Rep. David Cannon

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for deputy sheriffs who have resigned from their departments to apply for reinstatement from two years to five years. It directly affects former deputy sheriffs in West Virginia who wish to return to their positions after leaving their departments. The key change modifies the existing requirement in state law (§7-14-8(d)(2)), which previously limited reinstatement applications to within two years of resignation. Other conditions for reinstatement - such as having no pending misconduct charges, residing in the same county, and passing medical and psychological exams - remain unchanged.

Maddy summaryHB 2408 prohibits the use of ranked choice voting (RCV) in all West Virginia elections. It bans RCV - which allows voters to rank candidates by preference and transfers votes in rounds - from being used for any local, state, or federal election by state, county, or local election offices. The bill defines RCV explicitly and declares any local government ordinance supporting it void. This directly affects all elections in the state and prevents future adoption of RCV methods. The bill is a direct legislative prohibition with no exceptions for specific offices or jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryHB 2406 requires all West Virginia state offices, departments, boards, and commissions to replace specific terms in government communications with gender-specific alternatives. It mandates replacing phrases like "pregnant people" with "pregnant women" and "chestfeeding" with "breastfeeding" in official documents, websites, literature, and in-person interactions. The bill targets language it deems "exclusionary" or "sexist," listing nine specific term replacements to be implemented by June 1, 2025. This directly affects all state government entities responsible for public communications.

Maddy summaryHB 2407 would exempt overtime pay from West Virginia's personal income tax for full-time hourly employees. Specifically, it modifies the tax code to exclude income earned for work exceeding 40 hours per week from taxable gross income. This directly affects hourly workers who receive overtime compensation, reducing their state tax burden on that additional earnings. The bill amends West Virginia Code §11-21-12 to exclude overtime income from adjusted gross income calculations for tax purposes. It is currently in the House Finance Committee following its introduction on February 17, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 20 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit terms for certain West Virginia executive officers. It prohibits elected executive officers (like Governor, Secretary of State, State Auditor, Treasurer, Attorney General, and Agriculture Commissioner) from holding other elected offices during their term. The amendment limits individuals to three consecutive terms in the specific offices listed, starting January 1, 2027, with terms before that date not counting toward the limit. This resolution requires voter approval at the 2026 general election to become part of the state constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 2404 creates a tax credit for West Virginia businesses that donate to local pregnancy or birth centers. Businesses can claim a credit equal to their donation amount (nonrefundable), provided they submit proof of the contribution to the Tax Commissioner. The credit directly affects businesses operating in West Virginia that choose to support these specific health centers. The bill requires no new state funding, as it offsets existing tax revenue based on private donations. This policy change aims to incentivize private financial support for facilities offering pregnancy-related services.

Maddy summaryHB 2481 requires most West Virginia retail businesses - including those selling food, goods, or services - to accept physical cash as payment without discrimination, meaning they cannot force customers to use credit cards or digital payments. The bill applies to in-person transactions at physical locations but excludes online, mail-order, or remote sales. Businesses violating the rule face a maximum $500 fine, and the Treasurer’s Office may create exemptions for specific situations like small transactions or certain business types. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2127, titled the "West Virginia Women's Bill of Rights," defines "sex" in state law as biological sex (male or female) at birth, excluding gender identity, and requires replacing the word "gender" with "sex" in all state statutes. The bill permits state entities to maintain single-sex environments - such as sports teams, locker rooms, shelters, and domestic violence services - without violating anti-discrimination laws, citing biological differences as justification. It also mandates that state agencies collecting data on sex (for public health, crime, or other purposes) must classify individuals as male or female based on these definitions, ensuring consistency in data collection. The bill applies to all state laws, regulations, and public institutions that classify people by sex or collect sex-related data.