Rep. Walter Hall

Maddy summaryThis bill gives the West Virginia Secretary of State the authority to refer suspected election law violations to county prosecuting attorneys for investigation. When the Secretary of State identifies potential election fraud or irregularities, the county prosecutor must forward the matter to the West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys Institute, which then appoints a special prosecutor to review the allegations. The special prosecutor must provide written updates to the Secretary of State within 60 days and every 60 days thereafter until a decision is made about whether to pursue criminal charges. The appointed special prosecutor serves without additional pay beyond reimbursement for travel and related expenses, and county commissions cover these allowable costs.

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 urges the Capitol Building Commission and Department of Administration to assess and address hazardous trees along California Avenue and Kanawha Boulevard on the State Capitol Complex grounds. The resolution requests an immediate evaluation of trees that have caused property damage through falling limbs and broken trunks over the past two years. It specifically asks officials to trim trees back to the grass side of sidewalks or remove and replace hazardous trees to protect public safety and state property. This non-binding resolution directs state agencies to take preventative maintenance actions without mandating specific enforcement measures.

Maddy summaryHB 5198 amends West Virginia's hate crime law to explicitly include "disability" as a protected class alongside race, sex, and other characteristics. It increases penalties for crimes motivated by disability bias - such as violence or intimidation - by classifying such acts as felonies punishable by fines up to $5,000 or 10 years in prison. The bill applies to all individuals with disabilities as defined under state law (§16B-17-3), directly affecting victims of disability-targeted crimes and holding perpetrators accountable under existing hate crime provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 5197 shortens the time homeowners have to challenge a tax deed from two years to one year if they weren't properly notified of the sale. It requires anyone suing to set aside a tax deed to deposit full redemption funds with the court clerk before proceeding. The bill also strengthens the requirement that property purchasers must prove they made "reasonably diligent" efforts to notify potential owners before selling property at tax sale. These changes directly affect property owners who missed tax sale notices and tax deed purchasers seeking to secure title.

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 5664 proposes creating the West Virginia Cares Fund, a state-run long-term care insurance program funded through payroll deductions for eligible state employees. It would provide a daily benefit of $100 for 365 days annually to cover approved services like in-home care, community-based support, and skilled nursing facility care. The bill aims to address the lack of affordable long-term care insurance, which leaves over 90% of seniors uninsured, by offering coverage through employee payroll premiums instead of out-of-pocket costs. This would allow beneficiaries to choose care settings (home, community, or facility) while maintaining current service options and seamless transitions from existing funding sources. The bill is currently in committee referral after its February 2026 introduction.

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 5566 establishes a centralized State Tax Lien Registry managed by West Virginia's Tax Division, replacing the current system of filing tax liens with individual county recorders. The registry requires the Tax Division to file notices of tax liens (for unpaid state taxes) containing debtor name/address, lien number, and amount owed, making this information publicly searchable online at no cost. This directly affects taxpayers with unpaid final tax liabilities (debtors) and anyone accessing the registry, such as creditors or property buyers. Key mechanisms include centralizing lien records statewide, automatically attaching liens to all debtor property (real and personal), and allowing bulk sale of registry data to cover operational costs, while prohibiting use for marketing. The registry becomes the official record, superseding county filings.