Del. Chuck Horst

Maddy summaryHB 2067, the West Virginia Firearms Liability Clarification Act, clarifies that firearm owners or sellers are generally not liable for civil lawsuits related to firearms they lawfully possess or transfer, unless negligence or intentional misconduct is proven. This law directly affects firearm owners, sellers, and businesses involved in gun transactions by limiting their civil liability in specific scenarios. The bill, now law after being approved by the Governor on April 25, 2025, establishes clear legal standards to prevent frivolous lawsuits targeting lawful firearm activities.

Maddy summaryHB 2718 creates a State Advisory Council to study and provide recommendations on establishing a military college within the state. The council will consist of appointed state officials and community representatives who will examine feasibility, structure, and funding options for the college. This bill directly affects state education and military affairs officials responsible for forming the council and implementing its findings. As a procedural measure, it does not establish the college itself but sets up a formal process for future consideration. The bill became law on April 25, 2025 (Chapter 178, Acts of the 2025 Regular Session).

Maddy summaryHB 2402 requires healthcare providers to share a minor's medical records with parents or legal guardians upon request, unless the minor (age 14 or older) specifically asks to keep their records private. This law directly affects minors, their parents/guardians, and healthcare providers who must now follow this access protocol. Key provisions mandate that providers inform minors about their right to request record privacy and establish clear procedures for handling access requests. The bill became law on April 25, 2025, after approval by the governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits specific food additives deemed unsafe from being used in school nutrition programs in West Virginia, directly affecting schools and meal providers participating in state and federal school feeding initiatives. The legislation explicitly bans butylated hydroxyanisole, propylparaben, and six FD&C food colorings from meals served in schools, while allowing these ingredients in other food products outside of school nutrition programs. The law also updates existing definitions of adulterated food to include these specific additives and exempts minor violations from criminal penalties if the total value of adulterated food sold under $5,000 per month. These changes take effect on August 1, 2025, for school programs and January 1, 2028, for broader food safety provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 2387 repeals a requirement for hunters to obtain a Class A1 pistol stamp when using such firearms for hunting. This change directly affects hunters in the state who previously needed this specific stamp for Class A1 pistols during hunting activities. The bill eliminates the administrative step of securing the stamp, streamlining the process for eligible hunters. The law took effect on July 31, 2025, after being approved by the governor on April 8, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2397 prohibits immediate family members (such as spouses, parents, or children) from serving in fiduciary roles - like financial or legal representatives - for the same government agency. This directly affects government employees and officials who might have family members working in comparable positions within their department. The law creates a clear restriction preventing family members from holding these trust-based roles simultaneously within one agency. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on April 25, 2025, and became Chapter 139 of the 2025 Regular Session statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 2491) establishes specific requirements for businesses conducting online raffles. It directly affects businesses that operate online raffles, requiring them to meet certain conditions set by the law. The bill passed the legislature and was signed into law by the Governor on April 28, 2025 (Chapter 122, Acts, Regular Session, 2025). However, the provided context does not include the specific conditions or mechanisms of the bill, only its passage and enactment date. Therefore, a detailed summary of its provisions cannot be provided from the available information.

Maddy summaryHB 2411 updates high school graduation requirements and revises academic content standards for public schools. It directly affects high school students, school districts, and educators by changing the specific courses and assessments needed for graduation. The bill modifies the existing standards to align with updated educational goals, requiring schools to adjust their curriculum and assessment methods accordingly. This law became effective upon the Governor's approval on April 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2871 creates new vehicular homicide offenses (including aggravated versions and those occurring in school/construction zones) and expands criminal protections to embryos. It establishes specific fines, penalties, and automatic driver's license revocation for convictions related to these offenses. The bill also links these new crimes to commercial driver's license disqualification, insurance policy cancellation, and updated definitions in juvenile court proceedings. This directly affects drivers involved in fatal crashes, insurance companies, and law enforcement handling traffic-related deaths.

Maddy summaryThis West Virginia law (HB 2043, now law as Chapter 115, 2025) permits hunters to use leashed dogs or drones to locate seriously injured deer, elk, bear, turkey, or wild boar on their own property or leased land after a legally taken shot. Hunters must have a valid license, and dog handlers or drone operators must be licensed as outfitters/guides or comply with FAA Part 107 rules (for non-property operators). The state must publish an annual list of licensed handlers by September 1. The law does not change hunting regulations but adds specific rules for this tracking method, requiring hunters to accompany handlers unless physically unable.