Del. Elías Coop-González

Maddy summaryHB 2067, the West Virginia Firearms Liability Clarification Act, clarifies that firearm owners or sellers are generally not liable for civil lawsuits related to firearms they lawfully possess or transfer, unless negligence or intentional misconduct is proven. This law directly affects firearm owners, sellers, and businesses involved in gun transactions by limiting their civil liability in specific scenarios. The bill, now law after being approved by the Governor on April 25, 2025, establishes clear legal standards to prevent frivolous lawsuits targeting lawful firearm activities.

Maddy summaryHB 2387 repeals a requirement for hunters to obtain a Class A1 pistol stamp when using such firearms for hunting. This change directly affects hunters in the state who previously needed this specific stamp for Class A1 pistols during hunting activities. The bill eliminates the administrative step of securing the stamp, streamlining the process for eligible hunters. The law took effect on July 31, 2025, after being approved by the governor on April 8, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution designates November 7th annually as "Pastor Appreciation Day" in West Virginia. It honors clergy members for their community service, spiritual leadership, and roles in life events like weddings, funerals, and disaster response. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it serves solely as ceremonial recognition. It affects no specific individuals or policies, as it is a non-binding declaration of appreciation.

Maddy summaryHCR 88 is a ceremonial resolution honoring two West Virginia first responders nominated for the Medal of Valor. It specifically recognizes Captain Donald Lawson (New Martinsville Police) for rescuing two people from carbon monoxide poisoning despite his own hospitalization, and Darrell Lambert (Lake Volunteer Firefighter) for entering a burning building without protective gear to save a trapped resident, sustaining burns in the process. The resolution formally confirms the Legislature's approval of their award and directs the House Clerk to send a copy to Governor Morrisey. This is a symbolic honor with no new policy or funding changes, directly affecting only these two nominees. It passed unanimously in both chambers on April 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 34 is a commemorative resolution requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways rename bridge number 36-28-24.07 (locally known as Mouth of Seneca Bridge) in Pendleton County as the "U.S. Merchant Marine J. Ward Teter Memorial Bridge." It honors J. Ward Teter, a local Merchant Marine veteran and asphalt paving industry worker who contributed a lasting mathematical formula to his field before his death in 2023. The resolution formally asks the Division of Highways to install signage identifying the bridge with this name. This is a procedural request with no policy changes, completed by the legislature on April 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests that the West Virginia Division of Highways name a specific segment of Route 20 in Webster County (from the Upshur/Webster County line to Mount Zion Road) as the "U.S. Army Sergeant Major Charles Grant Hoke Memorial Road." It commemorates Sergeant Major Charles Grant Hoke, a WWII and Korean War veteran with multiple military awards, who was born in Upshur County and raised in Cleveland, Webster County. The resolution asks the Division of Highways to install signs identifying this road segment and directs the House Clerk to forward the resolution to the agency. This is a commemorative measure with no funding or policy changes, directly affecting the named road segment in Webster County.

Maddy summaryHB 3139 allows public non-charter schools converting to charter schools to apply for charter status after the regular deadline, provided they meet all charter requirements. It requires the approval process to be expedited for these late applications. This bill directly affects school districts seeking to convert to charter status by changing the application timeline and review process. The key provision removes the strict deadline for conversion applications while maintaining all existing charter school criteria. The bill does not alter charter school standards or funding but streamlines the application pathway for converting schools.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution requests the West Virginia Division of Highways rename bridge 30-3/5-13.59 (30A016) on County Route 3/5 in Mingo County from "Baisden Family Memorial Bridge" to "The Landen, Fannie, Katherine, Ab, and Laura Baisden Family Memorial Bridge." It commemorates five family members: Landen Baisden Sr. and Fannie Baisden (married 65 years, parents of six children), their daughter Katherine Baisden (a teacher), and Albert "Ab" Baisden and Laura Baisden (parents of 16 children). The resolution is procedural, with no policy changes or direct effects beyond the bridge naming.

Maddy summaryHCR 72 designates March 20, 2025 as "Black Lung Awareness Day" in West Virginia. It honors coal miners affected by black lung disease (coal worker's pneumoconiosis), a preventable occupational lung condition caused by coal dust exposure. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or policy changes - it serves as a ceremonial observance recognizing the disease's impact and existing protections like the Black Lung Benefits Act. It follows the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act's emphasis on miner safety without altering current regulations.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 47) requests that West Virginia's Division of Highways rename the Etam Bridge (Bridge Number 39-072/00-001.85) in Preston County as the "Clinton 'Randy' Dean 101st Airborne Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge." It honors Clinton "Randy" Dean, a West Virginia native and Vietnam War veteran who served with the 101st Airborne Division, received a Purple Heart, and later died from Agent Orange-related illness. The resolution specifically directs the Division of Highways to name the bridge and install prominent signage identifying it with this commemorative name. This is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy change affecting legislation or funding.