Rep. Chris Anders

Maddy summaryHJR 30 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would eliminate all property taxes on primary residences (homestead real property) in West Virginia starting July 1, 2027. It directly affects homeowners who currently pay these taxes and counties that rely on homestead tax revenue for funding. The amendment requires the state legislature to create a new funding mechanism to replace the lost revenue for counties before the tax repeal takes effect. This resolution must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to become part of the state constitution. The bill is currently in committee referral after its January 29, 2026, introduction.

Maddy summaryHB 4917 terminates West Virginia's Health Care Authority's certificate of need program, which previously required health facilities to obtain state approval before expanding services or building new facilities. This bill directly affects hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers that would have needed these approvals, eliminating that regulatory requirement. Key provisions include repealing related statutes, transferring the Authority's remaining powers and assets to the Secretary of the Department of Health, and directing funds to the general revenue fund. The bill also clarifies exemptions and establishes a summary review process for specific behavioral health services under the Secretary's authority.

Maddy summaryHB 4925, the West Virginia PRIME Act, allows West Virginia producers and retailers to sell custom-slaughtered meat (beef, pork, lamb, goat) within the state without requiring USDA or state inspection. It applies to producers (farmers, ranchers) selling directly to consumers or retailers (restaurants, grocery stores), with meat labeled "Processed in a custom-exempt facility. Not for interstate commerce." The bill prohibits local governments from restricting such sales and limits the West Virginia Department of Agriculture from imposing additional regulations beyond minimal facility registration. All transactions must stay strictly within West Virginia borders, and the law explicitly exempts these sales from federal inspection requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes West Virginia law for domestic violence protective orders by requiring a court hearing with the respondent present and represented by counsel before restricting firearms. It mandates that courts must find "clear and convincing evidence" of an immediate danger (via documented threats or sworn testimony), not just general allegations, and prohibits using firearm confiscation as punishment. Respondents would automatically receive a 10-day appeal of any firearm restriction in the protective order. The bill directly affects individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders who might face firearm restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 4913 exempts the first 100 acres of qualifying working farms from all state, county, and municipal property taxes. A "working farm" is defined as land primarily used for agricultural production (crops, livestock, etc.), actively managed, and producing goods for sale. The exemption applies per parcel - not per owner - to prevent landowners from splitting parcels to gain more tax breaks, and a clawback provision reinstates taxes if the land stops farming or is subdivided. The bill also prohibits reassessments based on nearby development or "highest and best use" theories unrelated to agriculture.

Maddy summaryHB 4922 would exempt all West Virginia residents aged 65 and older from both personal property taxes and real estate property taxes starting January 1, 2027. The bill amends existing tax exemption laws (§11-3-9 and §11-6B-3) to add this new category for seniors, directly affecting older residents who own property in the state. It clarifies that this exemption applies to all real estate and personal property, not just primary residences. The policy change takes effect on a specific date (January 1, 2027), with no mention of income limits or other qualifying conditions in the bill text. This is a direct tax relief measure for senior citizens, not a procedural or commemorative bill.

Maddy summaryHB 4931 prohibits West Virginia from creating or maintaining any registry of firearm owners or firearms within the state. It bans state agencies, federal entities operating in West Virginia (like ATF contractors), and private actors from compiling or storing such records - both physical and electronic. Violators face civil penalties of $10,000 to $100,000 per violation, with funds directed to a Second Amendment Defense Fund for legal challenges. The law applies immediately upon passage and targets registry systems, not firearm ownership or sales.

Maddy summaryHB 4926, the "Second Amendment Reaffirmation and Protection Act," ensures that if federal gun laws like the National Firearms Act (1934) or Gun Control Act (1968) are repealed or struck down, West Virginia automatically restores full firearm rights without new state restrictions. The bill prohibits West Virginia or local governments from enacting, enforcing, or funding any laws that mimic or replace repealed federal regulations, and protects individuals and businesses from penalties for exercising restored rights. It also creates a private right for citizens to sue officials who enforce illegal restrictions and bans state law enforcement from assisting federal agencies in enforcing repealed laws. The act takes effect immediately upon federal repeal or judicial nullification of covered laws.

Maddy summaryHB 4911 redefines what constitutes an official political party for all state and local elections in West Virginia. It grants official ballot status to parties that received at least 1% of votes for Governor in the previous statewide election or have 5,000 registered members statewide. The bill extends this definition to apply to municipal elections, allowing local governments to create ordinances (with 3/4 approval) enabling non-qualified groups to participate in municipal primaries. This change directly affects parties seeking ballot access and local election administrators.

Maddy summaryHB 4866 creates the West Virginia Public Participation Protection Act, which establishes a legal process to quickly dismiss lawsuits targeting protected public speech. The bill allows defendants to file a "special motion to dismiss" within 60 days if a lawsuit claims to be based on free speech, petitioning government, association on public issues, digital expression (like social media), consumer reviews, or information gathering for expressive works. If the motion is filed, all court proceedings automatically pause until the court rules, and the plaintiff must prove they have a strong case to win. This applies to all pending and future cases involving public concern issues, but excludes state enforcement actions and pure contract disputes without public interest.