Rep. Chris Phillips

Maddy summaryHJR 19 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow local governments (counties, municipalities) to approve additional tax increases specifically for fire protection and emergency medical services (EMS) with a simple majority vote (50% plus one vote) instead of the current 60% requirement for all other tax increases. This change would apply only to levies limited exclusively to fire/EMS funding, with a three-year maximum duration and a cap preventing increases from exceeding 50% above existing tax rates. The amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election and leaves the 60% threshold unchanged for all other tax increases. It does not alter existing tax exemptions or revenue distribution rules.

Maddy summaryHouse Concurrent Resolution 8 is a non-binding legislative statement by the West Virginia Legislature affirming that the state has standing in legal matters affecting its residents, based on the Tenth Amendment and the West Virginia Constitution. It declares that any judicial ruling denying this standing is invalid and a violation of state sovereignty. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally rejects federal or judicial actions that restrict West Virginia's authority to govern matters impacting its people. It is a procedural expression of legislative principle, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia House Bill 4583 establishes November 7 annually as "Victims of Communism Day" for public schools. It requires high school students in U.S. Government classes (mandated under §18-2-9(a)(1)) to receive at least 45 minutes of instruction about communist regimes' impacts, including specific examples like Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution, Stalin's Soviet system, and Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge. The bill mandates that curriculum content cover how victims suffered through poverty, starvation, migration, violence, and speech suppression under these regimes. The State Board of Education must adopt revised social studies standards incorporating these requirements by April 1, 2026, with implementation beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 4586, introduced in West Virginia's 2026 legislative session, would prohibit state agencies and local governments from purchasing electric vehicles that may contain components made through forced labor or oppressive child labor. The bill defines "forced labor" as work obtained by coercion or fraud, including labor involving protected characteristics, and "oppressive child labor" as employment of children under 14 in hazardous work like mining. It requires all government contracts for electric vehicles to include a provision ensuring no components were produced using such labor, aligning with federal actions like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. If enacted, the law would directly affect all state departments, counties, municipalities, schools, and universities purchasing electric vehicles, preventing taxpayer funds from supporting vehicles linked to unethical labor practices. The bill is currently pending in the House Government Organization Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4594 creates a new Department of Workforce Services to consolidate workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, adult education, and public assistance programs currently managed under the Department of Health and Human Resources. It transfers the Bureau for Family Assistance and Division of Rehabilitation Services into this new department and aligns work requirements for SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid programs with federal law. The bill mandates an orderly transition of all records, personnel, and property by July 1, 2027, and terminates the Department of Health and Human Resources by devolving its functions into three new departments. This reorganization directly affects state agencies, program participants, and staff involved in workforce and human services.

Maddy summaryHB 4450 requires West Virginia public schools to post adopted curriculum online (with login access for students and parents) by the start of each school year. It allows parents, custodians, or guardians of enrolled students to request inspections of classroom materials (including books and supplementary resources), with teachers required to schedule appointments within 10 business days and demonstrate how materials align with state standards. The bill also mandates that teachers list required books on class syllabi and makes them available to parents upon request. It establishes a formal complaint process for non-compliance, with county superintendents resolving issues within seven business days before escalating to the State Superintendent. This bill affects parents/custodians/guardians of students, not general taxpayers, as clarified by the bill's actual provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 4434 increases criminal penalties for bribery and corrupt practices in West Virginia. It upgrades violations of bribery provisions (Section 3) to a felony punishable by 1-10 years in prison or fines up to $250,000 for corporations, while misdemeanor violations (Sections 4-5) carry up to 1 year in jail or $105,000 in fines. All convicted individuals face permanent disqualification from holding any state office or government position. The bill also extends the statute of limitations for misdemeanor corruption cases to six years. This directly affects public officials, contractors, and others engaging in bribery or corrupt acts under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 4370 would allow individuals with a valid West Virginia concealed handgun permit to carry concealed firearms on the State Capitol grounds and inside the Capitol building. Permit holders must show their permit and firearm upon request when entering the building. However, concealed carry would be prohibited in the Governor's office and the Supreme Court chambers (including the third and fourth floors of the East wing). The Senate and House of Delegates would also have the authority to create their own rules for firearm carrying in their respective chamber galleries and floors.

Maddy summaryHB 4374 allows off-duty and retired law enforcement officers (LEOs) to carry concealed handguns in the West Virginia State Capitol Complex, including the Capitol building and grounds, under specific conditions. It directly affects current and retired LEOs who meet agency requirements and out-of-state officers covered by the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA). Key provisions require officers to show agency-issued credentials when requested, prohibit carrying in the Governor’s office, Supreme Court chambers, and certain other areas, and specify that officers must comply with their agency’s firearm policies. The bill does not override federal restrictions or apply to officers denied concealed carry permits.

Maddy summaryHB 4372 allows K-12 teachers, administrators, and support staff in West Virginia to carry concealed firearms if certified as School Protection Officers (SPOs). To qualify, applicants must complete state-developed training (including firearms instruction) through the Department of Homeland Security, meet specific qualifications, and receive county superintendent approval. The bill creates a new SPO designation with mandatory certification requirements, replacing the general prohibition on weapons in schools for these designated staff. This policy change directly affects school employees who pursue SPO certification, altering existing restrictions under §61-7-11a of the West Virginia Code.