Rep. Eric Brooks

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 summaryHB 5474 creates a tax credit for businesses in West Virginia's outdoor recreation industry located between Charleston and the New River Gorge. The bill directly affects qualifying outdoor recreation businesses operating in this specific corridor, including those offering activities like hiking, biking, and fishing. It establishes a tax credit to reduce business taxes for eligible operations, aiming to encourage economic growth and job creation in the region. The legislation cites the area's natural resources, transportation access, and appeal to remote workers as key reasons for this incentive.

Maddy summaryHB 4958 establishes the Southern Coalfield Resiliency and Revitalization Program to support Boone, Logan, McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming counties (the "Southern Coalfield" area), which have suffered economic decline due to coal industry challenges. The bill creates a Revitalization Council - including county commissioners, state agency heads, and college representatives - to coordinate resources, prioritize economic development, and develop strategies for these counties. Key provisions include requiring annual reports, authorizing reduced-cost access to state property/equipment for qualifying businesses, and directing the Division of Economic Development to facilitate incentives. The program operates for five years with no new state positions created, focusing on streamlining existing state and partner resources for community revitalization.

Maddy summaryHB 5206 makes certain panhandling and solicitation practices unlawful in West Virginia, directly affecting individuals requesting money, goods, or services in public spaces. The bill prohibits panhandling in specific locations (like bus stops, near ATMs, schools, and within 100-200 feet of highways) and during restricted hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.), while requiring licensed panhandlers to carry ID and permits. Exemptions apply to fire departments, school groups, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits soliciting for their operations. Violations carry misdemeanor fines starting at $100 for a first offense, increasing to $1,000 for repeat offenses, with permit revocation after three violations.

Maddy summaryHB 4517 expands West Virginia's child care tax credit to include employer-sponsored daycare facilities located off-site but within a reasonable distance of the workplace, making the credit more accessible to employers. It directly affects businesses that provide or financially support licensed child care services for employees, whether on-site or at nearby locations. The bill amends tax code definitions to clarify that "employer-sponsored" care (third-party facilities supported by employers through payments or contracts) qualifies for the credit, regardless of proximity, as long as the facility is reasonably accessible to the workforce. This change removes previous restrictions requiring facilities to be on the employer's premises. The bill aims to increase participation in the credit program by simplifying eligibility for employers offering off-site child care options.

Maddy summaryHB 5680 establishes a system requiring all West Virginia state agency rules to automatically expire after set periods (2, 4, or 6 years) unless agencies prove their necessity. Agencies must justify renewal with "clear and convincing evidence" showing each rule is legally authorized, necessary for public safety, cost-effective, and not duplicative. This "zero-based review" shifts the burden of proof entirely to agencies, mandating they demonstrate benefits outweigh compliance costs and restrictions on businesses, citizens, and healthcare providers. The bill creates a new oversight commission and requires annual reductions in regulatory burdens, aiming to eliminate outdated or unnecessary rules without requiring legislative action for each repeal.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's HCR 19 is a resolution urging Congress to call a Convention of States under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The resolution states that two-thirds of state legislatures have already applied for such a convention to propose a balanced budget amendment, making it Congress's constitutional duty to convene it immediately. It specifies the convention would be limited to fiscal responsibility proposals, with states selecting their own commissioners. The resolution also declares West Virginia's readiness to host the convention if chosen, emphasizing states' constitutional right to initiate this process without congressional interference.

Maddy summaryHB 5647, the "Open and Equal Opportunities in Student Activities Act," allows homeschooled students, Hope Scholarship participants, and students at nonpublic schools to join extracurricular activities - including sports - at public or nonpublic schools that are members of the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission. This applies when their own school doesn’t offer the activity or isn’t a commission member. Students must register with their county school board, pay standard fees, follow school rules, and be covered by the school’s insurance. The bill clarifies participation doesn’t guarantee a spot on a team or activity, and students transferring mid-year follow standard transfer protocols.

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 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.