Del. Ian Masters

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 summaryHB 2436 requires judicial officers to conduct mental health evaluations before setting bonds for individuals charged with specific misdemeanors in West Virginia. It directly affects people accused of crimes like violent misdemeanors, offenses against minors, drug violations under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, sexual abuse, serious traffic offenses, or property crimes exceeding $250 in value. The bill mandates that for these offenses, judges must consider mental health evaluations when determining bond conditions, potentially requiring home incarceration, electronic monitoring, or other restrictions to ensure court appearance and community safety. It amends existing bond procedures to add this evaluation step as a standard consideration for the listed misdemeanor charges. The bill is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee after its introduction on February 17, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 5 is a non-binding resolution designating October as "Military Toxic Exposure Awareness Month" in West Virginia. It recognizes the health impacts of toxic exposures on military personnel, veterans (including Agent Orange veterans), workers, and their families, particularly those linked to West Virginia military sites. The resolution encourages public awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and community outreach to support affected individuals, directing copies to state agencies and congressional leaders. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise visibility for ongoing health and environmental concerns.

Maddy summaryHB 2460 requires state permitting agencies, counties, and municipalities to treat private and parochial schools the same as public schools for all construction-related requirements. This includes building permits, fees, safety standards, wastewater management, septic systems, and the speed of permit approvals. The bill directly affects private and parochial schools (non-public, often religiously affiliated institutions) and the government entities that regulate construction processes. It mandates equal application of these rules to end current disparities where private schools faced stricter or different requirements than public schools.

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 2446 declares that federal laws restricting firearm ownership, accessories, or ammunition within West Virginia are unenforceable and legally void. It directly affects West Virginians by asserting state authority over firearm regulations, overriding federal restrictions on gun possession, sale, or use within the state. Key provisions require state courts and law enforcement to protect this right, establish legal claims against those violating it, and award damages for infringements. The bill also prohibits state employment for individuals enforcing federal restrictions on firearms within West Virginia. This legislation seeks to prevent federal gun regulations from applying in the state, though it has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHB 2445 removes qualified immunity for West Virginia law enforcement officers who use excessive force or act negligently during no-knock warrant executions. The bill requires courts to review officer actions if they cause injury, death, or psychological harm through reckless, negligent, or knowingly illegal conduct - such as using excessive force or failing to follow proper procedures. Courts must also examine whether the officer's agency provided adequate training for such situations, potentially making the agency liable for the officer's actions. This change means officers and their departments could face personal financial or legal consequences in lawsuits when misconduct occurs during no-knock warrants.

Maddy summaryHB 2517 would eliminate mandatory vaccination requirements for students entering West Virginia schools and state-regulated child care centers. Currently, children must provide proof of specific immunizations (including measles, polio, and whooping cough) to enroll; this bill removes that requirement, making immunizations voluntary. The key mechanism is amending state law to replace mandatory vaccination with a voluntary system, eliminating the need for vaccination certificates for school entry. This directly affects all students entering public, private, or parochial schools and child care centers in West Virginia. The bill does not change medical exemption processes or vaccine access for low-income families.

Maddy summaryHB 2457 requires hospitals and county/city governments in West Virginia to report costs related to undocumented immigrants. Hospitals must collect immigration status during patient registration (with privacy safeguards) and submit quarterly reports on admissions by status to the Department of Health. Counties must report quarterly expenses for undocumented residents receiving public resources like housing or education. The Department of Health will compile annual reports for the Governor and Legislature on these costs and their impact on healthcare funding, without sharing personal patient data. This bill focuses on data collection, not policy changes or cost recovery.

Maddy summaryHB 2385 would exempt safe gun storage devices from West Virginia's state sales tax. The bill amends the state's tax code to add these devices - such as gun safes or lockboxes - to the list of tax-exempt items. This change would directly affect consumers purchasing these safety products, reducing their cost by eliminating the 6% sales tax. The policy change specifically targets storage devices designed to securely hold firearms, not other gun-related items.