Rep. Chris Anders

Maddy summaryHB 2938 would allow pharmacists in West Virginia to sell ivermectin over the counter without a prescription, directly affecting pharmacies and residents seeking the medication. The bill amends state law to remove the requirement for a prescription for ivermectin, permitting its sale, distribution, or possession by individuals without medical authorization. This change applies specifically to human-use ivermectin, not veterinary products. The legislation does not alter medical guidelines or safety standards but shifts access from prescription-dependent to over-the-counter availability. The bill is currently pending in the Health and Human Resources Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2834 requires all West Virginia public schools to observe a one-minute period of silence at the start of each school day in every classroom. This applies directly to county school boards (which must implement the policy) and classroom teachers (who must ensure students remain seated and silent without suggesting any specific activity, such as prayer or meditation). The bill prohibits teachers from making recommendations about what students should do during the silence to avoid influencing their choices. It also mandates that the Office of the Attorney General defend the law if challenged legally. The policy aims to guarantee students' individual freedom to engage in silent reflection without state pressure.

Maddy summaryHB 2793 prohibits billboards near West Virginia's borders from displaying messages about abortion availability in neighboring states, including facility names, provider details, or any encouragement to seek abortions. It directly affects billboard operators and businesses that advertise abortion services in states bordering West Virginia. The law requires the Secretary of State to permanently revoke business licenses for violations, with enforcement through reports from residents or the Division of Highways. This bill targets advertising that facilitates out-of-state abortion access, aligning with West Virginia’s existing abortion ban and stated interest in protecting prenatal life.

Maddy summaryHB 2799 protects employees in West Virginia who use reasonable force (including deadly force when justified) to defend themselves or others from an attack at their workplace. It prohibits employers from terminating an employee solely for such defensive actions, ensuring workers cannot face job loss for acting in self-defense during an attack. The bill specifically allows the use of deadly force without a duty to retreat if an employee reasonably believes they or others face imminent death or serious harm. This amendment expands existing self-defense protections to explicitly cover workplace scenarios, aligning with the bill's stated purpose of shielding workers from employment retaliation.

Maddy summaryHB 2794, the "Life at Conception Act of 2025," declares that the right to life guaranteed by the U.S. and West Virginia constitutions applies to all human beings from the moment of fertilization. It defines "human person" to include every member of the human species at all stages, starting at conception, and explicitly states the bill does not criminalize women for pregnancy outcomes or restrict in vitro fertilization, birth control, or other fertility prevention methods. The bill establishes this constitutional interpretation as policy but does not create new criminal penalties or alter existing medical procedures. It directly affects the legal definition of personhood for all individuals from conception onward.

Maddy summaryHB 2792 would amend West Virginia's personal income tax code to exempt Social Security benefits from state taxation. Specifically, it adds a provision (section §11-21-12(c)(7)) stating that Social Security benefits received under Title 42 U.S.C., Chapter 7, will no longer be included in taxable income for West Virginia residents. This change directly affects West Virginia residents who receive Social Security payments, as it reduces their taxable income for state tax purposes. The exemption applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, and modifies the calculation of "West Virginia adjusted gross income" by removing Social Security benefits from the taxable base.

Maddy summaryHB 2713 clarifies that wind power projects in West Virginia are not classified as pollution control facilities for tax purposes. The bill reclassifies wind turbines and their towers as real property (subject to standard real property tax rates) instead of allowing them to qualify for special tax treatment under pollution control facility rules. This change removes the previous provision that permitted salvage valuation (up to 79% of value) for wind project components. The bill directly affects wind power developers and property tax assessments for wind energy facilities across the state. It is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced on February 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2562 would remove the state sales tax on gun safes and specific firearm safety devices, such as trigger locks or storage containers. The bill amends West Virginia's tax code to explicitly exempt these products from the consumer sales tax, which currently applies to most retail purchases. This change would directly affect consumers who purchase these safety items, making them less expensive at the point of sale. The policy focuses on reducing the cost of legally storing firearms safely, without altering firearm ownership laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 2532 amends West Virginia law to exempt insurance producers who have held an active license for 20 years or more from biennial continuing education requirements. This affects long-tenured insurance agents selling life, health, property, casualty, or other permitted insurance lines, removing their obligation to complete up to 24 hours of continuing education every two years. The bill maintains existing requirements for all other licensed producers, including those needing 6-24 hours of education. It does not change current exemptions for specific license types or telemarketing producers.

Maddy summaryHB 2714 requires new wind energy systems in West Virginia to maintain minimum distances from residential properties, property lines, roads, and transmission lines. Specifically, wind turbines must be placed at least 1.1 times the total height of the turbine (tower + blades) from property lines and roads/transmission lines, and 1.5 times the height from residences. Property owners can voluntarily waive these distances by signing a written agreement. The bill applies to new projects seeking a siting certificate from the Public Service Commission, directly affecting wind energy developers and nearby residents. It does not apply to modifications of existing wind energy systems.