Del. Elías Coop-González

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all West Virginia public schools to provide specific civics and history education: at least one semester of U.S. history, one semester of U.S. and state government, and one semester of American civics before 8th and 12th grades. It mandates instruction on government structures (like separation of powers and federalism), primary sources (e.g., Constitution, Declaration of Independence), and objective analysis of political ideologies using historical examples. Starting in 2025/2026, high school students must take a standardized civics test based on the USCIS exam, with schools reporting aggregate scores publicly (without student identifiers). Approved instructional materials must be reviewed every four years for accuracy and suitability, with a public database maintained by the state education department.

Maddy summaryHB 2743 removes the 6% sales tax on prepared food purchased from vending machines or money-operated machines in West Virginia, effective January 1, 2026. This directly affects consumers who buy food from these machines, as they will no longer pay the state sales tax on such purchases. The bill amends existing tax law to explicitly exempt this category of food from the general sales tax rate, which previously applied to vending machine food. The change applies only to prepared food sold through these machines, not to other food items or retail purchases.

Maddy summaryHCR 58 is a West Virginia House Concurrent Resolution expressing the legislature’s position that unborn children are "legal and constitutional persons" entitled to equal protection under the 14th Amendment. It states the legislature finds that human life begins at fertilization, unborn children have legally protectable rights to life and health, and the 14th Amendment’s "person" language historically included unborn children. The resolution does not change any laws or create new legal obligations; it is a symbolic statement of legislative position. It calls on Congress to enforce the 14th Amendment’s protections for unborn children, but remains non-binding.

Maddy summaryHCR 59 is a commemorative resolution proposing to designate November 7, 2025, and each subsequent year as "Victims of Communism Memorial Day" in West Virginia. The resolution recognizes historical victims of communist regimes, referencing the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution and citing the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. It does not create new laws or directly affect any specific group; instead, it formally designates an annual day of remembrance. The resolution directs the House Clerk to transmit a copy to the memorial foundation and post the designation on the legislature's website. This is a symbolic gesture, not a policy change with concrete effects.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the existing exception that allowed abortions for victims of rape or incest in West Virginia. Previously, adults could obtain abortions within 8 weeks of pregnancy (and minors within 14 weeks) if they reported the assault to police and met specific documentation requirements. The bill deletes this exception from §16-2R-3, meaning rape and incest cases can no longer qualify for abortion under this provision. Now, all abortions must meet the stricter "medical emergency" standard (which excludes psychological conditions), effectively eliminating a legal pathway for victims seeking abortion care.

Maddy summaryHB 2691 would allow public school teachers and employees with a valid concealed carry permit to carry a concealed firearm on school grounds. This change specifically applies to employees of public schools and public charter schools who meet state concealed carry requirements. The bill requires firearms to remain concealed at all times while on school property and does not alter the general prohibition on firearms for other individuals or open carry.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 2623 abolishes the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Act (PEIA) and requires that beginning January 1, 2026, health, dental, and vision insurance for state employees be provided through four-year contracts with private insurers. The bill repeals all existing PEIA code sections and establishes new minimum requirements for these contracts. This change directly affects all state employees and their dependents who currently receive coverage under PEIA. The bill does not specify insurer details but mandates the contract-based system as the new standard for state employee benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 2574 prohibits public West Virginia colleges and universities from requiring "diversity statements" during admissions, hiring, or promotions, and bans preferential treatment based on race, sex, or other protected characteristics. The bill defines prohibited "diversity training" as any program teaching concepts like systemic racism, structural inequity, or identity-based privilege, and restricts institutions from using race-neutral alternatives that intentionally produce racial outcomes. It requires annual compliance certification to the Legislative Oversight Commission and allows applicants to voluntarily share diversity statements or provide information about academic work, pedagogy, or anti-discrimination compliance. The law directly affects all public higher education institutions in West Virginia, altering their admissions, employment, and training practices.

Maddy summaryHB 2573 would exempt married individuals or surviving spouses claiming four or more dependent children from paying West Virginia state income tax starting in 2026. The bill applies to taxpayers filing as married or surviving spouse with four or more children who qualify as dependents under federal tax rules (26 U.S.C. §152(c)(1)). It directly affects families meeting these specific filing status and dependent child criteria, removing state income tax liability for their household income. The exemption takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and applies to all subsequent years while the filer maintains the qualifying status.