Del. Rick Hillenbrand

Maddy summaryHB 2186 requires local governments in West Virginia, including counties, cities, and specific agencies like urban renewal authorities, to provide a 20% matching contribution for grants received from the Reclamation of Abandoned and Dilapidated Properties Program, unless they demonstrate fiscal inability using data from the State Auditor. The bill also mandates that fines collected from abandoned or dilapidated property violations must be used either to support these matching funds or to demolish condemned properties. This program, funded by a special state revenue fund including federal grants and charitable donations, helps communities address blighted properties through cleanup and redevelopment. The bill adds a new financial requirement for local entities seeking program grants.

Maddy summaryHB 2083 sets specific deadlines for when absentee ballot applications must be received by election officials, not for when completed ballots must be returned. It requires most voters to submit applications by the sixth day before an election, while qualified first responders must submit by 5:00 p.m. the day before. This affects all West Virginia voters seeking absentee ballots by mail or electronic means, ensuring officials have sufficient time to verify eligibility and mail ballots. The bill updates existing application timing rules without changing the current requirement that completed ballots must be received by polls closing on election day.

Maddy summaryHB 2078 requires all candidates for state, county, or local elected offices to live within the specific district they are running to represent. It defines "principal residence" as living in the district with intent to remain there, using concrete evidence like voter registration, driver's license, vehicle registration, or tax filings to verify residency. The bill does not apply to candidates for Circuit Court Judge, Family Court Judge, or Prosecuting Attorney positions. This law directly affects candidates seeking most elected offices by mandating they reside in their district, aiming to ensure representatives live where they serve.

Maddy summaryHB 2092 requires West Virginia counties and municipalities to provide public notice at least three months before purchasing land or buildings. The notice must include property size, sale details (date, location, method), inspection periods, and contact information, and must be accessible via social media, courthouse postings, or local newspapers. Proposals submitted for these purchases must be publicly available for 10 business days prior to final decisions. This bill directly affects local governments by standardizing transparency in property acquisitions, ensuring community awareness of potential land or building purchases.

Maddy summaryHB 2088 prohibits individuals listed on West Virginia’s state sex offender database from attending any public school activities, events, or athletic functions, regardless of whether they have children enrolled. This applies to all such individuals, including parents or guardians, and directly affects those on the registry who would otherwise participate in school-related settings. The bill imposes penalties: a first violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail, while subsequent violations are felonies carrying 1-5 years in prison. It also requires parent-teacher conferences involving registered sex offenders to occur off school grounds, such as at a courthouse or police station. The law creates a clear policy change banning these individuals from school premises during school activities.

Maddy summaryHB 2077 requires voters applying for absentee ballots in West Virginia to include a copy of their West Virginia driver's license or alternative identification approved by the Secretary of State on their absentee ballot application forms. This applies specifically to anyone requesting an absentee ballot for any election, including mail-in or electronic voting. The bill adds a new requirement to the existing application process, which already includes name, address, and signature, but now mandates this ID verification step. It does not change the ballot itself or voting methods, only the application documentation for absentee voting. The Secretary of State will determine which alternative ID options are authorized.

Maddy summaryHB 2080 bars public schools in West Virginia from using school resources - like facilities, staff time, or materials - for election-related activities. It also prohibits school employees from engaging in political activities during work hours or while representing the school administration. The bill specifically prevents staff from advocating for candidates, distributing campaign materials, or participating in political events using school time or equipment. This directly affects school employees and students, as it restricts political involvement during school operations.

Maddy summaryHB 2125 expands safe surrender options by permitting 24/7 staffed 911 centers and ambulance stations to install newborn safety devices. These devices must include dual alarms tested weekly, visually checked daily, and alert staff within 30 seconds of a baby’s placement, triggering a 911 call if unattended for 15 minutes. Parents can anonymously leave infants under 30 days old without legal repercussions or abuse charges, while emergency responders gain liability protection for good-faith actions. The bill directly affects parents seeking anonymous surrender, emergency medical staff, and facilities operating these devices.