CHARLESTON — Last week Delegate Elias Coop-Gonzalez (R-Randolph) testified in support of two bills he’s sponsored.

House Bill 4468 would repeal provisions from a 2022 law that unintentionally shield the identities of sexual predators in court and law-enforcement records. The bill restores transparency to better protect children and hold offenders accountable.

House Bill 4198, the E-Verify Requirement Act, would mandate all West Virginia employers use the federal E-Verify system for new hires, with protections for good-faith compliance and a prohibition on local policies that undermine the requirement.

“HB 4468 ensures predators can no longer hide behind misguided confidentiality rules, and HB 4198 protects American workers by making sure jobs go to legal residents,” said Coop-Gonzalez.

“These are straightforward, common-sense measures to keep our communities safe and our economy fair.”

Coop-Gonzalez thanked committee members and the Speaker for their consideration and looks forward to advancing both bills.