Maddy summaryHB 5551 requires West Virginia to continue issuing non-REAL ID compliant driver's licenses and ID cards, clearly marked "NOT FOR REAL ID ACT PURPOSES," which remain valid for all state purposes like driving and identity verification. The bill prohibits the state from collecting biometric data (such as facial scans or fingerprints), retaining copies of identity documents (like birth certificates or Social Security cards), or sharing personal information from these licenses with federal or interstate databases. It mandates that applicants be informed of their choice between REAL ID and non-REAL ID options and provided with a list of TSA-acceptable IDs, while banning digital IDs and requiring physical licenses for all purposes. The law also prohibits state agencies from entering agreements that conflict with these protections.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 5552 prohibits West Virginia state and county agencies from purchasing or operating drones made by entities from China or Russia, or entities under their control, starting May 1, 2029. It defines "covered foreign entities" as those on U.S. sanctions lists or linked to China/Russia, and bans state funds from being used for such drones. The bill creates a grant program to help public safety agencies replace non-compliant drones with U.S.-made or certified alternatives (like those with Defense Innovation Unit or AUVSI certifications) by reimbursing based on the drone’s current value. This applies to all public entities using drones under 55 pounds, with grants available for compliant replacements after the 2029 deadline.
Maddy summaryHB 5546 requires medical professionals in West Virginia to report all vaccine-related injuries and side effects to the Bureau for Public Health. It also mandates that these professionals receive annual educational materials about vaccine side effects and complete formal training every five years. The bill further requires the Bureau to produce an annual report for the Legislature and create a public mechanism for individuals, including parents, to report vaccine-related adverse effects. These provisions aim to improve data collection on vaccine safety without advocating for or against vaccination.
Maddy summaryHB 5549, the "Citizen and State Accountability Act," requires West Virginia state and local government agencies to seek the Governor’s written consent before accepting certain grants. For grants over $1 million ("major grants"), agencies must submit a detailed 60-day analysis covering costs, policy impacts, and compliance requirements to the Governor and a fiscal office. For smaller grants ($1 million or less, "minor grants"), agencies must notify the Governor one week before submission. The bill mandates public reporting on all grants and creates a public database for transparency, but does not change existing grant programs.
Maddy summaryHB 5548, the "Stop Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Deep Fake Media Act," prohibits distributing deepfake videos or images that falsely depict a person engaging in non-consensual sexual conduct without their permission. It targets individuals who intentionally share such content to coerce, harass, or damage reputations, with penalties including fines up to $10,000 or up to five years in prison for repeat offenses. The law explicitly excludes constitutionally protected speech like political satire, commentary, or media with clear disclosures that it is manipulated. It also allows affected individuals or officials to seek court orders to stop violations.
Maddy summaryHB 5620 would limit local government authority over "certified high impact data center" projects by blocking counties and municipalities from enforcing zoning, building permits, licensing, or other local regulations for these facilities. The bill requires the Department of Commerce to designate a "Data Economy Liaison" to coordinate with data center developers and mandates that certified projects pay standard municipal business taxes. It applies only to data centers certified by the Commerce Secretary under this law, not all data centers. The bill is pending in the House Judiciary Committee as introduced on February 16, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 5600 adds the West Virginia Fire Marshal's office as a formal representative to the Law-Enforcement Professional Standards Subcommittee (LEPS). This subcommittee oversees law enforcement officer training, certification, and inactive certification reinstatement. The bill amends existing law to include the Fire Marshal's office as the twelfth member on the committee, alongside current representatives from state police, sheriffs, police associations, and other entities. This change directly affects the LEPS committee's composition and ensures fire marshal input in professional standards decisions.
Maddy summaryHB 5593 would allow pharmacists in West Virginia to sell ivermectin to consumers without a doctor's prescription. The bill directly affects pharmacies, pharmacists, and anyone purchasing ivermectin for personal use. It adds a new section to state law (§60A-2-204a) specifically permitting over-the-counter sales, dispensing, and possession of ivermectin. This changes current requirements by removing the need for a prescription, making the drug accessible without a healthcare provider's authorization. The bill does not address medical uses or safety considerations, only the regulatory framework for its sale.
Maddy summaryHB 5567, the Biometric Information Privacy Act, requires private businesses (like retailers or tech companies) to create written policies for securely storing and permanently destroying customers' biometric data - such as fingerprints, facial scans, or voiceprints - within three years of the last interaction or when the data's purpose is fulfilled. It explicitly excludes health-related biometric data (covered under federal HIPAA) and common identifiers like Social Security numbers. The bill mandates that businesses obtain written consent before collecting biometric information and provides individuals with a legal right to sue if their data is mishandled. This law directly affects private entities using biometrics for identification, aiming to prevent irreversible identity theft risks by regulating how such sensitive data is managed.
Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative House resolution honoring former West Virginia House Speaker and Chief Justice Timothy P. Armstead following his passing. It memorializes his service, names a conference room in the House as the "Speaker Tim Armstead Memorial Conference Room," and extends condolences to his family. The resolution does not create new laws or affect policy - it formally recognizes his legacy and contributions to West Virginia.