Del. Mike Hornby

Maddy summaryHB 2117 changes the deadline for submitting mail-in ballot applications in West Virginia. It requires most voters' applications to be received by the sixth day before an election, while qualified first responders must submit theirs by 5:00 p.m. the day before the election. The bill maintains the same deadline (six days before) for overseas and uniformed services voters. This affects all voters requesting mail-in ballots, adjusting the timing for when applications must be accepted by election officials.

Maddy summaryHB 2187 would allow K-12 teachers in West Virginia who hold valid concealed handgun permits to carry concealed firearms on school grounds when designated as "school protection officers" by their school. The bill amends state law to create this exception, explicitly permitting teachers (but not all staff) to carry concealed weapons as part of their role, provided they meet standard concealed carry requirements. This changes existing rules that generally prohibit firearms on school premises, except for specific exemptions like law enforcement. The bill is currently under review by the House Judiciary Committee after initial referral to Education.

Maddy summaryHB 3199 prevents West Virginia local governments (cities/counties) from creating their own rules about tobacco products and e-cigarettes that lack "characterizing flavors" (such as fruit, candy, or dessert flavors). It makes any existing local laws on these products unenforceable, but only applies to products with federal FDA approval and excludes tobacco, menthol, mint, or wintergreen-flavored items. The bill clarifies state law preempts local regulation for specific tobacco products without those flavors, without changing product availability or safety standards. (Note: Introduced March 2025, currently pending in committee.)

Maddy summaryHB 2139 exempts cash tips received by West Virginia residents from the state's personal income tax. It directly affects workers who earn cash tips, such as servers and bartenders, by removing tax liability on that specific income. The bill adds a new section (§11-21-12o) to the tax code, explicitly stating that cash tips from any source are not subject to state income tax. This policy change provides a direct tax benefit to individuals whose income includes cash tips.

Maddy summaryHB 2746 regulates vape shops in West Virginia by prohibiting retailers from selling electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes, vapes, etc.) outside original packaging, to anyone under 21, to visibly impaired individuals, or during unauthorized hours. It also bans allowing consumption on premises, altering product information, or permitting minors under 18 to sell devices (with limited exceptions for 16-17 year olds under strict supervision). Violations are misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $5,000 or up to one year in jail. The bill requires vape shops to follow state safety standards set by the Health and Agriculture Departments and coordinate with them for approved product sales. It directly affects vape shop owners and employees operating under retail licenses.

Maddy summaryHB 2681 requires all West Virginia high school students to learn proper American flag etiquette - including handling, folding, displaying, honoring, and retiring the flag - as part of their graduation requirements. This bill amends existing curriculum standards to add flag etiquette instruction to civics and history courses, mandating that students pass an exam on this topic before graduating. The requirement applies specifically to public high schools and builds upon current mandates for U.S. history, civics, and government education. The bill does not alter existing health or other curriculum standards but adds a new, specific knowledge requirement for graduation.

Maddy summaryHB 2453 allows West Virginia public school teachers to carry over unused sick or personal leave days to the next academic year. The bill adds a new provision (§18A-2-16) to the education code, enabling teachers to bank these days without losing them at year-end. This directly affects all public school instructors in West Virginia who have unused leave balances. The policy change is straightforward, requiring no additional approval or application process for teachers to retain their accrued leave.

Maddy summaryHB 3141 requires private or government entities taking property through eminent domain to pay an additional 15% fee based on the court-ordered value paid to landowners. This fee must be paid to the county where the property is located and is in addition to all other costs. The funds collected can only be used by counties for acquiring or improving public forests, parks, recreation facilities, and related infrastructure. The bill does not reduce the amount paid to landowners and applies to all eminent domain proceedings under West Virginia law. It is currently in the House Finance Committee for review.

Maddy summaryHB 3131, the First Amendment Preservation Act, prohibits West Virginia state agencies from contracting with media monitoring organizations or advertising agencies that use them. The bill defines "media monitoring organizations" as entities that rate news sources for accuracy, bias, or journalistic standards (excluding those tracking audience size or demographics), and requires agencies to obtain written certification from bidders that they comply with this prohibition. It applies to all state departments, boards, institutions, and political subdivisions using state funds for advertising or marketing services. The law aims to prevent state funds from being used in ways that could lead to viewpoint discrimination in advertising. This bill directly affects state agencies and advertising/marketing contractors bidding on state contracts.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 8) is a symbolic request from the West Virginia House of Delegates asking Congress to pass the federal National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (HR 38). It states that West Virginia residents with valid concealed carry permits should be able to carry concealed weapons in any state that allows concealed carry, without needing to verify if that state recognizes their West Virginia permit. The resolution does not change any laws itself but urges Congress to enact HR 38, which would require all states to honor out-of-state concealed carry permits, similar to how driver's licenses are recognized across state lines. It directly affects West Virginia permit holders traveling to other states.