Del. Larry Kump

Maddy summaryHB 2871 creates new vehicular homicide offenses (including aggravated versions and those occurring in school/construction zones) and expands criminal protections to embryos. It establishes specific fines, penalties, and automatic driver's license revocation for convictions related to these offenses. The bill also links these new crimes to commercial driver's license disqualification, insurance policy cancellation, and updated definitions in juvenile court proceedings. This directly affects drivers involved in fatal crashes, insurance companies, and law enforcement handling traffic-related deaths.

Maddy summaryHB 3164 requires registered sex offenders to pay an annual fee starting in 2025. This law directly affects individuals classified as registered sex offenders under state law, imposing a new financial obligation on them. The key provision mandates an annual payment to the state, replacing or adding to previous requirements. The bill became law after Governor approval on April 28, 2025, and was enacted as Chapter 81 of the 2025 Regular Session.

Maddy summaryHB 3144 establishes clear timelines for local governments to review wireless infrastructure applications in West Virginia. It requires local authorities to approve or deny applications for colocation (adding equipment to existing structures) within 90 days or for new structures within 150 days, creating a "shot clock" mechanism. If a local government fails to act within these periods, it is presumed not to have acted within a reasonable timeframe. The bill directly affects wireless companies seeking to deploy facilities and local governments responsible for reviewing applications, while explicitly preserving existing state laws on small wireless facilities and pre-emption of local ordinances.

Maddy summaryHB 3167 requires circuit courts in West Virginia to order 12-panel hair follicle drug testing for parents or guardians in cases where child abuse or neglect has been substantiated. The test covers drug use over the past 90 days and applies to all respondents, with additional requirements for infants under two months old if a parent tests positive. Attempts to alter hair (e.g., dyeing, shaving) or failure to comply with the court order are treated as positive test results. Test results may be shared with a multidisciplinary treatment team to inform child welfare decisions.

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 78 is a non-binding resolution urging West Virginia's Division of Highways to prioritize completing I-73 (the "King Coal Highway") across Wayne, Mingo, McDowell, Mercer, and Wyoming counties. It requests the highway agency treat the project as a high priority to improve economic development and emergency access, especially after recent flooding exposed transportation challenges in the region. The resolution asks the state to provide necessary funding and executive support to expedite the highway's completion but does not allocate new funds or create new law. It directly affects the Division of Highways and residents of the five specified counties by formally advocating for this infrastructure project.

Maddy summaryHB 3305 would extend the required period of party affiliation for candidates seeking partisan office from 60 days to 180 days before filing their candidacy. This change directly affects candidates for state legislative seats, judgeships, and other partisan offices who wish to switch political parties before submitting their nomination paperwork. The bill modifies the existing requirement that candidates must have been registered with their chosen party for at least 60 days prior to filing, increasing that window to 180 days. This adjustment applies specifically to the certification process for partisan candidates, requiring them to maintain consistent party registration for a longer period before filing their candidacy.

Maddy summaryHB 3168, titled "The Rossi Act," requires businesses providing goods, services, or utilities in West Virginia to allow customers to modify their online accounts via phone or mail, with identity verification. It directly affects utility companies, telecom providers, and other service entities operating in the state. The law mandates this change to replace current online-only account management options and specifies that violations will be enforced under the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act by the Attorney General. The bill focuses on expanding customer access to account changes through traditional channels, not on specific outcomes or political implications.

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 summaryHB 3487 exempts small format, micro hospitals in West Virginia from requiring a certificate of need (CON) review before operating. This means these facilities would not need state approval for certain expansions or operations that typically require CON. The bill amends state law to specifically exclude micro hospitals from the CON process, streamlining their ability to provide care without additional regulatory hurdles. The exemption applies directly to small hospital operators seeking to establish or maintain services without the standard state review. The bill is currently in the House Health and Human Resources committee for further consideration.