Del. Rick Hillenbrand

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 2670 would double West Virginia's homestead property tax exemption from $20,000 to $40,000. This change directly affects homeowners aged 65 or older, or those certified as permanently and totally disabled, who occupy their primary residence and meet residency requirements. The bill increases the dollar amount covered by the exemption, meaning eligible homeowners would pay property taxes on the value above $40,000 instead of $20,000. It maintains existing eligibility conditions, including two years of continuous West Virginia residency (with exceptions for returning residents and military personnel), without altering other provisions.

Maddy summaryHCR 53 is a House Concurrent Resolution (not a law) affirming West Virginia's constitutional right to legal standing in matters affecting its residents. It states the state recognizes no judicial authority that denies West Virginia's standing in issues impacting its people, citing the Tenth Amendment, the Declaration of Independence, and West Virginia's own Constitution. The resolution declares any effort to restrict this standing "illegal, void, and an attack on the sovereignty of the People and State." As a concurrent resolution, it expresses the legislature's position but does not create new law or directly affect residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires independent candidates for West Virginia state offices to file their candidacy documents between the second Monday and last Saturday in January of the election year. It applies to all independent candidates running for positions like state legislature, judicial offices, or county-level seats. The filing must be submitted to the Secretary of State (for multi-county offices) or county clerk (for local offices) by the deadline, aligning with existing timelines for partisan candidates. This clarifies that independents must follow the same January filing window as other candidates, rather than later deadlines.

Maddy summaryHB 2079 prohibits public sewer districts serving at least 4,500 customers with $3 million+ annual revenue from requiring mandatory hook-up fees or installation charges for new or expanded sewer systems. The bill amends West Virginia law to eliminate these fees, directly affecting homeowners and property developers connecting to municipal sewer infrastructure. Key provisions require sewer districts to establish rates based on usage, fixtures, or customer count instead of connection charges, while maintaining public notice requirements for rate changes. This policy change removes a financial barrier for property owners connecting to existing or new sewer systems.

Maddy summaryHB 2541 would establish rules for election observers in West Virginia, allowing political parties, candidates, and third-party organizations to have two observers per election location, plus any registered voter to serve as an observer. The bill requires election officials to provide observers with full access to voting, ballot-reviewing, and ballot-counting activities (excluding individual voter choices), including access to areas like ballot handling, verification, and tabulation. Observers must wear official badges, may take handwritten notes or use recording devices (except during ballot completion), and cameras must be stationed in all polling locations to enable public observation. The bill also mandates that election officials allow public observation of equipment testing and post-election audits, with failure to comply risking official sanctions.

Maddy summaryHB 2540 requires the West Virginia state to reimburse counties for daily incarceration costs when an inmate’s conviction results in credit for time already served toward their sentence. This directly affects counties that house inmates who receive sentence reductions due to prior time served in custody. The bill amends §15A-3-16 of state code to establish a reimbursement process for these costs, replacing the current system where counties pay daily per diem fees. Previously, counties paid for all days incarcerated, but the state now covers costs for days not served due to time credit.

Maddy summaryHB 2530 creates a state program within West Virginia’s Department of Homeland Security to facilitate the transport of "inspected unauthorized aliens" (people processed by federal authorities but not formally admitted under immigration law) within the United States. The bill establishes the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program, authorizing the state to contract services and adopt rules for transporting these individuals, while requiring compliance with federal law. It does not address deportation or sanctuary cities, as the bill’s title misrepresents its purpose. The program is temporary, expiring June 30, 2028. This bill directly affects West Virginia’s administrative processes for handling individuals already processed by federal immigration systems.

Maddy summaryHB 2574 prohibits public West Virginia colleges and universities from requiring "diversity statements" during admissions, hiring, or promotions, and bans preferential treatment based on race, sex, or other protected characteristics. The bill defines prohibited "diversity training" as any program teaching concepts like systemic racism, structural inequity, or identity-based privilege, and restricts institutions from using race-neutral alternatives that intentionally produce racial outcomes. It requires annual compliance certification to the Legislative Oversight Commission and allows applicants to voluntarily share diversity statements or provide information about academic work, pedagogy, or anti-discrimination compliance. The law directly affects all public higher education institutions in West Virginia, altering their admissions, employment, and training practices.

Maddy summaryHB 2526 requires West Virginia public schools to designate shared restrooms and changing areas exclusively for students based on the sex assigned at birth, as listed on their original birth certificate. It mandates that schools provide single-occupancy restrooms as a "reasonable accommodation" for students unable to use designated facilities, but prohibits access to restrooms designated for the opposite sex. Violations could result in fines up to $500 for school officials like principals or superintendents, with parents able to sue if students encounter opposite-sex individuals in designated areas without permission. The bill excludes accommodations needed under the Americans with Disabilities Act or for young children requiring physical assistance.