Del. Ian Masters

Maddy summaryHB 2375 prohibits requiring physicians or others to perform or assist in irreversible gender reassignment surgery if they object for any reason. It directly affects medical professionals licensed in West Virginia, including physicians under the state's medical boards. The bill adds a new section to state law explicitly stating that no one may be compelled to participate in such procedures, even if mandated by law or policy. This creates a legal protection for healthcare providers who refuse to provide or assist with these specific medical procedures based on personal, medical, or other grounds.

Maddy summaryHB 2384 would amend West Virginia law to allow individuals aged 18-20 to carry concealed deadly weapons without a permit, matching the current allowance for those 21 and older. The bill specifically revises sections of the code that currently impose misdemeanor penalties (fines up to $1,000 or up to 12 months in jail) on 18-20 year olds carrying concealed deadly weapons without authorization. Existing exceptions remain in place, such as carrying on one's own property, transporting unloaded firearms between home and a repair shop, or during lawful hunting. This change directly affects West Virginia residents aged 18-20 who would no longer need a permit for concealed carry of deadly weapons under the revised law.

Maddy summaryHB 2352 modifies West Virginia's Unborn Child Protection Act by requiring healthcare providers to obtain voluntary, informed consent before performing abortions. The bill mandates that providers inform patients about medical risks of abortion, risks of carrying a pregnancy to term, ultrasound viewing options, fetal development stages, and mental health resources - via printed materials and the state health department's website. It includes special provisions for minors and cases of sexual assault or incest, requiring 48-hour law enforcement reports or medical treatment documentation before abortion access. The bill also restricts abortion locations to licensed hospitals and prohibits certain procedures, while emphasizing patient education as a core requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 2097 creates a new felony offense for "reckless and wanton vehicular homicide" in West Virginia, directly affecting drivers whose reckless driving causes death within one year. The bill establishes penalties of 1-5 years in prison or fines of $2,000-$5,000 (or both) for this felony, while maintaining existing misdemeanor penalties for negligent cases ($500-$1,000 fine or up to six months in jail). It also mandates license revocation for anyone convicted of either vehicular homicide offense. The law distinguishes between reckless/wanton behavior (felony) and mere negligence (misdemeanor) in causing death through vehicle operation.

Maddy summaryHB 2155, the Electronic Right to Repair Act, requires manufacturers of digital electronic equipment (like smartphones) to provide independent repair shops and owners with necessary documentation, parts, and tools at fair and reasonable terms. Specifically, it mandates that manufacturers make repair documentation available free of charge (with minimal cost for physical copies), provide tools without requiring internet access or special authorization, and offer parts at the same cost and terms they provide to their own authorized repair shops. This directly affects manufacturers (such as Apple) and benefits local independent repair businesses and consumers who want to repair devices without relying solely on manufacturer services. The law aims to increase competition in repair services by removing barriers that previously restricted third-party repair access.