Del. Elías Coop-González

Maddy summaryHB 2561 establishes a formal process for appealing municipal ordinances that may violate West Virginia's home rule provisions. It allows any person subject to a municipality's jurisdiction - such as residents paying local taxes or fees - to appeal to the Intermediate Court of Appeals. During an appeal, 1% of municipal sales tax revenue is held in an escrow fund; if the court rules the ordinance invalid, the funds go to the state general fund, otherwise they return to the municipality. This bill creates procedural rules for appeals but does not change what municipalities can or cannot do under home rule.

Maddy summaryHB 2564, titled "The Business and Public Area Liability Protection Act," removes restrictions on carrying firearms in state or municipal buildings and public areas when adequate security measures (like metal detectors or armed personnel at entrances) are not present. It directly affects legally qualified individuals (those not prohibited by law from carrying firearms) who enter public buildings without such security. The bill requires public employers to allow firearm carrying in public areas and throughout buildings if security is inadequate, but prohibits such carrying only where adequate security measures are in place. This amendment changes existing rules by shifting the burden to public buildings to implement security before banning firearms.

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 2565 prohibits West Virginia municipalities from charging user fees to employees who were not physically present in the municipality while performing job duties. This directly affects employees and their employers, particularly those working for companies serving multiple jurisdictions but not physically located in a specific city during their work. The bill requires employers to provide a sworn affidavit confirming the employee's absence, and if a fee was incorrectly charged, the municipality must issue a credit for future payments. The law amends existing fee regulations to prevent municipalities from imposing such fees when the employee's work did not occur within the city limits.

Maddy summaryHB 2448 (West Virginia House Bill 2448), titled the "Religious Freedom Protection Act," prevents state emergency orders from closing or restricting religious services during declared emergencies. It directly affects religious institutions (churches, mosques, synagogues, etc.) and their members by prohibiting government actions that infringe on worship assembly, travel to places of worship, or impose penalties for religious practice. Key provisions include allowing religious groups to sue for violations (seeking injunctions, damages, and attorney fees) within a two-year window, covering psychological, emotional, and physical harm. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage and applies to all emergency orders issued under West Virginia’s emergency management laws.

Maddy summaryHB 2446 declares that federal laws restricting firearm ownership, accessories, or ammunition within West Virginia are unenforceable and legally void. It directly affects West Virginians by asserting state authority over firearm regulations, overriding federal restrictions on gun possession, sale, or use within the state. Key provisions require state courts and law enforcement to protect this right, establish legal claims against those violating it, and award damages for infringements. The bill also prohibits state employment for individuals enforcing federal restrictions on firearms within West Virginia. This legislation seeks to prevent federal gun regulations from applying in the state, though it has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6) is a non-binding statement by the West Virginia House of Delegates declaring that: (1) only two biological sexes exist (male/female), based on scientific and biblical references; and (2) transgender identity requires psychological evaluation and care, not "blind affirmation." It directs healthcare professionals to prioritize "scientifically-supported treatments" for gender dysphoria, particularly for minors, and encourages policies protecting children's well-being through evidence-based care. The resolution does not create new laws or affect individuals directly but sets forth the chamber's position on gender and healthcare approaches. It is currently pending in the Health and Human Resources committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2468 would repeal all legal provisions establishing the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, including sections §5B-2-1 through §5B-2-21 of the state code. This bill directly affects the department itself and the cabinet-level position overseeing it, eliminating both from state law. The legislation would remove the department's legal foundation without creating new structures, effectively abolishing the entity and its associated leadership role. This is a procedural bill focused solely on repealing existing statutes, not on creating new policies or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2431, the "Fourth Amendment Restoration Act," bans West Virginia law enforcement officers and local government officials from using specific surveillance and AI technologies without a warrant. It prohibits real-time security monitoring, facial recognition, license plate readers, surveillance drones, and other listed tools, calling their unregulated use "inherently unreasonable and unconstitutional." Violators face felony charges with penalties of at least one year in prison and $10,000 fines per violation. The bill also allows individuals harmed by unauthorized use to sue for damages and requires immediate discontinuation of any existing use of these technologies.