restrictions. The law directly affects utility companies and their use of customer funds, aiming to prevent public money from influencing politics or charity.

Maddy summaryHB 4714 creates a program allowing county jails and Regional Jail Authorities to involve inmates in voluntary litter cleanup on public lands like highways, roads, and parks. Inmates participating earn sentence reduction credits, with strict safety requirements including proper equipment, supervision ratios, and compliance with occupational regulations. The program is funded through the Litter Control Fund, and proceeds from recyclable materials collected during cleanups must be returned to that fund. The bill also mandates educational materials for schools about litter reduction and requires local governments to develop recycling plans for public facilities.