Sen. Darren Thorne

Maddy summarySB 80 requires all West Virginia public school classrooms to observe one minute of silence at the start of each school day. It directly affects students and teachers by mandating this silence while prohibiting educators from suggesting specific activities (like prayer or meditation) during the period. The bill ensures students can individually choose silent activities without interference, and it specifies the Attorney General must defend this provision in court. This policy aims to guarantee students' right to free religious exercise within schools while preventing state pressure on their choices.

Maddy summarySB 278 prohibits obscene materials within 2,500 feet of West Virginia public schools, including libraries, classrooms, and facilities serving grades pre-K through 12 (such as charter schools and career centers). It requires school officials to remove obscene materials found on school grounds or in the 2,500-foot zone and mandates reporting suspected exposure to minors, with failure to report treated as a misdemeanor. The bill also bans school funding (including federal funds) for materials promoting sexual activity or distributing obscene content to minors near schools, and allows students or parents to sue schools for negligence in enforcing the law. It relies on existing legal definitions of "obscene" and "minor" under West Virginia law.

Maddy summarySB 175 prohibits West Virginia counties and municipalities from imposing higher property taxes on residential rental properties than on owner-occupied homes. It mandates that all county/municipal property taxes on rental properties must use the same rate as for owner-occupied housing and bans additional taxes based on zoning classification. The bill directly affects local governments (which must adjust tax practices) and rental property owners (who would face reduced tax burdens). It does not impact sales or service taxes on rental businesses, as explicitly stated in the legislation.

Maddy summarySB 58 would allow West Virginia State Tax Division investigators to carry concealed weapons while performing official duties, provided they meet specific requirements. To qualify, investigators must obtain Tax Commissioner approval, hold a valid concealed carry permit, not be prohibited from firearm possession, and complete firearms training equivalent to new law enforcement officers, plus annual requalification. The tax division may cover training costs, and the state would not be personally liable for an investigator’s actions taken in good faith during work. This bill directly affects tax investigators who conduct on-site compliance checks or other field work.

Maddy summarySB 27 clarifies that distributing or displaying sexually explicit material to a minor with the purpose of seducing them becomes a felony. It specifically expands the law to cover "any depiction of sexually graphic material" used for seduction, not just prior definitions of "obscene matter." Adults who knowingly distribute such material to minors for seduction face fines up to $25,000 or up to five years in prison for a first offense, with higher penalties for repeat violations. This directly affects adults distributing explicit material to minors, while maintaining existing defenses like physical barriers, age verification, or parental supervision in permitted settings.

Maddy summarySJR 4 proposes a constitutional amendment to West Virginia's Bill of Rights, explicitly protecting the right to keep and bear arms. It prohibits state, county, municipal, and local government entities from restricting this right through regulations on ammunition capacity, caliber, carry methods, or other means. The amendment would require voter approval in the 2026 general election to take effect. If adopted, it would directly affect all West Virginians by preventing local and state governments from enacting most gun-related regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SB 19, provides civil and criminal immunity for individuals who use reasonable force - including deadly force - to defend themselves, their home, property, or others from imminent threat of death or serious harm. It removes the legal requirement to retreat when defending one's residence or a place where they lawfully reside or are present, and mandates courts to cover legal costs, fees, and expenses for those acting lawfully in defense. The law applies to homeowners, occupants, and individuals in public spaces with legal right to be, but excludes those provoking violence, committing felonies, or resisting police acting within legal authority. It creates a complete defense against civil lawsuits or criminal charges for justified defensive actions.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the federal government to address communication restrictions within the National Radio Quiet Zone in West Virginia and surrounding counties. The bill directly affects residents and first responders in Pendleton, Barbour, Pocahontas, Randolph, Tucker, Upshur, and Webster counties who rely on cell phones and public safety radios. It specifically calls for a resolution regarding the power output limits on cell towers and radio networks near the Green Bank Observatory and the NSA's Sugar Grove Research Station. The resolution highlights concerns that these limits hinder emergency communications for 911 personnel and other first responders during critical situations. A copy of the resolution is to be sent to federal agencies managing the facilities and the state's congressional delegation.