Del. Lisa White

Maddy summaryHB 2465 prohibits counties, towns, and municipalities in West Virginia from using tax money to hire lobbyists who represent them at the state level. The bill amends three sections of state law (§7-28-1, §7A-9-1, and §8-40-1) to explicitly ban local governments from paying for such lobbying services with public funds. It directly affects all county commissions, consolidated local governments, and municipal corporations (including cities, towns, and villages) that rely on taxpayer revenue. The policy change is a clear restriction on the use of public funds, requiring local entities to cover lobbying costs through non-tax sources if they choose to hire lobbyists.

Maddy summaryHB 2472 would remove the existing ban on using bait to attract game animals across all West Virginia counties. The bill amends state wildlife law (§20-2-5 and §20-2-22a) to eliminate the prohibition on baiting for species like turkeys, pheasants, quail, and ruffed grouse. This change would directly affect hunters who currently cannot use bait to attract these animals, allowing baiting statewide where it was previously restricted. The bill is newly introduced (February 17, 2025) and referred to the House Government Organization Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2471 eliminates tax credits for corporations and businesses using solar, wind, or other renewable energy systems (like solar/wind farms), effective after July 1, 2024. It directly affects commercial renewable energy operators, excluding individual homeowners who retain tax credits for residential systems. The bill also imposes new requirements: renewable energy facilities must be set back at least one mile from homes and require $400 million in liability insurance per 100 acres for cleanup after disasters. These changes aim to remove financial incentives for corporate renewable projects while maintaining support for residential installations.

Maddy summaryHB 2426 would require West Virginia law enforcement to immediately transfer individuals determined to be in the U.S. illegally to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation upon first apprehension. For a second offense, the bill classifies the individual as a felony offender, mandating 3-5 years in state prison followed by deportation to ICE. The bill explicitly states that state or local entities cannot interfere with federal immigration enforcement under this law. It directly affects undocumented immigrants apprehended by West Virginia law enforcement twice or more. The policy changes establish a two-tiered criminal penalty system for repeat immigration violations within the state.

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 2430 creates a specific exception to West Virginia's product liability laws for Covid-19 vaccines. It allows West Virginia residents who suffered injuries from these vaccines to sue pharmaceutical companies directly in state courts, removing the usual legal protection (learned intermediary doctrine) that shields manufacturers if they provided adequate warnings to healthcare providers. The bill explicitly states that financial awards for vaccine-related injuries have no limits. This change directly affects pharmaceutical companies producing Covid-19 vaccines and West Virginia citizens seeking compensation for vaccine injuries. It amends state law to make civil liability for these specific vaccines distinct from general prescription drug liability rules.

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 2427 amends West Virginia law to permit licensed concealed handgun carry on Capitol grounds and within the Capitol building for individuals with valid concealed carry permits. It requires permit holders to show their permit and firearm upon request when entering the Capitol building. The bill prohibits concealed carry in the Governor’s office, Supreme Court chambers (including specific floors), and bans open carry or pepper spray exceeding one ounce on Capitol grounds. It maintains existing penalties for violations, including fines or jail time for disrupting Capitol operations or damaging property.

Maddy summaryHB 2424 would require the West Virginia legislature to vote and approve any governor's declaration of a state of emergency or state of preparedness before it becomes effective. Currently, the governor can unilaterally declare such a state for an initial period (60 days for emergencies, 30 days for Class I preparedness) and the legislature may later vote to extend it. This bill eliminates the governor's current ability to initiate emergency declarations without prior legislative consent, shifting that authority to the legislature. It directly affects the governor's emergency powers and the process for managing state emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 2449 eliminates West Virginia's application of the "open fields doctrine," meaning police can no longer search private land beyond a home's immediate area without a warrant. It directly affects landowners whose property (including fenced areas and wooded land) is not considered public, requiring law enforcement to obtain a warrant for searches of these defined "open fields." The bill explicitly abolishes the common law rule that previously allowed warrantless searches of such areas, aligning with constitutional protections against unreasonable searches. This change ensures that private property beyond a dwelling - where a reasonable person would view it as private - receives Fourth Amendment safeguards.