Del. Larry Kump

Maddy summaryHJR 7 proposes a constitutional amendment to change West Virginia's Senate election system from multi-member districts to 34 single-member districts. If approved by voters in 2026, it would require all 34 Senate seats to be elected by voters within individual districts, using 2020 Census data for apportionment. This would directly affect West Virginia voters who elect state senators and the senators themselves, replacing the current system where some districts elected multiple senators. The amendment must be ratified by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHJR 8 proposes a constitutional amendment adding Article XV to West Virginia's Constitution, establishing formal processes for initiative, referendum, and recall. It reserves to registered voters the power to propose statutes and constitutional amendments via petition (initiative), challenge enacted laws (referendum), and remove officials (recall) at all government levels. The amendment requires petition signatures to trigger voter votes at general elections, specifies that constitutional amendments must be submitted to voters for ratification, and clarifies that legislative proposals require two-thirds approval in both chambers. This directly affects registered voters by expanding their direct democratic tools under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 4158 requires random drug testing of West Virginia state legislators during each regular legislative session. The bill establishes a program administered by the Legislative Administrator, limiting tests to twice per session per legislator, with a second test required if initial results indicate illegal drug use. Test results must remain confidential unless a legislator tests positive twice or refuses testing, in which case the results become public. This law directly affects all state legislators and creates a formal process for drug testing while balancing confidentiality with public disclosure under specific circumstances.

Maddy summaryHB 4060 requires most West Virginia businesses selling food or goods/services in physical locations to accept cash as payment, prohibiting them from forcing customers to use credit cards or digital payments. This applies to restaurants, retail stores, and similar in-person establishments but excludes online, phone, or mail-order transactions. The West Virginia Treasurer's Office may create exemptions for specific cases, such as very small transactions or certain business types, through regulations. Violating the law could result in a $500 fine for businesses.

Maddy summaryHB 4170 prohibits merchants from charging fees to cash checks issued by state or federal government entities, such as unemployment benefits or tax refunds. This directly affects individuals who receive government-issued checks and need to cash them at retail stores or check-cashing services. The bill amends existing law to explicitly state that merchants cannot charge fees for this specific service, while maintaining standard fee limits for other check-cashing transactions. It does not change rules for cashing personal or business checks. The law aims to reduce costs for residents relying on government payments.

Maddy summaryHB 4154 requires West Virginia's public employee and teacher retirement systems to provide an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to retirees who have been retired for over 10 years. It directly affects current retirees from both the Public Employees Retirement System and State Teachers Retirement System who voluntarily retired in good standing. The bill mandates the first full COLA payment by June 30, 2026, with subsequent annual payments, and extends these adjustments pro-rata to beneficiaries receiving retirement benefits. This policy change modifies retirement benefit payments without altering eligibility or contribution requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 3192 repeals numerous outdated, conflicting, or inoperative sections of West Virginia's education code that pertained to higher education institutions. The bill specifically removes provisions related to West Virginia University (Article 11), revenue bonds for university capital improvements (Article 11A), university facilities (Article 11B), and athletic facilities at West Virginia University (Article 11D) and Marshall University (Article 11E). It also repeals sections concerning state teachers' colleges (Article 12) and Marshall University capital improvements (Article 12A). This legislation streamlines the legal code by eliminating redundant or obsolete language, making the code more accessible for legal interpretation and application. The bill was approved by the Governor in April 2025 and became effective on July 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2129, now law after Governor approval on April 12, 2025, establishes a "Parents Bill of Rights" for K-12 public schools. It directly affects parents and guardians by granting them specific rights regarding school curriculum, instructional materials, and communications about their child's education. Key provisions require schools to provide parents with clear notice about curriculum content and allow them to review instructional materials used in the classroom. The law creates a framework for parental involvement in educational decisions within public school settings.

Maddy summaryHB 2802 establishes a system allowing law enforcement officers to earn in-service training credits for completing approved professional development courses. It directly affects law enforcement officers in the state by creating a standardized way to accumulate credits toward career advancement or salary milestones. The key provision requires state agencies to maintain a list of approved training programs and track officer participation. This law, now enacted as Chapter 159 of the 2025 Regular Session, replaces previous informal credit systems with a formal, state-administered process. It focuses on improving officer qualifications through structured, documented training rather than altering operational procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill simplifies the process for handling small estates in West Virginia that do not include real property (like a house). It allows heirs to transfer assets valued at $50,000 or less using a sworn affidavit instead of requiring court-appointed personal representatives. The affidavit must detail the decedent’s death, assets, heirs, and confirm no pending court proceedings. This directly affects individuals inheriting small estates without real property, removing the need for bonds or court oversight while ensuring creditors are paid.