Del. Lisa White

Maddy summaryHB 2795 prohibits private entities receiving state funds (including contracts, grants, or incentives) from implementing specific policies or programs, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, allowing biological men in women's restrooms, or providing abortion-related benefits to employees. It requires these entities to submit an affidavit confirming they do not violate defined "substantial public policies," including bans on discussing "more than two genders" or requiring DEI training. Public entities must also avoid contravening these policies. Violations could result in loss of state funding or lawsuits, with enforcement handled by the Attorney General.

Maddy summaryHB 2652, the "Protection of Shared Physical and Digital Property from Warrantless Searches Act," requires government agents to obtain a person’s consent or a judicial warrant based on probable cause before searching or seizing digital or physical information shared with third parties (like banks, cloud services, or service providers) for goods or services. It directly affects all West Virginia residents who share personal information with third parties to access everyday services, such as financial or digital accounts. The bill defines "shared property" to include digital records and physical documents held by third parties for service provision, and explicitly rejects the current "Third Party Doctrine" that allows warrantless access to such information. It establishes that individuals retain constitutional privacy protections for shared information, requiring government action to follow standard warrant procedures. The bill is currently in the House Judiciary committee after being introduced on February 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 23 proposes amending West Virginia's constitution to add Article XV, reserving to registered voters the powers of initiative (proposing laws/amendments), referendum (rejecting new laws), and recall (removing officials) at all government levels. It requires voters to gather signatures equal to 10% of those who voted for governor in their district to trigger a vote on proposed initiatives or referendums. The bill mandates that these processes bypass gubernatorial vetoes and apply to state, county, municipal, and school district legislation. The Legislature must establish rules for these procedures through general law. This bill, currently in committee, would require voter ratification at the 2028 general election.

Maddy summaryHJR 22 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase West Virginia's homestead exemption from $20,000 to $50,000. This would exempt the first $50,000 of assessed value on residential property (or mobile homes) owned by qualifying residents - those aged 65+ or permanently disabled - as their primary residence. The amendment requires voter approval at the 2025 general election to take effect. If passed, it would directly reduce property tax burdens for eligible homeowners.

Maddy summaryHB 2700 modifies West Virginia's requirements for obtaining licenses as funeral directors and embalmers. It clarifies that applicants must complete either an associate degree in mortuary science, 60+ academic credits toward a bachelor's in mortuary science, or a bachelor's degree in mortuary science, along with specific apprenticeship hours. The bill also specifies that apprentices must perform at least 35 embalming procedures and conduct 35 funeral services during their training, and requires passing a 75% minimum score on licensing exams. These changes apply to new license applicants seeking to work in funeral services within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 2698 would remove West Virginia's legal requirement for vehicles to undergo periodic safety and emissions inspections. This change directly affects all vehicle owners in the state, eliminating the need for annual inspections at designated stations and removing associated fees. The bill repeals all existing provisions (§17C-16-1 through §17C-16-9) that mandated inspections, required inspection certificates, or imposed penalties for non-compliance. If enacted, vehicles would no longer need to be inspected to remain legally registered or operated.

Maddy summaryHB 2717 would repeal all existing laws requiring mandatory vehicle inspections in West Virginia. It directly affects vehicle owners who currently must obtain state inspections to register or operate their vehicles. The bill eliminates the legal requirement for inspections by removing sections of the state code that established the inspection process, including penalties for non-compliance. This change would end the state's requirement for vehicles to undergo safety or emissions inspections. The bill does not create new provisions but removes the current inspection mandate entirely.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the existing exception that allowed abortions for victims of rape or incest in West Virginia. Previously, adults could obtain abortions within 8 weeks of pregnancy (and minors within 14 weeks) if they reported the assault to police and met specific documentation requirements. The bill deletes this exception from §16-2R-3, meaning rape and incest cases can no longer qualify for abortion under this provision. Now, all abortions must meet the stricter "medical emergency" standard (which excludes psychological conditions), effectively eliminating a legal pathway for victims seeking abortion care.

Maddy summaryHB 2691 would allow public school teachers and employees with a valid concealed carry permit to carry a concealed firearm on school grounds. This change specifically applies to employees of public schools and public charter schools who meet state concealed carry requirements. The bill requires firearms to remain concealed at all times while on school property and does not alter the general prohibition on firearms for other individuals or open carry.

Maddy summaryHB 2673 would require a criminal conviction (a guilty verdict) before law enforcement can seize an individual's property through civil asset forfeiture. This bill amends West Virginia's asset forfeiture laws to eliminate the current practice of taking property without a criminal conviction, directly affecting individuals whose property might be seized (e.g., cash, vehicles, real estate) and law enforcement agencies. Key provisions include requiring notice to all property owners, holding prompt post-seizure hearings, and protecting innocent owners from losing property. The bill also adds safeguards like mandatory receipts for seized items and limits on how long property can be held as evidence.