Del. Geno Chiarelli

Maddy summaryHB 2741 prohibits the use of electronic devices like tablets, laptops, or computers for learning and testing in all classrooms serving students in grades three and below. The bill directly affects students in kindergarten through second grade and their teachers by banning such devices during instructional time. It creates a new section (§18-2E-3g) in West Virginia's education code requiring this ban in all classrooms for those grade levels. The law does not address devices used for administrative purposes or non-educational activities. This is a direct policy change restricting classroom technology use for young learners.

Maddy summaryHB 2775 amends West Virginia law to permit brewers to sell non-intoxicating beer (less than 0.5% alcohol) to distributors at volume-based discounts. It reduces the required waiting period for price changes from 90 to 30 days after submitting price schedules to the state commissioner. The bill requires brewers to submit pricing schedules quarterly and ensures discounts don't discriminate between distributors. It directly affects brewers, manufacturers, and distributors of non-intoxicating beer in West Virginia. The key change streamlines pricing adjustments while maintaining transparency requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2809 changes West Virginia law to extend the time limit for minors to file medical malpractice lawsuits. Currently, only minors under 10 at the time of injury qualify for an extended filing period (until their 12th birthday or two years after the injury, whichever is longer, but no later than five years after turning 18). The bill would expand this eligibility to cover minors under 18 at the time of injury, meaning those aged 10-17 would now qualify for the extended period. This directly affects minors who were 10-17 years old during their medical procedure and are now seeking to file claims as adults.

Maddy summaryHB 2740 requires county school districts to have a second adult present on school buses when elementary-aged children (pre-kindergarten through 4th grade) are mixed with middle or high school students on the same route. This rule directly affects school bus operations in counties where such mixed-age transportation occurs. The bill mandates the second adult's presence solely for maintaining order and safety during transit, without altering existing bus route time limits. It applies to all current and new bus routes serving these age groups, effective upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2793 prohibits billboards near West Virginia's borders from displaying messages about abortion availability in neighboring states, including facility names, provider details, or any encouragement to seek abortions. It directly affects billboard operators and businesses that advertise abortion services in states bordering West Virginia. The law requires the Secretary of State to permanently revoke business licenses for violations, with enforcement through reports from residents or the Division of Highways. This bill targets advertising that facilitates out-of-state abortion access, aligning with West Virginia’s existing abortion ban and stated interest in protecting prenatal life.

Maddy summaryHB 2786 exempts the salaries of specific public safety workers from West Virginia's personal income tax. It directly affects law enforcement officers, firefighters, correctional officers, and emergency medical services personnel who meet the definitions in existing state law. The bill adds a new tax provision stating these workers' salaries are not subject to state income tax. This creates a concrete policy change by removing a tax burden on these frontline public safety professionals.

Maddy summaryHB 2791, the "Public Adjuster Professional Standards Reform Act," establishes new licensing requirements and standards for public adjusters in West Virginia. It requires all public adjusters to obtain a state license by meeting age, background, and exam criteria, and mandates financial responsibility through a $5,000 surety bond or $50,000 letter of credit. The bill also creates specific contract rules between adjusters and insured clients, defines insureds' rights, and sets penalties for violations of these standards. This directly affects public adjusters (professionals hired by policyholders to handle insurance claims) and the homeowners or businesses they represent. The law aims to strengthen oversight of this profession through clearer licensing, financial safeguards, and enforceable contract terms.

Maddy summaryHB 2812 caps annual insurance copays at $500 for terminally ill West Virginia residents seeking specific therapies. It directly affects insureds diagnosed with a terminal illness (defined as a condition with a life expectancy of six months or less that cannot be cured). The bill requires insurers to limit out-of-pocket costs for occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy services to no more than $500 per year - matching the standard copay for primary care visits. This cap applies until the insured's death and clarifies that insurers cannot charge more for these therapies than for primary care appointments.

Maddy summaryHB 2794, the "Life at Conception Act of 2025," declares that the right to life guaranteed by the U.S. and West Virginia constitutions applies to all human beings from the moment of fertilization. It defines "human person" to include every member of the human species at all stages, starting at conception, and explicitly states the bill does not criminalize women for pregnancy outcomes or restrict in vitro fertilization, birth control, or other fertility prevention methods. The bill establishes this constitutional interpretation as policy but does not create new criminal penalties or alter existing medical procedures. It directly affects the legal definition of personhood for all individuals from conception onward.

Maddy summaryHB 2795 prohibits private entities receiving state funds (including contracts, grants, or incentives) from implementing specific policies or programs, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, allowing biological men in women's restrooms, or providing abortion-related benefits to employees. It requires these entities to submit an affidavit confirming they do not violate defined "substantial public policies," including bans on discussing "more than two genders" or requiring DEI training. Public entities must also avoid contravening these policies. Violations could result in loss of state funding or lawsuits, with enforcement handled by the Attorney General.