Del. Laura Kimble

Maddy summaryHB 3490, the FORUM Act, requires West Virginia's public universities to protect free expression by prohibiting content-based security fees for student groups or speakers and mandating clear, publicly posted policies on campus speech. It directs institutions to develop training for staff (including administrators and campus police) on First Amendment protections and to annually report speech-related disruptions or barriers to the Higher Education Policy Commission. The bill specifically bans fees tied to speech content, while allowing reasonable time/place/manner restrictions that don’t target specific viewpoints. These changes directly affect all state-funded universities in West Virginia and their students, faculty, and campus staff.

Maddy summaryHJR 40 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how members of the West Virginia State Board of Education are selected. It would replace the current system of nine appointed members with a hybrid model: five members elected on a partisan basis from five geographic regions (serving staggered four-year terms), and four members appointed by the Governor with Senate consent. The amendment would require the Board to submit any rules or policies they create to the Legislature for review, approval, amendment, or rejection. If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, these changes would take effect with the 2028 general election, modifying the current appointment system for the Board.

Maddy summaryHB 3442 would expand self-defense protections in West Virginia by allowing residents to use deadly force without retreating in their home, residence, or curtilage (immediate surrounding area) when they reasonably fear death or serious harm from an intruder. It creates a complete legal defense against both civil lawsuits and criminal charges for lawful defensive use of force, including against intruders attempting to enter or commit felonies on property. The bill also extends these protections to situations outside the home where a person reasonably believes they or others face imminent death or serious harm that can only be stopped with deadly force. It specifically states that individuals acting within these rules are not required to retreat and will be entitled to recover court costs and fees if sued. This bill directly affects homeowners, residents, and others defending their property or persons under these specified circumstances.

Maddy summaryHB 3436, the Genetic Privacy Act, would require companies and organizations collecting genetic data in West Virginia to obtain clear, specific consumer consent before using or sharing that information. It defines "genetic data" broadly to include DNA sequences, health-related information connected to genetic testing, and related analyses. The bill mandates that entities provide privacy notices about data collection, use, and disclosure, and allows consumers to access or delete their data. It includes exceptions for healthcare providers under HIPAA, research with proper consent, and government use (with new warrant requirements starting in 2027), directly affecting genetic testing companies and any business handling consumer genetic information in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 3467 prohibits West Virginia state agencies and public entities from entering into contracts for $100,000 or more with companies that boycott Israel. It requires companies to provide written certification they are not currently boycotting Israel and will not during the contract term. The bill clarifies that this restriction applies to all state spending units, including agencies previously exempt from contracting rules. It defines "boycott of Israel" as actions penalizing Israel or Israeli businesses, and voids any violating contracts as against public policy. The law takes effect on July 1, 2022, as amended by this bill.

Maddy summaryHB 3437 requires parents or guardians to provide specific, written consent before newborn genetic screening occurs, replacing general hospital admission forms. It limits blood sample collection to only what's necessary for screening and mandates destruction of blood spots after three weeks unless separate consent is obtained for retention. The bill also requires explicit parental consent for any future use of blood samples or test results - including research, law enforcement, or public health studies - preventing automatic retention or sharing. This applies directly to all newborns in West Virginia and ensures parents control how their child's genetic information is handled.

Maddy summaryHB 3453 requires money transmitters licensed in West Virginia to collect a fee for international money transfers. Specifically, businesses must charge $5 per transaction under $500 and 3% of amounts over $500, then remit these fees quarterly to the West Virginia Department of Revenue by the 15th of the following month. The bill also mandates that licensees post notices informing customers they can claim a tax credit for the fee when filing income taxes using a Social Security or Taxpayer ID number. Revenue from these fees flows into the state general fund, and non-compliant licensees risk having their licenses suspended until fees are paid. This bill directly affects money transfer businesses operating in West Virginia that handle international transactions.

Maddy summaryHB 3385 requires medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs in West Virginia to establish written policies for community engagement and location planning. The bill prohibits new MAT programs from locating within 0.5 miles of schools or daycares (with limited variances for existing programs), bans recruitment incentives like rewards for patient referrals, and mandates 60-day public notice before new locations. Programs must notify county commissions and mayors via certified mail, detailing their community impact plans, and obtain local approval before operating. These requirements apply to all MAT facilities, including opioid treatment programs and office-based providers, with a waiver process requiring written justification and safety documentation.

Maddy summaryHB 3379 clarifies that when a parent voluntarily relinquishes their parental rights, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources is not required to make reasonable efforts to preserve the family. This amendment to West Virginia Code §49-4-604 directs courts to consider voluntary relinquishment as a factor when determining whether reasonable efforts toward family reunification are appropriate. The bill affects child welfare cases involving parental relinquishment, ensuring courts can prioritize permanent placements without requiring reunification efforts in these specific circumstances. It does not change existing requirements for reasonable efforts in cases without voluntary relinquishment.

Maddy summaryHB 3384 prohibits West Virginia public and private colleges and universities from requiring vaccines as a condition for enrollment, employment, or participation in campus activities. It bans institutions from offering incentives (like rewards or discounts) for vaccinations and allows free vaccines only with informed consent. The bill ensures students, faculty, and staff cannot be denied access to education or jobs based solely on vaccination choices. Institutions may still offer free vaccines on campus, but cannot mandate them or deny services for opting out.