Del. Elliott Pritt

Maddy summaryHB 2592 declares all current and future federal, state, and local laws restricting firearms, ammunition, or related activities (like possession, carrying, or manufacturing) invalid within West Virginia. It prohibits state officials from enforcing such laws and makes attempting to enforce them a felony punishable by up to two years in prison or a $10,000 fine. The bill also requires the state Attorney General to defend West Virginians prosecuted under federal gun laws. It applies broadly to all levels of government and covers all firearm-related activities protected under the Second Amendment and West Virginia's state constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 2591, the "Defend the Guard Act," requires the West Virginia National Guard to remain under state control for combat operations unless the U.S. Congress formally declares war or takes specific action under the Constitution to call the militia for enumerated purposes. It directly affects West Virginia National Guard members, preventing their deployment to active-duty combat without congressional authorization. The bill defines "active duty combat" as participating in armed conflict, performing hazardous duty in foreign countries, or using instruments of war. The governor must ensure compliance with this requirement, effectively blocking federal deployment for combat without explicit congressional action. This policy change aims to align state military control with the constitutional principle that Congress holds exclusive authority to declare war.

Maddy summaryHB 2526 requires West Virginia public schools to designate shared restrooms and changing areas exclusively for students based on the sex assigned at birth, as listed on their original birth certificate. It mandates that schools provide single-occupancy restrooms as a "reasonable accommodation" for students unable to use designated facilities, but prohibits access to restrooms designated for the opposite sex. Violations could result in fines up to $500 for school officials like principals or superintendents, with parents able to sue if students encounter opposite-sex individuals in designated areas without permission. The bill excludes accommodations needed under the Americans with Disabilities Act or for young children requiring physical assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 2590 would exempt law-enforcement officers employed by municipal police departments, county sheriff's offices, or the West Virginia State Police from paying state income tax and personal property tax on their personal belongings. The bill amends existing tax exemption laws to add these officers as a covered group, similar to other public servants like teachers or firefighters in some jurisdictions. This change directly affects eligible sworn law-enforcement personnel by reducing their state tax burden on both income and personal property. The provision would apply to officers' homes, vehicles, and other personal assets subject to West Virginia property tax.

Maddy summaryHB 2593 requires West Virginia state government agencies and public entities to obtain written certification from companies before entering contracts for goods or services. This certification must confirm the company has no financial ties to specific foreign nations deemed to hold values "antithetical" to West Virginia, including state sponsors of terrorism (like Iran and Saudi Arabia) and nations aligned with communist ideology (like China, North Korea, Cuba, and Vietnam). Companies must provide documented proof of their ownership structure, tracing to individual natural persons, to verify compliance. Contracts failing this requirement are void under public policy, directly affecting all state procurement processes involving private vendors.

Maddy summaryHB 2529 prohibits state-funded organizations from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition for employment or participation in their programs. Covered entities - including state agencies, schools, local governments, and businesses receiving state funds - must provide exemptions for medical reasons (verified by a physician) or religious beliefs (via notarized statement), and cannot discriminate against employees using these exemptions. The law explicitly excludes Medicare/Medicaid facilities due to conflicting federal regulations. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2486 requires the West Virginia Department of Education to analyze statewide school discipline data (including disparities by race, gender, and disability) and develop a statewide program to address disciplinary actions for K-12 students. County school boards must implement this program to improve disciplinary outcomes. The bill mandates annual reports on progress to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability and requires the Department to publish discipline data on its public dashboard for transparency.

Maddy summaryHB 2505 would create a 100% tax credit for West Virginia residents who pay for spaying or neutering their dogs or cats. The credit allows taxpayers to deduct the full cost of the procedure, provided they submit a receipt from a licensed veterinarian. This credit applies in the tax year the procedure was performed and directly affects pet owners who incur these veterinary expenses. The bill aims to reduce pet overpopulation by making sterilization more affordable through tax incentives.

Maddy summaryHB 2488 directs West Virginia's Department of Transportation (WV DOT) to study the feasibility, costs, and effectiveness of installing suicide safety measures on the New River Gorge Bridge. The study must consult the Bridge Day Commission to ensure safety measures won't disrupt annual Bridge Day events and assess federal funding opportunities. WV DOT must submit a report to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance by December 31, 2025, using state road funds, grants, or partnerships. This bill mandates a study only - it does not require installing safety systems or allocate permanent funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2506 amends West Virginia law to expand vehicle registration fee exemptions for veterans. It lowers the required service-connected disability percentage from 100% to 50% or greater for veterans to qualify, and adds recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross to the list of eligible veterans. The bill directly affects veterans with qualifying disabilities or military honors who own non-commercial vehicles. Key provisions include modifying existing exemption criteria (§17A-10-8(5)) and adding new eligibility under subsection (7) for specific medal recipients. This change would allow more veterans to avoid paying annual vehicle registration fees.