Del. Mike Hornby

Maddy summaryHB 2127, titled the "West Virginia Women's Bill of Rights," defines "sex" in state law as biological sex (male or female) at birth, excluding gender identity, and requires replacing the word "gender" with "sex" in all state statutes. The bill permits state entities to maintain single-sex environments - such as sports teams, locker rooms, shelters, and domestic violence services - without violating anti-discrimination laws, citing biological differences as justification. It also mandates that state agencies collecting data on sex (for public health, crime, or other purposes) must classify individuals as male or female based on these definitions, ensuring consistency in data collection. The bill applies to all state laws, regulations, and public institutions that classify people by sex or collect sex-related data.

Maddy summaryHB 2118 allows off-duty and retired law enforcement officers (LEOs) meeting specific requirements to carry concealed handguns in locations where active-duty officers could carry, including the State Capitol Complex. It requires these officers to comply with their agency's firearms policies and present agency-issued credentials upon request. The bill modifies Capitol access rules to permit concealed carry on Capitol grounds and in the Capitol building (excluding the Governor's office, Supreme Court chambers, and designated gallery areas), while maintaining restrictions on pepper spray and other weapons. This directly affects off-duty LEOs, retired officers with LEOSA certification, and Capitol security protocols. The policy change clarifies exemptions for authorized officers without altering general concealed carry laws.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 2130 sets reimbursement rates for healthcare providers serving West Virginia public employees and retirees through the Public Employees Insurance Agency. It requires the Agency to pay hospitals at least 110% of Medicare rates for inpatient care (excluding Medicare primary retiree plans) and mandates an 80% employer/20% employee cost-sharing structure for premiums. The bill also requires annual financial plans to be reviewed by an independent actuary, includes public hearings on proposed plans, and allows subsidies for retired employees based on factors like employment length. This directly affects state employees, retirees, and healthcare providers participating in the state insurance program.