Del. Mike Hite

Maddy summaryHB 2951 exempts the sale of small arms (rifles, shotguns, pistols under specific size limits), small arms ammunition, and related accessories (including optics, holsters, cleaning supplies, and storage devices) from West Virginia's sales and service taxes. It directly affects consumers purchasing these items for personal use, as well as shooting ranges hosting events. The bill defines "small arms accessories" broadly to cover equipment like target systems, scopes, reloading tools, and range gear. This policy change reduces the cost of acquiring firearms and related equipment by removing applicable state taxes. The bill is currently in the House Finance Committee after being introduced on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2495 moves the Berkeley County Roundhouse Authority - a nonprofit managing historic railroad facilities - from its current structure into the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History. The bill transfers operational control to the department’s Division of Culture and History, where the authority will continue its work preserving the B&O Martinsburg Shops (a National Historic Landmark) and promoting tourism and education. This procedural change aims to streamline the authority’s efforts in historic preservation and community engagement under state oversight. The bill does not create new policies but reorganizes an existing entity.

Maddy summaryHB 2804 would increase criminal penalties for assaulting or battering athletic officials during sporting events in West Virginia. It raises fines for assault to a minimum of $500 (up to 6 months jail) and for battery to a minimum of $1,000 (up to 12 months jail). The bill defines "athletic official" to include umpires, referees, and coaches acting in their official capacity. This amendment would change current penalties under West Virginia Code §61-2-15a, applying specifically to incidents occurring while officials are enforcing rules or supervising events. The bill is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHJR 21 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds vote in both the West Virginia House and Senate to pass any bill that imposes a new tax, creates a new license fee, or increases an existing tax or fee rate. This would directly affect the legislative process for tax-related bills, making it harder to pass such measures without broad bipartisan support. The amendment includes one exception: a simple majority vote could approve a tax or fee increase solely to pay state debt interest or principal when due. The bill does not apply to taxes or fees already authorized before the amendment's ratification. If approved by voters in 2026, this would change how West Virginia handles tax legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 2544 would remove the requirement for direct physician supervision for physician assistants and certified nurse practitioners in West Virginia. The bill repeals specific sections of state law (§30-3E-10a and §30-3E-11) that previously mandated in-person supervision and amends other provisions to prevent future rules requiring it. This change would allow these healthcare providers to practice more independently, as long as they maintain collaboration with a physician via telecommunication. The bill directly affects physician assistants and nurse practitioners by expanding their scope of practice under current collaborative frameworks.

Maddy summaryHB 2440 would change West Virginia's presidential primary election date from the third Tuesday in February (starting in 2028) to the second Tuesday in May. This affects only the presidential primary election for voters selecting candidates for President of the United States, not other primary elections for state or local offices. The bill amends existing law to move the presidential primary to align with the general election timing, as currently set for the second Tuesday in May for non-presidential primaries. The change would apply every four years for presidential elections beginning in 2028. This is a procedural adjustment to election scheduling with no direct impact on voter registration or ballot access.

Maddy summaryHB 2506 amends West Virginia law to expand vehicle registration fee exemptions for veterans. It lowers the required service-connected disability percentage from 100% to 50% or greater for veterans to qualify, and adds recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross to the list of eligible veterans. The bill directly affects veterans with qualifying disabilities or military honors who own non-commercial vehicles. Key provisions include modifying existing exemption criteria (§17A-10-8(5)) and adding new eligibility under subsection (7) for specific medal recipients. This change would allow more veterans to avoid paying annual vehicle registration fees.

Maddy summaryHB 2442 repeals a West Virginia law (§55-2-1) that set a specific time limit for filing lawsuits to enter upon or recover lands. This change removes the existing deadline for property disputes involving land access or ownership, affecting individuals and entities involved in such legal actions. The bill does not create new rules but eliminates the current limitation period governing these cases. As a procedural repeal, it directly impacts how land-related lawsuits are filed in West Virginia courts.

Maddy summaryHB 2443 prohibits registered sex offenders in West Virginia from living within 3,000 feet of schools, childcare facilities, youth recreational areas, or playgrounds used by children under 18. It directly affects individuals required to register as sex offenders under state law. Exceptions include offenders in correctional facilities, under specific court orders (Title 41 MCA), or minors/wards under guardianship. The bill clarifies existing restrictions without creating new penalties, focusing solely on residential location limits.

Maddy summaryHB 2494 revises West Virginia's child labor laws by removing the requirement for 14- to 15-year-olds to obtain work permits. Instead, employers hiring children aged 14 or older must now secure an age certificate from the State Commissioner of Labor, which requires verifying the child's age using a birth certificate or official transcript. The bill repeals outdated provisions for work permits (§21-6-3, §21-6-4) and blanket permits (§21-6-8a), while maintaining penalties for violations (fines up to $1,000 or jail time for repeat offenses) and supervision permits for special cases. This change directly affects employers of minors aged 14+ and shifts verification responsibility to the Labor Commissioner.