Del. Laura Kimble

Maddy summaryHB 2429 would require West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officers to obtain a warrant or the landowner's explicit consent before entering private property, with exceptions only for emergencies like accidents or threats to public safety. This bill directly affects landowners by strengthening their property rights against unannounced DNR inspections. The key mechanism mandates a warrant or written consent as a prerequisite for entry, clarifying current law that previously allowed "implied permission" under certain circumstances. The bill does not change existing emergency exceptions but aims to prevent unauthorized DNR access to private land.

Maddy summaryHB 2466 prohibits physicians in West Virginia from prescribing puberty-blocking medications (referred to as "pubertal modulating and hormonal therapy") to minors under 18 for the purpose of gender transition. The bill directly affects transgender and gender-diverse minors seeking medical care for gender dysphoria, banning a common treatment option. Exceptions allow such therapy only in very specific medical circumstances: for diagnosed disorders of sex development, to treat complications from prior gender transition procedures, or for severe gender dysphoria with strict requirements (e.g., two specialized medical opinions, written consent, and dosage limits). The bill does not ban all hormone therapy but restricts puberty blockers specifically for gender transition in minors, with narrow medical exceptions.

Maddy summaryHB 2450, titled "The West Virginia Second Amendment Preservation and Anti-Federal Commandeering Act," prohibits state agencies and employees from being compelled by the federal government to enforce federal firearms laws. It makes it a misdemeanor for federal agents or employees to attempt enforcing any federal decree or writ related to firearms without specific congressional approval, punishable by up to $500 fines or one year in jail. The bill directs the West Virginia Attorney General to enforce these provisions. It does not change state gun laws but targets federal overreach in enforcement mechanisms. The bill was introduced in the West Virginia House on February 17, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2489 requires West Virginia election officials to make all public election data - including cast vote records (CVRs), audit logs, and election management system files - publicly available under the state's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This applies to all registered voters who can request the data without needing to reference FOIA specifically. The bill mandates random physical and code inspections of electronic voting systems, restricts certain voting software, and establishes new requirements for maintaining election records. It directly affects voters seeking transparency and election officials managing election data. The bill is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee after being introduced on February 17, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2465 prohibits counties, towns, and municipalities in West Virginia from using tax money to hire lobbyists who represent them at the state level. The bill amends three sections of state law (§7-28-1, §7A-9-1, and §8-40-1) to explicitly ban local governments from paying for such lobbying services with public funds. It directly affects all county commissions, consolidated local governments, and municipal corporations (including cities, towns, and villages) that rely on taxpayer revenue. The policy change is a clear restriction on the use of public funds, requiring local entities to cover lobbying costs through non-tax sources if they choose to hire lobbyists.

Maddy summaryHB 2471 eliminates tax credits for corporations and businesses using solar, wind, or other renewable energy systems (like solar/wind farms), effective after July 1, 2024. It directly affects commercial renewable energy operators, excluding individual homeowners who retain tax credits for residential systems. The bill also imposes new requirements: renewable energy facilities must be set back at least one mile from homes and require $400 million in liability insurance per 100 acres for cleanup after disasters. These changes aim to remove financial incentives for corporate renewable projects while maintaining support for residential installations.

Maddy summaryHB 2426 would require West Virginia law enforcement to immediately transfer individuals determined to be in the U.S. illegally to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation upon first apprehension. For a second offense, the bill classifies the individual as a felony offender, mandating 3-5 years in state prison followed by deportation to ICE. The bill explicitly states that state or local entities cannot interfere with federal immigration enforcement under this law. It directly affects undocumented immigrants apprehended by West Virginia law enforcement twice or more. The policy changes establish a two-tiered criminal penalty system for repeat immigration violations within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 2430 creates a specific exception to West Virginia's product liability laws for Covid-19 vaccines. It allows West Virginia residents who suffered injuries from these vaccines to sue pharmaceutical companies directly in state courts, removing the usual legal protection (learned intermediary doctrine) that shields manufacturers if they provided adequate warnings to healthcare providers. The bill explicitly states that financial awards for vaccine-related injuries have no limits. This change directly affects pharmaceutical companies producing Covid-19 vaccines and West Virginia citizens seeking compensation for vaccine injuries. It amends state law to make civil liability for these specific vaccines distinct from general prescription drug liability rules.

Maddy summaryHB 2427 amends West Virginia law to permit licensed concealed handgun carry on Capitol grounds and within the Capitol building for individuals with valid concealed carry permits. It requires permit holders to show their permit and firearm upon request when entering the Capitol building. The bill prohibits concealed carry in the Governor’s office, Supreme Court chambers (including specific floors), and bans open carry or pepper spray exceeding one ounce on Capitol grounds. It maintains existing penalties for violations, including fines or jail time for disrupting Capitol operations or damaging property.

Maddy summaryHB 2424 would require the West Virginia legislature to vote and approve any governor's declaration of a state of emergency or state of preparedness before it becomes effective. Currently, the governor can unilaterally declare such a state for an initial period (60 days for emergencies, 30 days for Class I preparedness) and the legislature may later vote to extend it. This bill eliminates the governor's current ability to initiate emergency declarations without prior legislative consent, shifting that authority to the legislature. It directly affects the governor's emergency powers and the process for managing state emergencies.