Del. Rick Hillenbrand

Maddy summaryHB 4555 would remove the sales tax on tax preparation services in West Virginia. This bill directly affects individuals and small businesses that pay for tax preparation assistance, as it eliminates the state sales tax currently applied to these services. The key mechanism is amending West Virginia’s tax code (§11-15-9) to explicitly exempt tax preparation services from the consumer sales and service tax, aligning them with existing exemptions for services like nonprofit educational materials. The policy change simplifies the tax burden for those seeking tax help, without altering tax rates or creating new administrative requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4586, introduced in West Virginia's 2026 legislative session, would prohibit state agencies and local governments from purchasing electric vehicles that may contain components made through forced labor or oppressive child labor. The bill defines "forced labor" as work obtained by coercion or fraud, including labor involving protected characteristics, and "oppressive child labor" as employment of children under 14 in hazardous work like mining. It requires all government contracts for electric vehicles to include a provision ensuring no components were produced using such labor, aligning with federal actions like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. If enacted, the law would directly affect all state departments, counties, municipalities, schools, and universities purchasing electric vehicles, preventing taxpayer funds from supporting vehicles linked to unethical labor practices. The bill is currently pending in the House Government Organization Committee.

Maddy summaryHJR 22 proposes a constitutional amendment to give the West Virginia Legislature authority to reduce or eliminate ad valorem taxes on business inventory and other tangible personal property. The amendment would allow the Legislature to set different tax rates for various property types (like vehicles or business equipment), exempt specific items from taxation, or classify property as real or personal for tax purposes. It does not change current tax rates but creates a legal framework for future legislative action. The amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election and must comply with existing constitutional tax rate limits.

Maddy summaryHB 4450 requires West Virginia public schools to post adopted curriculum online (with login access for students and parents) by the start of each school year. It allows parents, custodians, or guardians of enrolled students to request inspections of classroom materials (including books and supplementary resources), with teachers required to schedule appointments within 10 business days and demonstrate how materials align with state standards. The bill also mandates that teachers list required books on class syllabi and makes them available to parents upon request. It establishes a formal complaint process for non-compliance, with county superintendents resolving issues within seven business days before escalating to the State Superintendent. This bill affects parents/custodians/guardians of students, not general taxpayers, as clarified by the bill's actual provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 4486 establishes fines for employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers in West Virginia. It directly affects businesses and organizations that employ individuals without proper immigration authorization. The bill sets tiered penalties: $1,000-$10,000 for a first offense, $5,000-$20,000 for a second, and $10,000-$30,000 or up to one year in jail for third or subsequent offenses. Additional penalties apply for falsifying records or transferring assets to evade these requirements. The bill amends existing law to strengthen enforcement against employers who knowingly violate immigration hiring rules.

Maddy summaryHB 4526 establishes rules for election observers in West Virginia, affecting political parties, candidates, and third-party organizations that may send up to two observers per election location. The bill requires observers to present a letter of appointment and wear a badge, while allowing them to observe most election activities - including ballot handling, tabulation, and equipment testing - except for individual vote casting or confidential ballot completion. It mandates election officials to provide full access to observation areas, prohibit obstructing observers, and ensure public access to ballot reviews and recounts. The law also permits observers to use recording devices and handwritten notes, with officials facing potential sanctions for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryHB 4449 permits public school teachers in West Virginia to request classroom cameras with principal approval, directly affecting students, staff, and parents in public schools. Key provisions require cameras to cover all classroom areas (excluding restrooms/changing areas), mandate 3-month recording retention (extending through summer breaks), and demand written notice to parents and staff about placement, purpose, and access. The bill strictly prohibits using recordings for teacher evaluations or any purpose beyond student safety, and mandates confidentiality, requiring school administrators to review footage only for verified incidents like bullying or abuse. All recordings must remain accessible for review upon request and during related investigations.

Maddy summaryHB 4499 would change West Virginia's eminent domain law to require property owners whose land is taken for public use to receive compensation equal to twice the fair market value of the property, plus damages to any remaining property. This applies to all eminent domain cases - whether initiated by the state, local governments, or private companies - commencing after the bill's effective date. The bill specifies that fair market value would be determined using current legal standards as of the date the property is taken. It also requires initial payments in expedited cases to be based on the condemning authority's estimate of double the fair market value.

Maddy summaryHB 4409 establishes a legal expectation of privacy for West Virginia legislators in their private offices within the State Capitol or official legislative spaces. The bill prohibits anyone - including staff, visitors, or journalists - from recording audio, video, or electronic communications in these offices without the legislator’s prior written consent, and bans secret installation of surveillance devices. Exceptions include Capitol security measures, recordings with explicit consent, and court-authorized wiretaps. Violating these rules would be a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. The law directly affects legislators and anyone entering their offices, reinforcing privacy protections during official work.

Maddy summaryHB 4447 prohibits election officials and others from sending absentee ballot applications to voters who haven’t specifically requested one. It limits anyone from delivering more than 10 unsolicited applications to a single voter. The bill requires absentee ballot applications to be available at county clerk offices and online, but ensures they are only sent upon direct request. Violations could result in misdemeanor penalties. This directly affects election officials, political groups, and individuals distributing ballot materials.