Rep. Doug Smith

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act, which would allow disabled veterans to receive both their full military retirement pay and full VA disability compensation without any dollar-for-dollar offset. The bill directly affects approximately 50,000 medically retired combat-wounded veterans who currently lose over $1,000 per month in benefits due to existing federal offset rules. It seeks to amend federal law to recognize that military retirement and disability benefits compensate for two distinct forms of service and sacrifice. The resolution is a formal request from the West Virginia Legislature to federal lawmakers to address this policy change.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally recognizes President Donald J. Trump for various policies and actions that the West Virginia House of Delegates claims have benefited the state. The document highlights specific initiatives including regulatory reforms in the energy sector, tax relief measures, funding for rural healthcare, and programs aimed at reducing prescription drug costs and establishing investment accounts for newborns. It also cites border security improvements and drug control efforts as contributing factors to public safety and economic well-being. The resolution expresses appreciation for these actions and requests that the formal recognition be sent to the President.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the life and legacy of the late West Virginia legislator Larry D. Kump, who passed away on February 28, 2026. The resolution formally expresses the House of Delegates' condolences to Kump's family and acknowledges his service as a representative for Berkeley County across three different terms. It recognizes his career in criminal justice and mediation, his commitment to limited government, and his role as a devoted family member and church leader. The document is a ceremonial tribute rather than a law that changes policy or affects public programs.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 18) formally congratulates the West Virginia All Airborne Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Association for being named "Chapter of the Year for 2025" by the national association. It recognizes specific achievements listed in the resolution, including the chapter's "82nd Airborne Mustang" symbol, disaster relief efforts in California and Tennessee, fundraising for community events like Bridge Day and Christmas dinners, and their "All the Way" spirit. As a symbolic resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it merely offers formal recognition to the veterans' chapter. The resolution was introduced in the West Virginia House of Delegates on February 19, 2026.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 5377, the Burial Equity Act, expands eligibility for burial in West Virginia's state veterans' cemetery to include former National Guard and military reserve members (such as IMA, AGR, ART, and TR) who served at least four years, were West Virginia residents for two years before death, or served in the West Virginia National Guard, with retroactive application to deaths after March 15, 2022. It creates a Burial Equity Grant Program administered by Veterans Affairs, providing up to $1,000 per family to cover burial costs on a first-come, first-served basis. The bill also establishes a dedicated Burial Equity Fund in the state treasury, initially funded with $50,000 from the legislature, plus federal funds and private donations, to sustain the grant program without annual budget reversion.

Maddy summaryHB 4297 authorizes the Municipal Pensions Oversight Board to implement a specific regulatory rule (211 CSR 02) governing "exempt purchasing" for municipal pension funds. This rule would clarify which purchases by municipalities are exempt from standard competitive bidding requirements. The bill specifically approves a rule that was already proposed and filed with the State Register on October 9, 2024. It directly affects municipal pension funds and their purchasing practices under West Virginia law.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 11) encourages West Virginia's K-12 students to design a new state highway route number shield for the 2026 anniversaries of the U.S. founding (250th) and the U.S. numbered highway system (100th). It directs the West Virginia Division of Highways and Department of Tourism to hold a statewide student design competition, requiring the shield to maintain federal safety standards for legibility while incorporating West Virginia identity. The winning design would be implemented gradually on state highways starting July 2027, replacing existing signs only as they wear out, and the student designer would receive legislative recognition. The resolution is procedural and non-binding, focusing on celebration and civic engagement rather than new policy.

Maddy summaryHR 9 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late West Virginia House Delegate Douglas John Skaff Jr. It expresses the House of Delegates' condolences to his family and commemorates his service, including his roles as a delegate representing multiple districts and as Minority Leader. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, acknowledging his career in public service, business, and community leadership. It was unanimously adopted by the House on February 5, 2026, the same day it was introduced.

Maddy summaryHB 4266 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Agriculture to implement established grading standards for apples (61 CSR 08). This procedural bill directly affects apple growers and processors who must comply with these quality standards for market sales. The legislation formally approves a rule previously modified by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee, ensuring the Department can enforce consistent apple grading requirements. It does not create new standards but authorizes the existing rule's implementation.