Del. Chris Anders

Maddy summaryHJR 40 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how members of the West Virginia State Board of Education are selected. It would replace the current system of nine appointed members with a hybrid model: five members elected on a partisan basis from five geographic regions (serving staggered four-year terms), and four members appointed by the Governor with Senate consent. The amendment would require the Board to submit any rules or policies they create to the Legislature for review, approval, amendment, or rejection. If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, these changes would take effect with the 2028 general election, modifying the current appointment system for the Board.

Maddy summaryHB 3403 would remove West Virginia's sales tax from tax preparation services. Currently, these services are subject to the state's consumer sales and service tax, but this bill would exempt them from that tax. The change would directly affect individuals and small businesses that pay for professional tax preparation help, as they would no longer pay the tax on these services. The bill amends West Virginia Code §11-15-9 to add tax preparation services to the list of exempt items, which currently includes things like textbooks and certain government purchases.

Maddy summaryHB 3436, the Genetic Privacy Act, would require companies and organizations collecting genetic data in West Virginia to obtain clear, specific consumer consent before using or sharing that information. It defines "genetic data" broadly to include DNA sequences, health-related information connected to genetic testing, and related analyses. The bill mandates that entities provide privacy notices about data collection, use, and disclosure, and allows consumers to access or delete their data. It includes exceptions for healthcare providers under HIPAA, research with proper consent, and government use (with new warrant requirements starting in 2027), directly affecting genetic testing companies and any business handling consumer genetic information in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 3437 requires parents or guardians to provide specific, written consent before newborn genetic screening occurs, replacing general hospital admission forms. It limits blood sample collection to only what's necessary for screening and mandates destruction of blood spots after three weeks unless separate consent is obtained for retention. The bill also requires explicit parental consent for any future use of blood samples or test results - including research, law enforcement, or public health studies - preventing automatic retention or sharing. This applies directly to all newborns in West Virginia and ensures parents control how their child's genetic information is handled.

Maddy summaryHCR 92 is a non-binding legislative resolution prohibiting compensation for assisting veterans with benefits applications, except as permitted under federal law. It bans charging fees for preparing, presenting, or advising on veterans' benefits claims, guaranteeing specific benefit amounts, or charging excessive fees. The resolution requires written agreements meeting federal fee standards (38 CFR §14.636) before any assistance is provided. It aims to protect veterans from exploitative fees when seeking benefits support.

Maddy summaryHB 3384 prohibits West Virginia public and private colleges and universities from requiring vaccines as a condition for enrollment, employment, or participation in campus activities. It bans institutions from offering incentives (like rewards or discounts) for vaccinations and allows free vaccines only with informed consent. The bill ensures students, faculty, and staff cannot be denied access to education or jobs based solely on vaccination choices. Institutions may still offer free vaccines on campus, but cannot mandate them or deny services for opting out.

Maddy summaryHB 3328 requires hospitals and healthcare facilities to provide effective communication tools for deaf or hard-of-hearing patients and their families when ASL interpreters aren't available on staff. Specifically, facilities must offer technology like hearing loops, captioning services, or video relay systems to enable communication. The bill also mandates that any ASL interpreters used must be approved by the West Virginia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. This applies to all hospitals, ambulatory care facilities, and extended care centers under West Virginia law, aligning with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Maddy summaryHB 3301 would amend West Virginia law to prohibit any requirement that a person receive or use a medical product, such as vaccines or treatments. It also bans penalties or denial of benefits for refusing a medical product or for declining to disclose whether one has been used. The bill would override existing health regulations to ensure individuals cannot be forced to use medical products or face legal consequences for refusing them. This applies broadly to all medical products and all state laws, effectively blocking mandatory use in public health contexts.

Maddy summaryHJR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment to formally establish West Virginia citizens' powers of initiative, referendum, and recall. It would add Article XV to the state constitution, reserving these direct democracy tools for voters to propose laws, reject legislation, and remove officials at all government levels. The amendment requires voter approval at the 2028 general election and would amend existing sections on legislative power (Article VI) and constitutional amendment procedures (Article XIV). This change would codify existing practices into the state constitution, ensuring these powers are explicitly reserved to registered voters.

Maddy summaryHB 3308 terminates West Virginia's Health Care Authority's certificate of need program, which previously required health care facilities to seek state approval before expanding services. This directly affects hospitals, clinics, and behavioral health providers that previously needed certificate approvals for new services or expansions. The bill repeals all related statutes, transfers the Authority's remaining powers, assets, records, and employees to the Secretary of the Department of Health, and moves funds to the general revenue fund. It also establishes a new summary review process for certain behavioral health services to meet federal Medicaid waiver requirements, but eliminates the broader certificate of need requirement.