Maddy summaryHB 2652, the "Protection of Shared Physical and Digital Property from Warrantless Searches Act," requires government agents to obtain a person’s consent or a judicial warrant based on probable cause before searching or seizing digital or physical information shared with third parties (like banks, cloud services, or service providers) for goods or services. It directly affects all West Virginia residents who share personal information with third parties to access everyday services, such as financial or digital accounts. The bill defines "shared property" to include digital records and physical documents held by third parties for service provision, and explicitly rejects the current "Third Party Doctrine" that allows warrantless access to such information. It establishes that individuals retain constitutional privacy protections for shared information, requiring government action to follow standard warrant procedures. The bill is currently in the House Judiciary committee after being introduced on February 20, 2025.
Del. Jordan Bridges
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 2713 clarifies that wind power projects in West Virginia are not classified as pollution control facilities for tax purposes. The bill reclassifies wind turbines and their towers as real property (subject to standard real property tax rates) instead of allowing them to qualify for special tax treatment under pollution control facility rules. This change removes the previous provision that permitted salvage valuation (up to 79% of value) for wind project components. The bill directly affects wind power developers and property tax assessments for wind energy facilities across the state. It is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced on February 20, 2025.
Maddy summaryHJR 22 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase West Virginia's homestead exemption from $20,000 to $50,000. This would exempt the first $50,000 of assessed value on residential property (or mobile homes) owned by qualifying residents - those aged 65+ or permanently disabled - as their primary residence. The amendment requires voter approval at the 2025 general election to take effect. If passed, it would directly reduce property tax burdens for eligible homeowners.
Maddy summaryHB 2477 provides a one-time 20% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to retirement benefits for eligible retired state employees covered by the Public Employees Retirement System and State Teachers Retirement System. It directly affects retirees who voluntarily retired under normal circumstances and currently receive annual annuities, with the first payment due by June 30, 2025. The adjustment applies to both retirees and their beneficiaries (payable pro rata) and is subject to federal tax limitations. The bill corrects the title's 15% figure to the actual 20% specified in the legislation.
Maddy summaryHB 2700 modifies West Virginia's requirements for obtaining licenses as funeral directors and embalmers. It clarifies that applicants must complete either an associate degree in mortuary science, 60+ academic credits toward a bachelor's in mortuary science, or a bachelor's degree in mortuary science, along with specific apprenticeship hours. The bill also specifies that apprentices must perform at least 35 embalming procedures and conduct 35 funeral services during their training, and requires passing a 75% minimum score on licensing exams. These changes apply to new license applicants seeking to work in funeral services within the state.
Maddy summaryHB 2698 would remove West Virginia's legal requirement for vehicles to undergo periodic safety and emissions inspections. This change directly affects all vehicle owners in the state, eliminating the need for annual inspections at designated stations and removing associated fees. The bill repeals all existing provisions (§17C-16-1 through §17C-16-9) that mandated inspections, required inspection certificates, or imposed penalties for non-compliance. If enacted, vehicles would no longer need to be inspected to remain legally registered or operated.
Maddy summaryHB 2716 creates a tax credit against West Virginia's severance tax for private companies that spend on highway infrastructure improvements or coal facility upgrades. Eligible businesses - those paying severance tax on coal production - can claim the credit for qualified expenses like road construction, mine equipment, or facility repairs. Companies must apply for certification before claiming the credit, and unused credits can be carried forward or transferred to other entities. The bill aims to encourage private investment in infrastructure projects tied to coal operations and highway improvements.
Maddy summaryHB 2714 requires new wind energy systems in West Virginia to maintain minimum distances from residential properties, property lines, roads, and transmission lines. Specifically, wind turbines must be placed at least 1.1 times the total height of the turbine (tower + blades) from property lines and roads/transmission lines, and 1.5 times the height from residences. Property owners can voluntarily waive these distances by signing a written agreement. The bill applies to new projects seeking a siting certificate from the Public Service Commission, directly affecting wind energy developers and nearby residents. It does not apply to modifications of existing wind energy systems.
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 2650 would allow individuals aged 21 or older with a valid concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed firearm in public school property and buildings in West Virginia. The bill creates an exception to the existing ban on firearms in schools, specifically permitting licensed permit holders to carry concealed handguns while adhering to strict storage rules: firearms must be stored out of view when in a vehicle, or locked in a glove compartment, trunk, or secured container when the vehicle is unoccupied. This change directly affects licensed concealed carry permit holders who are not students and applies to public primary and secondary schools (not private schools with their own policies). The bill does not alter existing restrictions for students or other prohibited individuals.