Del. Mark Dean

Maddy summaryHB 2462 designates April 19th as Patriots Day in West Virginia public schools, requiring all schools to commemorate this date annually. The bill mandates that on the closest Friday to April 19th (excluding Spring Break), students must study the battles of Lexington and Concord and read first-person accounts of these events to honor the Minute Men who fought for American independence. This legislation directly affects all West Virginia public school students and educators by adding specific historical curriculum requirements to the school calendar.

Maddy summaryHB 2429 would require West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officers to obtain a warrant or the landowner's explicit consent before entering private property, with exceptions only for emergencies like accidents or threats to public safety. This bill directly affects landowners by strengthening their property rights against unannounced DNR inspections. The key mechanism mandates a warrant or written consent as a prerequisite for entry, clarifying current law that previously allowed "implied permission" under certain circumstances. The bill does not change existing emergency exceptions but aims to prevent unauthorized DNR access to private land.

Maddy summaryHB 2466 prohibits physicians in West Virginia from prescribing puberty-blocking medications (referred to as "pubertal modulating and hormonal therapy") to minors under 18 for the purpose of gender transition. The bill directly affects transgender and gender-diverse minors seeking medical care for gender dysphoria, banning a common treatment option. Exceptions allow such therapy only in very specific medical circumstances: for diagnosed disorders of sex development, to treat complications from prior gender transition procedures, or for severe gender dysphoria with strict requirements (e.g., two specialized medical opinions, written consent, and dosage limits). The bill does not ban all hormone therapy but restricts puberty blockers specifically for gender transition in minors, with narrow medical exceptions.

Maddy summaryHB 2450, titled "The West Virginia Second Amendment Preservation and Anti-Federal Commandeering Act," prohibits state agencies and employees from being compelled by the federal government to enforce federal firearms laws. It makes it a misdemeanor for federal agents or employees to attempt enforcing any federal decree or writ related to firearms without specific congressional approval, punishable by up to $500 fines or one year in jail. The bill directs the West Virginia Attorney General to enforce these provisions. It does not change state gun laws but targets federal overreach in enforcement mechanisms. The bill was introduced in the West Virginia House on February 17, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHJR 15 is a constitutional amendment proposal (not a law) that would allow West Virginia lawmakers to create a future tax exemption for owner-occupied homes without mortgages. If adopted, it would permit the legislature to exempt from property taxes the value of residential property (including mobile homes) occupied by the owner as their primary residence, provided the property has no mortgage and the owner is a West Virginia citizen. The exemption would apply only to homes without mortgages - taxes would resume if a mortgage is later obtained. This amendment requires voter approval at the 2025 general election and does not change current tax appraisal processes. It is currently in the early legislative stage, referred to the House Finance Committee.

Maddy summaryHR 5 is a non-binding resolution designating October as "Military Toxic Exposure Awareness Month" in West Virginia. It recognizes the health impacts of toxic exposures on military personnel, veterans (including Agent Orange veterans), workers, and their families, particularly those linked to West Virginia military sites. The resolution encourages public awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and community outreach to support affected individuals, directing copies to state agencies and congressional leaders. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise visibility for ongoing health and environmental concerns.

Maddy summaryHB 2465 prohibits counties, towns, and municipalities in West Virginia from using tax money to hire lobbyists who represent them at the state level. The bill amends three sections of state law (§7-28-1, §7A-9-1, and §8-40-1) to explicitly ban local governments from paying for such lobbying services with public funds. It directly affects all county commissions, consolidated local governments, and municipal corporations (including cities, towns, and villages) that rely on taxpayer revenue. The policy change is a clear restriction on the use of public funds, requiring local entities to cover lobbying costs through non-tax sources if they choose to hire lobbyists.

Maddy summaryHB 2471 eliminates tax credits for corporations and businesses using solar, wind, or other renewable energy systems (like solar/wind farms), effective after July 1, 2024. It directly affects commercial renewable energy operators, excluding individual homeowners who retain tax credits for residential systems. The bill also imposes new requirements: renewable energy facilities must be set back at least one mile from homes and require $400 million in liability insurance per 100 acres for cleanup after disasters. These changes aim to remove financial incentives for corporate renewable projects while maintaining support for residential installations.

Maddy summaryHB 2404 creates a tax credit for West Virginia businesses that donate to local pregnancy or birth centers. Businesses can claim a credit equal to their donation amount (nonrefundable), provided they submit proof of the contribution to the Tax Commissioner. The credit directly affects businesses operating in West Virginia that choose to support these specific health centers. The bill requires no new state funding, as it offsets existing tax revenue based on private donations. This policy change aims to incentivize private financial support for facilities offering pregnancy-related services.

Maddy summaryHB 2426 would require West Virginia law enforcement to immediately transfer individuals determined to be in the U.S. illegally to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation upon first apprehension. For a second offense, the bill classifies the individual as a felony offender, mandating 3-5 years in state prison followed by deportation to ICE. The bill explicitly states that state or local entities cannot interfere with federal immigration enforcement under this law. It directly affects undocumented immigrants apprehended by West Virginia law enforcement twice or more. The policy changes establish a two-tiered criminal penalty system for repeat immigration violations within the state.