Rep. Chris Anders

Maddy summaryHB 2593 requires West Virginia state government agencies and public entities to obtain written certification from companies before entering contracts for goods or services. This certification must confirm the company has no financial ties to specific foreign nations deemed to hold values "antithetical" to West Virginia, including state sponsors of terrorism (like Iran and Saudi Arabia) and nations aligned with communist ideology (like China, North Korea, Cuba, and Vietnam). Companies must provide documented proof of their ownership structure, tracing to individual natural persons, to verify compliance. Contracts failing this requirement are void under public policy, directly affecting all state procurement processes involving private vendors.

Maddy summaryHB 2529 prohibits state-funded organizations from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition for employment or participation in their programs. Covered entities - including state agencies, schools, local governments, and businesses receiving state funds - must provide exemptions for medical reasons (verified by a physician) or religious beliefs (via notarized statement), and cannot discriminate against employees using these exemptions. The law explicitly excludes Medicare/Medicaid facilities due to conflicting federal regulations. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2544 would remove the requirement for direct physician supervision for physician assistants and certified nurse practitioners in West Virginia. The bill repeals specific sections of state law (§30-3E-10a and §30-3E-11) that previously mandated in-person supervision and amends other provisions to prevent future rules requiring it. This change would allow these healthcare providers to practice more independently, as long as they maintain collaboration with a physician via telecommunication. The bill directly affects physician assistants and nurse practitioners by expanding their scope of practice under current collaborative frameworks.

Maddy summaryHB 2428 requires a court hearing with the respondent present and represented by counsel before a protective order can prohibit firearm possession in domestic violence cases. It mandates that such prohibitions only apply when there is clear and convincing evidence of an immediate danger to the petitioner, based on documented threats or sworn testimony, not as punishment. The bill also requires automatic appeals for respondents within 10 days if a firearm ban is included in the order. This directly affects individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders who might face firearm restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 2462 designates April 19th as Patriots Day in West Virginia public schools, requiring all schools to commemorate this date annually. The bill mandates that on the closest Friday to April 19th (excluding Spring Break), students must study the battles of Lexington and Concord and read first-person accounts of these events to honor the Minute Men who fought for American independence. This legislation directly affects all West Virginia public school students and educators by adding specific historical curriculum requirements to the school calendar.

Maddy summaryHB 2429 would require West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officers to obtain a warrant or the landowner's explicit consent before entering private property, with exceptions only for emergencies like accidents or threats to public safety. This bill directly affects landowners by strengthening their property rights against unannounced DNR inspections. The key mechanism mandates a warrant or written consent as a prerequisite for entry, clarifying current law that previously allowed "implied permission" under certain circumstances. The bill does not change existing emergency exceptions but aims to prevent unauthorized DNR access to private land.

Maddy summaryHB 2466 prohibits physicians in West Virginia from prescribing puberty-blocking medications (referred to as "pubertal modulating and hormonal therapy") to minors under 18 for the purpose of gender transition. The bill directly affects transgender and gender-diverse minors seeking medical care for gender dysphoria, banning a common treatment option. Exceptions allow such therapy only in very specific medical circumstances: for diagnosed disorders of sex development, to treat complications from prior gender transition procedures, or for severe gender dysphoria with strict requirements (e.g., two specialized medical opinions, written consent, and dosage limits). The bill does not ban all hormone therapy but restricts puberty blockers specifically for gender transition in minors, with narrow medical exceptions.

Maddy summaryHB 2450, titled "The West Virginia Second Amendment Preservation and Anti-Federal Commandeering Act," prohibits state agencies and employees from being compelled by the federal government to enforce federal firearms laws. It makes it a misdemeanor for federal agents or employees to attempt enforcing any federal decree or writ related to firearms without specific congressional approval, punishable by up to $500 fines or one year in jail. The bill directs the West Virginia Attorney General to enforce these provisions. It does not change state gun laws but targets federal overreach in enforcement mechanisms. The bill was introduced in the West Virginia House on February 17, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

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.