Rep. Chris Phillips

Maddy summaryThis West Virginia House resolution states that the U.S. national debt (over $38 trillion in 2026) poses a national security threat, citing foreign debt ownership, projected Social Security/Medicare shortfalls, and warnings from military/intelligence leaders. It urges Congress to establish regular budgeting procedures but does not create new laws or alter federal spending. As a symbolic resolution, it has no direct legal effect on national debt policy or federal budgets. The resolution focuses on raising awareness rather than implementing concrete changes.

Maddy summaryHB 5098 creates West Virginia's "Mobile ID Act," establishing a program to provide in-home and long-term care facility visits for state-issued identification cards and driver licenses. It directly affects West Virginia residents with medical conditions or disabilities preventing travel to DMV offices, as verified by a licensed medical provider, and those residing in licensed long-term care facilities. The bill requires the DMV to offer these services with two-person visits for safety, schedule appointments within 30 days of request, and maintain medical certification standards. It does not waive existing ID verification or Real ID requirements but mandates rulemaking for application processes, staffing, fees, and annual reporting starting in 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 5027 amends West Virginia's eminent domain law to clarify that the state or its subdivisions cannot take private property primarily for private economic development where ownership or control transfers to a private entity (e.g., via purchase or lease). The bill prohibits such takings without the owner's consent, while preserving existing public uses like infrastructure, utilities, schools, and parks. It specifically targets cases where eminent domain would benefit private developers rather than serve a direct public purpose. This change applies to all property owners and government entities exercising eminent domain authority in West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 5031 requires West Virginia's Fatality and Mortality Review Team (under the Department of Health) to have access to vaccination records during death investigations. The bill amends state law to explicitly include vaccination records as a type of medical information the team may request from government agencies. State, county, and local agencies must provide these records upon written request. This change directly affects the review team's ability to gather data for forensic and public health research, while requiring health and government agencies to share vaccination history in death cases. The bill standardizes reporting practices by adding vaccination records to the types of information investigators can access.

Maddy summaryHB 5035 requires medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs - facilities providing medication for opioid addiction - to create written community relations policies. These policies must detail how the program will engage with local communities and avoid disrupting public functions. The bill mandates that MAT programs publish a public notice 60 days before opening or moving, notify county commissioners and mayors by certified mail, and obtain local government approval for new locations. It also restricts new MAT facilities from locating within half a mile of schools or daycares (with limited variances for existing facilities), aiming to address community concerns through transparency and local input.

Maddy summaryHB 5034, the West Virginia Genomic Information Privacy Act of 2026, requires medical facilities, research organizations, and companies collecting genetic data to inform West Virginia residents about how their genetic information is gathered, used, and shared. The bill prohibits these entities from selling, transferring, or using genetic data for foreign adversaries (as defined by federal law) and mandates secure storage of such information. It also establishes a private right of action, allowing individuals to sue if their genetic privacy is violated.

Maddy summaryHB 5001 prohibits employers from terminating an employee who uses reasonable and proportionate force (including deadly force in specific circumstances) to defend themselves or others from an attack at their workplace. The bill amends West Virginia law to explicitly protect employees from adverse employment actions - such as termination - solely for using force that reasonably prevents imminent death or serious bodily harm. It specifies that deadly force may be used without a duty to retreat only if an employee reasonably believes it is necessary to save themselves or others from imminent lethal harm. The protection does not apply if the employee was committing a felony, provoked the attack, or was otherwise engaging in unlawful activity. This bill directly affects all employees in West Virginia workplaces who must defend against violent attacks.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends West Virginia law to allow parties (complainants or respondents) in Human Rights Commission (HRC) discrimination cases to transfer their cases directly to circuit court. It affects individuals or organizations involved in HRC complaints by providing an option to bypass HRC proceedings and seek resolution in judicial court. The change modifies existing procedures under §16B-17-10, enabling parties to "remove the matter" to circuit court instead of proceeding through the HRC's investigation and hearing process. This is a procedural adjustment with no new substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 4947 allows state employees and school children to claim religious exemptions from required vaccines by submitting a notarized certification of religious belief. For employees, the exemption also covers conscientious objections, and employers cannot penalize them through withheld bonuses, pay raises, or denied promotions. Schools must accept the certification for enrollment without requiring additional medical documentation, while the list of required vaccines remains unchanged. The bill expands existing exemption options without altering vaccine requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4878 strengthens West Virginia's castle doctrine by allowing lawful occupants to use reasonable force, including deadly force, to defend their home, residence, or immediate property (curtilage) without a duty to retreat. It creates a full legal defense against both civil lawsuits and criminal charges for those using force to prevent unlawful entry, felony entry, or threats of serious harm. The bill also requires courts to cover legal costs, fees, and expenses for people successfully defending against such claims. This applies to residents protecting themselves, others, or property, but excludes law enforcement actions and situations where the person provoked the conflict.