Rep. Larry Kump

Maddy summaryHB 4759 requires the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) to update its rules about athletic eligibility for students who transfer between schools. It directly affects students transferring schools, public and private schools, and the WVSSAC itself. The bill mandates that WVSSAC modify its existing rules to address eligibility after school transfers and also updates rules for incoming ninth-grade students' academic eligibility. These changes aim to standardize transfer protocols and ensure consistent athletic participation rules across school districts. The bill does not alter academic requirements but focuses on administrative procedures for student eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 5208 establishes the "Child Protective Services Due Process and Child Protection Act" in West Virginia, directly affecting parents and children involved in child abuse and neglect cases investigated by Child Protective Services (CPS). The bill requires all CPS testimony to be sworn under oath, prohibits removing children without a court order (except for immediate physical danger), and mandates higher evidence standards: probable cause for emergency removals, clear and convincing evidence for custody decisions, and proof beyond a reasonable doubt for termination of parental rights. It also bans poverty-based removals, guarantees parents legal counsel upon any removal, and requires CPS to provide quarterly public reports on their activities. The law takes effect July 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHR 9 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late West Virginia House Delegate Douglas John Skaff Jr. It expresses the House of Delegates' condolences to his family and commemorates his service, including his roles as a delegate representing multiple districts and as Minority Leader. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, acknowledging his career in public service, business, and community leadership. It was unanimously adopted by the House on February 5, 2026, the same day it was introduced.

Maddy summaryHB 5170 allows individuals to openly carry firearms on West Virginia Capitol grounds and inside the Capitol building, removing previous restrictions. It permits open carry in most areas but prohibits it in the Governor’s office and specific Supreme Court chambers (third/fourth floors of the East wing). The bill also maintains existing rules against carrying pepper spray over one ounce and defacing Capitol property. This directly affects lawful firearm owners seeking to carry openly while visiting the Capitol complex.

Maddy summaryHB 5090 would eliminate all vaccine requirements for school children in West Virginia by amending state law to prohibit schools from mandating vaccinations as a condition for enrollment. The bill removes current requirements that students must be immunized against specific diseases like measles, polio, and chickenpox to attend school. This change would directly affect all public, private, and parochial schools in the state and their enrolled students. The legislation does not address vaccine safety or public health measures, only the enrollment requirement.

Maddy summaryThis West Virginia House resolution states that the U.S. national debt (over $38 trillion in 2026) poses a national security threat, citing foreign debt ownership, projected Social Security/Medicare shortfalls, and warnings from military/intelligence leaders. It urges Congress to establish regular budgeting procedures but does not create new laws or alter federal spending. As a symbolic resolution, it has no direct legal effect on national debt policy or federal budgets. The resolution focuses on raising awareness rather than implementing concrete changes.

Maddy summaryHB 4460 modifies West Virginia's sewer connection rules to balance urban and rural needs. It exempts properties with properly maintained onsite wastewater systems (verified by a recent inspection) and those more than 200 feet from a sewer line from mandatory connections. In densely populated areas (over 500 people per square mile), connections may still be required if systems are failing or impractical. The bill also mandates that municipalities provide financial assistance - including payment plans or subsidies - for low-income homeowners who must connect, covering both connection fees and necessary plumbing modifications.

Maddy summaryHB 4036 increases penalties for illegally parking in accessible spaces or misusing special disability plates/placards in West Virginia. It requires placards to display clearly (red for temporary, blue for permanent use) and mandates a public awareness campaign about proper parking rules and consequences. The bill does not change eligibility for placards - applicants still need medical certification from licensed providers - but strengthens enforcement against violations. It directly affects people with mobility impairments who use designated parking and violators who park illegally in these spaces.

Maddy summaryHB 5020 prohibits individuals on the state sex offender registry, convicted of sexual assault, or convicted of juvenile abuse from entering public school property or attending school events. It directly affects these individuals and requires schools to hold parent-teacher conferences with them via phone or virtual meeting instead of on-site. Violating this ban is a misdemeanor for a first offense (up to six months in jail) and a felony for repeat offenses (one to five years in prison). The bill also allows the State Board of Education to create implementing rules.

Maddy summaryHB 5036 prohibits West Virginia courts and agencies from enforcing any legal system not created through the state legislature, Congress, or recognized common law. It makes contracts, arbitration agreements, or private adjudication unenforceable if they violate constitutional rights, deny court access, or restrict due process. The bill specifically bars recognition of family law decisions (like custody or inheritance) based on unauthorized legal systems and creates a private legal remedy for people harmed by such enforcement. It explicitly preserves private religious practices and compliant arbitration while targeting "parallel legal systems" that bypass democratic legislative processes.