Del. Chuck Horst

Maddy summaryHB 2403 prohibits the use of hormone blockers for transgender minors under 18 in West Virginia. The bill amends existing law to remove all exceptions that previously allowed hormone blockers (referred to as "pubertal modulating and hormonal therapy") for minors with severe gender dysphoria, even under strict medical oversight. It explicitly states that "hormonal therapy, otherwise known as 'hormone blockers,' may not be provided in any circumstance" for minors. This directly affects transgender youth seeking medically supervised care for gender dysphoria, eliminating a previously permitted treatment pathway. The change takes effect January 1, 2024, as noted in the bill's current provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 2435 repeals a West Virginia law (§55-2-1) that set a time limit for lawsuits involving entry onto or recovery of land. This change removes a specific statute of limitations, meaning property owners or others involved in land disputes would no longer face a fixed deadline to file such legal actions. The bill directly affects individuals or entities pursuing or defending claims related to land ownership or access. As a repeal bill, it eliminates an existing legal restriction without adding new provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 2446 declares that federal laws restricting firearm ownership, accessories, or ammunition within West Virginia are unenforceable and legally void. It directly affects West Virginians by asserting state authority over firearm regulations, overriding federal restrictions on gun possession, sale, or use within the state. Key provisions require state courts and law enforcement to protect this right, establish legal claims against those violating it, and award damages for infringements. The bill also prohibits state employment for individuals enforcing federal restrictions on firearms within West Virginia. This legislation seeks to prevent federal gun regulations from applying in the state, though it has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHB 2445 removes qualified immunity for West Virginia law enforcement officers who use excessive force or act negligently during no-knock warrant executions. The bill requires courts to review officer actions if they cause injury, death, or psychological harm through reckless, negligent, or knowingly illegal conduct - such as using excessive force or failing to follow proper procedures. Courts must also examine whether the officer's agency provided adequate training for such situations, potentially making the agency liable for the officer's actions. This change means officers and their departments could face personal financial or legal consequences in lawsuits when misconduct occurs during no-knock warrants.

Maddy summaryHB 2457 requires hospitals and county/city governments in West Virginia to report costs related to undocumented immigrants. Hospitals must collect immigration status during patient registration (with privacy safeguards) and submit quarterly reports on admissions by status to the Department of Health. Counties must report quarterly expenses for undocumented residents receiving public resources like housing or education. The Department of Health will compile annual reports for the Governor and Legislature on these costs and their impact on healthcare funding, without sharing personal patient data. This bill focuses on data collection, not policy changes or cost recovery.

Maddy summaryHB 2061 modifies how lottery revenues from racetrack video games are distributed in West Virginia. It redirects all funds that would have gone to specific programs (like racetracks and workers' compensation debt reduction) into the State Excess Lottery Revenue Fund, effectively stopping those payments starting in 2014. The bill also allows the Governor to temporarily redirect half of these lottery revenues to the General Revenue Fund during severe budget shortfalls (over $100 million) until the state's workers' compensation debt is fully covered. This directly affects how state funds are allocated from lottery activities, shifting money away from targeted programs toward a central lottery fund.

Maddy summaryHB 2458, the School Board Election Date Act, requires all West Virginia school districts to hold board elections on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November - coinciding with general elections. This directly affects school districts and candidates running for school board positions by standardizing election timing. The bill mandates that school board candidate names be listed alphabetically on ballots and references existing law for filling vacancies. It does not change election eligibility or voting procedures beyond the date and candidate listing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2481 requires most West Virginia retail businesses - including those selling food, goods, or services - to accept physical cash as payment without discrimination, meaning they cannot force customers to use credit cards or digital payments. The bill applies to in-person transactions at physical locations but excludes online, mail-order, or remote sales. Businesses violating the rule face a maximum $500 fine, and the Treasurer’s Office may create exemptions for specific situations like small transactions or certain business types. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2525 requires all West Virginia public elementary and secondary schools to display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The display must be at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall, include the exact biblical text listed in the bill (including the full wording from "I AM the LORD thy God" to "nor anything that is thy neighbor's"), and be visible from anywhere in the classroom. Schools must accept private donations meeting these specifications if they lack compliant displays, and may replace non-compliant existing displays using public funds or donations. The bill directly affects all public K-12 schools in West Virginia, mandating a specific religious text in every classroom.

Maddy summaryHB 2385 would exempt safe gun storage devices from West Virginia's state sales tax. The bill amends the state's tax code to add these devices - such as gun safes or lockboxes - to the list of tax-exempt items. This change would directly affect consumers purchasing these safety products, reducing their cost by eliminating the 6% sales tax. The policy change specifically targets storage devices designed to securely hold firearms, not other gun-related items.