Del. Adam Vance

Maddy summaryHB 2794, the "Life at Conception Act of 2025," declares that the right to life guaranteed by the U.S. and West Virginia constitutions applies to all human beings from the moment of fertilization. It defines "human person" to include every member of the human species at all stages, starting at conception, and explicitly states the bill does not criminalize women for pregnancy outcomes or restrict in vitro fertilization, birth control, or other fertility prevention methods. The bill establishes this constitutional interpretation as policy but does not create new criminal penalties or alter existing medical procedures. It directly affects the legal definition of personhood for all individuals from conception onward.

Maddy summaryHB 2795 prohibits private entities receiving state funds (including contracts, grants, or incentives) from implementing specific policies or programs, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, allowing biological men in women's restrooms, or providing abortion-related benefits to employees. It requires these entities to submit an affidavit confirming they do not violate defined "substantial public policies," including bans on discussing "more than two genders" or requiring DEI training. Public entities must also avoid contravening these policies. Violations could result in loss of state funding or lawsuits, with enforcement handled by the Attorney General.

Maddy summaryHB 2708 would authorize the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) to revoke coaching credentials from high school coaches found guilty of illegally recruiting student athletes. This directly affects coaches who violate recruiting rules, removing their ability to coach in West Virginia's public secondary schools. The bill amends existing law to give WVSSAC the specific authority to pull coaching certificates as part of enforcing athletic regulations. It does not change eligibility rules for student athletes but focuses solely on holding coaches accountable for recruiting violations.

Maddy summaryHB 2508 would allow retired teachers in West Virginia who selected a joint life annuity (a retirement plan with a reduced monthly payment but continued payments to a surviving spouse) to switch to a higher-payment "maximum life annuity" (a plan with no survivor benefit) if their spouse dies within the first five years of their retirement. To make this change, the retired teacher must provide proof of the spouse's death and can only do so once. The new monthly payment cannot exceed the maximum life annuity amount that would have applied at the time of their retirement. This bill directly affects beneficiaries of the State Teachers Retirement System who experience the early death of a spouse during their retirement.

Maddy summaryHB 2633 permits hunters in West Virginia to use leashed dogs or dogs controlled via electronic collars to track and locate mortally wounded deer, elk, turkey, wild boar, or bear. It requires hunters to maintain physical control (including through remote electronic collars) and accompany the dog handler, except when physically unable to do so. Professional dog handlers providing tracking services must hold an outfitter/guide license, and the hunter who fired the initial shot retains credit for the game toward their bag limit. The bill clarifies that using dogs for this purpose constitutes hunting and remains subject to all applicable wildlife laws and licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2682 amends West Virginia's workers' compensation law (§23-4-2) but does not address occupational pneumoconiosis as its title suggests. The bill establishes specific rules for intoxication-related claims: employees are deemed intoxicated if blood alcohol exceeds 0.05% within two hours of an accident, or if nonprescribed drugs are detected. This affects workers filing injury claims, as intoxication can bar compensation or establish it as the cause of injury. The bill also clarifies that employers lose immunity from lawsuits only if proven to have acted with "deliberate intention" to cause injury, requiring specific proof of intent or prior knowledge of dangerous conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 2632 increases retirement benefits for eligible West Virginia state employees and teachers. It provides a phased 5% raise over three years (2.5% in 2025, 1.5% in 2026, 1% in 2027) to retirees aged 70+ with at least 25 years of service who currently receive less than $1,000 monthly. The increase applies only to those retired before the bill's effective date and does not affect current employees. This change modifies existing retirement system rules under Sections 5-10-22n (public employees) and 18-7A-26y (teachers).

Maddy summaryHB 2554 requires all West Virginia high school students to pass two exams - a Civics examination and the United States Naturalization Examination - as a graduation prerequisite. This bill directly affects every high school student in West Virginia, making these exams mandatory for earning a diploma. The law amends existing education code to mandate these specific assessments, which must align with state civics and history standards. The Naturalization Examination is the same test immigrants take to become U.S. citizens, while the Civics exam covers U.S. government and history as outlined in the bill. Passing both exams is now required before students can graduate from high school.

Maddy summaryHJR 13 proposes amending the West Virginia Constitution to prohibit non-U.S. citizens from voting in any state election. It directly affects non-citizen residents who currently participate in West Virginia elections. The bill would add a new provision to Article IV of the state constitution explicitly stating that "no person who is not a citizen of the United States shall be entitled to vote at any election held within this state." This is a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval at the next general election, not an immediate law.

Maddy summaryHB 2552 would reduce West Virginia's business and occupation tax rate by 2.5% for companies employing at least 75% West Virginia residents. This tax incentive directly affects businesses operating in the state that meet the workforce residency requirement. To qualify, companies must provide documentation proving 75% of their workforce resides in West Virginia, with the Tax Department issuing implementation guidance. The reduction applies to the 2025 tax year and all subsequent years.