Del. Rick Hillenbrand

Maddy summaryHB 2529 prohibits state-funded organizations from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition for employment or participation in their programs. Covered entities - including state agencies, schools, local governments, and businesses receiving state funds - must provide exemptions for medical reasons (verified by a physician) or religious beliefs (via notarized statement), and cannot discriminate against employees using these exemptions. The law explicitly excludes Medicare/Medicaid facilities due to conflicting federal regulations. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2506 amends West Virginia law to expand vehicle registration fee exemptions for veterans. It lowers the required service-connected disability percentage from 100% to 50% or greater for veterans to qualify, and adds recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross to the list of eligible veterans. The bill directly affects veterans with qualifying disabilities or military honors who own non-commercial vehicles. Key provisions include modifying existing exemption criteria (§17A-10-8(5)) and adding new eligibility under subsection (7) for specific medal recipients. This change would allow more veterans to avoid paying annual vehicle registration fees.

Maddy summaryHB 2432 expands which federal law enforcement officers can enforce West Virginia state laws by adding 19 specific federal agency roles to the existing list. It allows officers from agencies like the FBI, DEA, Border Patrol, Coast Guard, and federal prisons to assist state/local agencies under three conditions: when requested in writing (or verbally in emergencies), when a local officer requests help during exigent circumstances, or when witnessing a felony. The bill clarifies these officers have the same legal authority and immunities as state officers but cannot conduct independent investigations beyond preserving immediate evidence. It directly affects state/local law enforcement agencies seeking federal assistance and the 19 federal agencies listed in subsection (b). The bill does not change existing law enforcement procedures but broadens eligibility for federal officers to collaborate with state agencies.

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 summaryHCR 48 is a concurrent resolution from the West Virginia Legislature urging Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It specifically requests a convention limited to proposing amendments focused on federal fiscal responsibility, citing rising national debt ($36 trillion) and inflation concerns. The resolution directs West Virginia to seek federal court action if Congress fails to comply and invites other states to convene a state-level meeting by July 2026 to draft fiscal amendments for state ballot consideration. As a procedural resolution - not a law - it does not change policy but formally requests action from Congress.

Maddy summaryHB 2112 amends West Virginia's excise tax code to adjust exemptions for real property transfers. The bill removes existing tax exemptions for certain gifts and quitclaim deeds while adding a new exemption for transfers between siblings. It directly affects property owners and recipients involved in real estate transactions, particularly those involving family members or specific gift scenarios. The changes aim to close perceived loopholes by tightening the definition of tax-exempt transfers under §11-22-1 of the state code.

Maddy summaryHB 2188 changes how distilleries, mini-distilleries, and micro-distilleries in West Virginia pay taxes to the state. Currently, the Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (ABCA) holds all gross revenue from these businesses until tax liability is calculated, requiring separate approval from the Auditor's office to release non-tax revenue. This bill allows them to instead pay tax liabilities directly to the West Virginia Tax Division using their gross revenue, following standard business practices. The change simplifies the process but does not alter tax rates or require payment of other fees (like market zone fees or licenses), which remain payable to the Tax Commissioner. The bill became effective upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2398 would impose penalties on delegates attending a "Convention of States" (a state-led gathering to propose U.S. constitutional amendments) who exceed their assigned authority. Delegates found violating their mandate would face mandatory recall, a $100,000-$500,000 fine, up to 10 years in prison, and voided votes. The bill directly affects state delegates appointed to such conventions, requiring them to strictly adhere to their pre-defined roles. It establishes these specific consequences as mandatory measures for any deviation from their authorized purpose.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes schools, public libraries, and museums from legal exemptions that currently protect them from criminal prosecution when distributing or displaying legally obscene material to minors. Under current law, these institutions could avoid charges if they followed specific conditions (like having a parent present for minors at libraries), but the bill eliminates these protections entirely. The change means these organizations could now face criminal liability for such actions without the previous safeguards. This policy shift directly affects how these public institutions handle materials legally defined as obscene when minors are involved.

Maddy summaryHB 2191 allows West Virginia county commissions to sell, lease, trade-in, or dispose of county-owned real or personal property (including trade-ins for new property) without requiring public auction for trade-in transactions. It mandates public notice and auction for sales over $1,000 (except trade-ins), and requires public hearings for leases exceeding 50 years. The bill creates standardized rules for these transactions while exempting trade-in deals from auction requirements. This directly affects county governments managing their assets, streamlining property disposal for public purposes.