Del. Chuck Horst

Maddy summaryHB 2343 requires the West Virginia State Auditor to conduct financial audits of all county boards of education. The bill mandates these audits cover every source of income or funds received by school districts, including local property taxes, state allocations, and federal grants. This policy change directly affects all 55 county school boards across West Virginia by expanding audit requirements beyond previous limitations. The State Auditor must now review all financial records related to these funds, ensuring comprehensive oversight of public education funding. The bill aims to standardize financial accountability for school district finances statewide.

Maddy summaryHB 2384 would amend West Virginia law to allow individuals aged 18-20 to carry concealed deadly weapons without a permit, matching the current allowance for those 21 and older. The bill specifically revises sections of the code that currently impose misdemeanor penalties (fines up to $1,000 or up to 12 months in jail) on 18-20 year olds carrying concealed deadly weapons without authorization. Existing exceptions remain in place, such as carrying on one's own property, transporting unloaded firearms between home and a repair shop, or during lawful hunting. This change directly affects West Virginia residents aged 18-20 who would no longer need a permit for concealed carry of deadly weapons under the revised law.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes schools, public libraries, and museums from legal exemptions that currently protect them from criminal prosecution when distributing or displaying legally obscene material to minors. Under current law, these institutions could avoid charges if they followed specific conditions (like having a parent present for minors at libraries), but the bill eliminates these protections entirely. The change means these organizations could now face criminal liability for such actions without the previous safeguards. This policy shift directly affects how these public institutions handle materials legally defined as obscene when minors are involved.

Maddy summaryHB 2367 creates a web-based communication system for West Virginia's foster care system, requiring the Department of Health and Human Resources to implement it by July 1, 2026. The system will let foster and kinship parents access records, communicate with caseworkers, view visitation schedules, and receive health information - while ensuring only authorized parties can use it. It also establishes a "Foster and Kinship Parent Bill of Rights" listing specific rights, including the right to receive training, maintain family values (without harming the child), and be notified of child-related risks before placement. The bill directly affects foster parents, kinship caregivers, and child welfare staff by improving transparency and decision-making in foster care.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 2371) amends West Virginia Code §8-15-8b to increase the annual allowance for volunteer and part-volunteer fire departments from $500 to $5,000 specifically for educational/training supplies and fire prevention promotional materials. It directly affects all eligible fire companies and departments receiving state funds through the Municipal Pensions and Protection Fund or Fire Protection Fund. The key change raises the spending cap for these specific items while maintaining all other authorized expenditures under the existing section. This is a straightforward policy adjustment to provide greater funding flexibility for fire department training and public safety outreach.

Maddy summaryHB 2372, titled "Creating the Parents' Bill of Rights," would establish that parents and legal guardians in West Virginia have final authority over decisions about their minor children's health, medical care, education, and welfare. Key provisions include the right to choose medical treatments (including vaccines and mental health services), select educational options (such as home schooling or private schools), and serve as their child's sole advocate in court without needing an attorney. The bill prohibits government entities from questioning or altering parental decisions unless a court finds clear evidence of imminent harm to the child. It also allows parents to sue the government for violations and restricts public institutions from exposing minors to certain materials or nudity in public settings like schools.

Maddy summaryHB 2368 removes voting restrictions for people with felony convictions after they are released from prison in West Virginia. It automatically restores voting rights upon release through parole, probation, pardon, or completion of sentence, eliminating the need for additional steps like applying for restoration. This directly affects formerly incarcerated individuals who were previously barred from voting while on probation or parole. The bill amends West Virginia Code §3-3-2 to remove the disqualification language that previously prevented them from registering to vote during these post-sentence periods.

Maddy summaryHB 2088 prohibits individuals listed on West Virginia’s state sex offender database from attending any public school activities, events, or athletic functions, regardless of whether they have children enrolled. This applies to all such individuals, including parents or guardians, and directly affects those on the registry who would otherwise participate in school-related settings. The bill imposes penalties: a first violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail, while subsequent violations are felonies carrying 1-5 years in prison. It also requires parent-teacher conferences involving registered sex offenders to occur off school grounds, such as at a courthouse or police station. The law creates a clear policy change banning these individuals from school premises during school activities.

Maddy summaryHB 2051 would amend West Virginia law to permit licensed concealed handgun carriers to carry firearms on Capitol grounds and within the Capitol building. It allows individuals with valid concealed carry permits to carry concealed handguns in the Capitol complex, including the building itself, but requires them to show their permit upon request when entering. The bill prohibits concealed carry in the Governor’s office, Supreme Court chambers (third and fourth floors), and maintains existing restrictions on open carry and pepper spray exceeding one ounce. This change directly affects licensed concealed carry permit holders who access the Capitol complex, while preserving current rules for other areas.