Del. Bill Roop

Maddy summaryHB 2432 expands which federal law enforcement officers can enforce West Virginia state laws by adding 19 specific federal agency roles to the existing list. It allows officers from agencies like the FBI, DEA, Border Patrol, Coast Guard, and federal prisons to assist state/local agencies under three conditions: when requested in writing (or verbally in emergencies), when a local officer requests help during exigent circumstances, or when witnessing a felony. The bill clarifies these officers have the same legal authority and immunities as state officers but cannot conduct independent investigations beyond preserving immediate evidence. It directly affects state/local law enforcement agencies seeking federal assistance and the 19 federal agencies listed in subsection (b). The bill does not change existing law enforcement procedures but broadens eligibility for federal officers to collaborate with state agencies.

Maddy summaryHJR 15 is a constitutional amendment proposal (not a law) that would allow West Virginia lawmakers to create a future tax exemption for owner-occupied homes without mortgages. If adopted, it would permit the legislature to exempt from property taxes the value of residential property (including mobile homes) occupied by the owner as their primary residence, provided the property has no mortgage and the owner is a West Virginia citizen. The exemption would apply only to homes without mortgages - taxes would resume if a mortgage is later obtained. This amendment requires voter approval at the 2025 general election and does not change current tax appraisal processes. It is currently in the early legislative stage, referred to the House Finance Committee.

Maddy summaryHCR 48 is a concurrent resolution from the West Virginia Legislature urging Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It specifically requests a convention limited to proposing amendments focused on federal fiscal responsibility, citing rising national debt ($36 trillion) and inflation concerns. The resolution directs West Virginia to seek federal court action if Congress fails to comply and invites other states to convene a state-level meeting by July 2026 to draft fiscal amendments for state ballot consideration. As a procedural resolution - not a law - it does not change policy but formally requests action from Congress.

Maddy summaryHB 2112 amends West Virginia's excise tax code to adjust exemptions for real property transfers. The bill removes existing tax exemptions for certain gifts and quitclaim deeds while adding a new exemption for transfers between siblings. It directly affects property owners and recipients involved in real estate transactions, particularly those involving family members or specific gift scenarios. The changes aim to close perceived loopholes by tightening the definition of tax-exempt transfers under §11-22-1 of the state code.

Maddy summaryHB 2088 prohibits individuals listed on West Virginia’s state sex offender database from attending any public school activities, events, or athletic functions, regardless of whether they have children enrolled. This applies to all such individuals, including parents or guardians, and directly affects those on the registry who would otherwise participate in school-related settings. The bill imposes penalties: a first violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail, while subsequent violations are felonies carrying 1-5 years in prison. It also requires parent-teacher conferences involving registered sex offenders to occur off school grounds, such as at a courthouse or police station. The law creates a clear policy change banning these individuals from school premises during school activities.