Del. Elías Coop-González

Maddy summaryHB 3006, the Non-Profit Transparency and Accountability Act, requires nonprofit organizations in West Virginia that receive any public funding (state or federal) to comply with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests just like government bodies. This means these nonprofits must publicly disclose records and respond to requests within standard timelines. The bill also mandates that such organizations enroll in the state’s Open Checkbooks system to track public funds. It directly affects nonprofits relying on public money, aiming to increase transparency in how these funds are used.

Maddy summaryHB 2974, the "Second Amendment Preservation Act," declares federal regulations on intrastate firearm sales within West Virginia invalid, prohibiting state officials from enforcing such rules. It imposes $50,000 civil penalties for violations and requires the West Virginia Attorney General to defend residents facing federal charges over intrastate firearm transactions or prosecute federal agents who enforce prohibited regulations. The bill directly affects West Virginia residents engaging in local firearm sales, law enforcement, and federal agencies like the ATF operating within the state. It explicitly states that federal laws restricting intrastate firearm transfers violate both the U.S. and West Virginia constitutions.

Maddy summaryHB 2972 amends West Virginia law to clarify which tree removal activities qualify as "timbering operations" for sediment control regulations. It narrows existing exemptions by specifying that tree cutting for oil/gas infrastructure, highway maintenance, or personal use (on one's own property without hiring a professional) only counts as timbering if the trees are sold for commercial wood products. The bill directly affects timber operators, landowners, and entities like oil/gas companies that previously might have been exempt from sediment rules. It updates the legal definition to ensure sediment control measures apply to commercial timber harvesting activities, excluding incidental removals not tied to commercial wood sales.

Maddy summaryHB 2938 would allow pharmacists in West Virginia to sell ivermectin over the counter without a prescription, directly affecting pharmacies and residents seeking the medication. The bill amends state law to remove the requirement for a prescription for ivermectin, permitting its sale, distribution, or possession by individuals without medical authorization. This change applies specifically to human-use ivermectin, not veterinary products. The legislation does not alter medical guidelines or safety standards but shifts access from prescription-dependent to over-the-counter availability. The bill is currently pending in the Health and Human Resources Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2834 requires all West Virginia public schools to observe a one-minute period of silence at the start of each school day in every classroom. This applies directly to county school boards (which must implement the policy) and classroom teachers (who must ensure students remain seated and silent without suggesting any specific activity, such as prayer or meditation). The bill prohibits teachers from making recommendations about what students should do during the silence to avoid influencing their choices. It also mandates that the Office of the Attorney General defend the law if challenged legally. The policy aims to guarantee students' individual freedom to engage in silent reflection without state pressure.

Maddy summaryHB 2809 changes West Virginia law to extend the time limit for minors to file medical malpractice lawsuits. Currently, only minors under 10 at the time of injury qualify for an extended filing period (until their 12th birthday or two years after the injury, whichever is longer, but no later than five years after turning 18). The bill would expand this eligibility to cover minors under 18 at the time of injury, meaning those aged 10-17 would now qualify for the extended period. This directly affects minors who were 10-17 years old during their medical procedure and are now seeking to file claims as adults.

Maddy summaryHB 2810, the Adoption Education Act, requires West Virginia public schools to provide information about adoption as an option for unplanned pregnancy whenever contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or related topics are discussed or provided. It mandates that schools explain current adoption practices, state adoption resources, and the Safe Haven Act during these health education sessions. The bill applies to all schools under the West Virginia State Board of Education or public universities, directing the superintendent to include these requirements in health content standards. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and states that adoption education should complement family and church teachings on family life.

Maddy summaryHB 2740 requires county school districts to have a second adult present on school buses when elementary-aged children (pre-kindergarten through 4th grade) are mixed with middle or high school students on the same route. This rule directly affects school bus operations in counties where such mixed-age transportation occurs. The bill mandates the second adult's presence solely for maintaining order and safety during transit, without altering existing bus route time limits. It applies to all current and new bus routes serving these age groups, effective upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2793 prohibits billboards near West Virginia's borders from displaying messages about abortion availability in neighboring states, including facility names, provider details, or any encouragement to seek abortions. It directly affects billboard operators and businesses that advertise abortion services in states bordering West Virginia. The law requires the Secretary of State to permanently revoke business licenses for violations, with enforcement through reports from residents or the Division of Highways. This bill targets advertising that facilitates out-of-state abortion access, aligning with West Virginia’s existing abortion ban and stated interest in protecting prenatal life.

Maddy summaryHB 2811 prohibits unlicensed individuals and organizations from placing children for adoption. It makes selling or bartering a child for adoption a felony (up to 14 years in prison or $5,000 fine) and criminalizes unlicensed advertising, accepting, or providing children for adoption as a misdemeanor (fines up to $5,000 for individuals or $5,000+ for organizations, with possible license revocation). Birth parents are exempt from these restrictions. Only entities licensed by West Virginia’s Department of Human Services may legally place children for adoption.