Del. Bryan Ward

Maddy summaryHB 2808, the "West Virginia Anti-Federal Commandeering Act," prohibits federal authorities from forcing West Virginia law enforcement agencies or personnel to conduct activities that violate citizens' constitutional rights. The bill defines "federal commandeering" as the federal government seizing state resources without state consent and bans state law enforcement from complying with such demands. It empowers the West Virginia Attorney General to challenge unconstitutional federal actions in court and create model policies for law enforcement. The law aims to protect constitutional rights - particularly First Amendment freedoms - while allowing cooperation on lawful federal-state operations. The bill is currently in the House Judiciary Committee after being introduced on February 21, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2788 allows West Virginia State Police officers to convert unused annual or sick leave into retirement credit or to help cover health insurance costs. Officers would receive two days of retirement credit for every day of accrued leave used, calculated based on 20 workdays per month of service. However, officers who joined the retirement system on or after July 1, 2015, cannot use leave to increase retirement credit (though they may still use it for health insurance). The bill applies specifically to members of the West Virginia State Police Retirement System.

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 2759 increases penalties for bribery and corrupt government practices in West Virginia. It raises prison terms to up to 10 years for bribery (felony) and up to 3 years for lesser corruption (misdemeanor), with fines up to $250,000. Anyone convicted is permanently barred from holding any state office or position of trust. The bill also clarifies that all corruption convictions automatically disqualify offenders from public service.

Maddy summaryHB 2753 would extend the cooling-off period for former state legislators and other public officials seeking to become lobbyists, changing the current one-year restriction to five years. This bill directly affects individuals who leave public office and wish to work as lobbyists for private entities or government clients. The key provision is simply lengthening the mandatory waiting period before they can engage in lobbying activities. The change aims to reduce potential conflicts of interest by limiting immediate transitions from public service to lobbying roles.

Maddy summaryHB 2713 clarifies that wind power projects in West Virginia are not classified as pollution control facilities for tax purposes. The bill reclassifies wind turbines and their towers as real property (subject to standard real property tax rates) instead of allowing them to qualify for special tax treatment under pollution control facility rules. This change removes the previous provision that permitted salvage valuation (up to 79% of value) for wind project components. The bill directly affects wind power developers and property tax assessments for wind energy facilities across the state. It is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced on February 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 57) declares that the People's Republic of China (PRC) is conducting an "illegal asymmetric war" against the U.S. and West Virginia, citing alleged tactics like cyberattacks, influence operations, and the use of fentanyl or engineered diseases. It directs state officials to forgive public debt held by PRC-affiliated entities since October 2019 and identify such entities for potential debt recovery. The resolution also urges the Governor and state agencies to take actions countering this alleged "war" and invites other states to adopt similar statements. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally positions West Virginia’s stance on China-related issues.

Maddy summaryHB 2715 increases the impoundment period for dogs from 5 days to 30 days, extending the time owners have to reclaim impounded dogs. It modifies notice requirements: for known owners, dog wardens must provide written notice of the 30-day redemption period, and for unknown owners, notices must be posted in the courthouse, on the county website, or on the county Facebook page - including a photo and description of the dog. This directly affects dog owners in West Virginia counties and county dog wardens responsible for enforcement. The bill does not alter existing provisions like the 50-cent bounty for capturing unregistered dogs or bond requirements for wardens.

Maddy summaryHB 2714 requires new wind energy systems in West Virginia to maintain minimum distances from residential properties, property lines, roads, and transmission lines. Specifically, wind turbines must be placed at least 1.1 times the total height of the turbine (tower + blades) from property lines and roads/transmission lines, and 1.5 times the height from residences. Property owners can voluntarily waive these distances by signing a written agreement. The bill applies to new projects seeking a siting certificate from the Public Service Commission, directly affecting wind energy developers and nearby residents. It does not apply to modifications of existing wind energy systems.