Del. Ian Masters

Maddy summaryHB 2609 requires device manufacturers and app stores to verify users' ages and obtain parental consent before allowing children under 16 to download applications. It mandates developers to provide parental controls - such as time limits, content filters, and account management tools - based on real-time age data provided by the app store. The law applies to new devices starting January 1, 2026, with older devices needing compliance by January 1, 2027. This directly affects parents/guardians, device makers (like Apple or Google), app developers, and children under 16.

Maddy summaryHB 2618 would automatically restore firearm rights to West Virginia residents who complete sentences for nonviolent felonies, eliminating the need for separate court petitions. It specifically applies to individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes but excludes those convicted of violent felonies, certain drug offenses (like Schedule I-III controlled substances except marijuana), or domestic violence misdemeanors. The bill amends West Virginia law to remove automatic firearm prohibitions once sentences and court-ordered penalties like fines are fully served. This changes current practice where individuals must seek judicial restoration of rights after completing their sentence. The bill is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee after being introduced on February 19, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3483 creates a process for individuals prohibited from owning firearms due to a mental health condition to petition a court to regain that right. To apply, petitioners must submit a recent mental health evaluation (within 30 days) from a licensed professional, details of past treatment, and authorize release of their mental health records. The court must consider the person’s mental health history, criminal record, character evidence, and whether they pose a public safety risk before deciding. All documents filed remain confidential except for the court, prosecutor, and petitioner, and any court order restoring firearm rights must be reported to state law enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 3489 amends West Virginia's school vaccination requirements to clarify exemption procedures and health official duties. It requires children entering public schools or state-regulated child care centers to be vaccinated against specific diseases (including measles, chickenpox, and polio) unless a medical exemption is granted. The bill specifies that medical exemptions must be certified by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, and clarifies that health officials must review exemption requests based on medical evidence. This directly affects school-aged children, parents, school administrators, and health departments by standardizing enrollment rules and exemption processes.

Maddy summaryHB 3494 requires individuals convicted in West Virginia of specific crimes to formally acknowledge their firearm prohibition and transfer firearms at the time of sentencing. It directly affects people convicted of felonies (over one year imprisonment, under §61-7-7(a)(1)) or misdemeanor domestic violence assaults/batteries involving intimate partners, spouses, or household members (under §61-7-7(a)(8)). The bill mandates they sign a form confirming the prohibition and hand over firearms to someone legally allowed to possess them. This adds a new procedural step to existing firearm restrictions, focusing on immediate compliance at conviction. The bill is currently in the House Judiciary Committee for review.

Maddy summaryHJR 40 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how members of the West Virginia State Board of Education are selected. It would replace the current system of nine appointed members with a hybrid model: five members elected on a partisan basis from five geographic regions (serving staggered four-year terms), and four members appointed by the Governor with Senate consent. The amendment would require the Board to submit any rules or policies they create to the Legislature for review, approval, amendment, or rejection. If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, these changes would take effect with the 2028 general election, modifying the current appointment system for the Board.

Maddy summaryHB 2781 requires West Virginia judicial officers to consider a person's residency status when determining bail for specific misdemeanor offenses. It applies to cases involving violent misdemeanors, offenses against minors, weapons use, drug violations, sexual abuse, serious traffic offenses, or property crimes exceeding $250 in value. The bill mandates judges to evaluate whether the person is a resident of West Virginia or the U.S. as part of "good cause" for release, alongside other factors like community ties and flight risk. This change modifies existing bail procedures by explicitly adding residency as a consideration for these misdemeanor cases. The bill does not alter penalties but affects how bail conditions are set for eligible defendants.

Maddy summaryHB 3345 establishes a 50% tax credit for West Virginia family caregivers providing uncompensated care to eligible relatives. The credit covers eligible out-of-pocket expenses directly related to daily living needs (like home modifications, medical equipment, hiring aides, or respite care), with a maximum annual credit of $2,000. It applies to caregivers supporting family members who are 18+ and require assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing, feeding, mobility), as certified by a healthcare provider. The credit is nonrefundable and will take effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 2800 requires West Virginia's Public Service Commission (PSC) to survey solid waste collection and transportation fees in border counties by October 1, 2025, and establish an annual maximum rate for these services. It directly affects private commercial waste carriers operating in those border counties, allowing them to adjust fees up to the PSC-set maximum rate. Carriers must provide customers with written notice of any fee increase at least one billing cycle in advance. The bill aims to standardize fees across border counties while giving carriers flexibility within the established rate cap.

Maddy summaryHB 3307 requires non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and nonprofit corporations receiving $100,000 or more in state funding (grants, awards, tax credits, or other support) to limit administrative costs to 15% of that funding. These organizations must submit annual financial reports to the West Virginia State Auditor, including sworn statements verifying funds were used as intended. The bill also mandates an annual audit by the State Auditor for all qualifying NGOs to ensure compliance with the spending limits and reporting requirements. This directly affects nonprofits receiving significant state funds, adding accountability measures to their financial operations.