Del. Larry Kump

Maddy summaryHB 3033 shortens the time limit for suing over contract disputes in West Virginia. It reduces the statute of limitations for written contracts from 10 years to 5 years and for oral contracts from 5 years to 3 years. This change directly affects individuals and businesses entering into written or verbal agreements, as they would have less time to file legal claims if a contract is breached. The bill amends West Virginia Code §55-2-6 to align the state's rules with those of most other states. The legislation is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee after its introduction on February 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3043 strengthens penalties for illegally parking in designated accessible spaces and for fraudulently obtaining special plates or placards for people with mobility impairments in West Virginia. It increases fines for violations, requires clearer display of valid placards (red for temporary, blue for permanent), and mandates a public awareness program about the law and consequences. The bill directly affects drivers who park in accessible spots without authorization, people with mobility impairments using special plates/placards, and organizations transporting disabled individuals. Key provisions include stricter enforcement, updated medical criteria for qualifying for placards, and requirements for organizations to move vehicles after loading/unloading. The law aims to protect accessible parking for those who need it while reducing misuse.

Maddy summaryHB 3037 requires all property tax assessments in West Virginia to follow a strict three-year review cycle, directly affecting property owners and local assessors. The bill prohibits increasing property tax assessments without a valid reason - specifically banning arbitrary hikes solely to generate new revenue. It mandates that any assessment increase must be based on a periodic property evaluation, with the justification publicly disclosed. This law aims to prevent unfair or random tax increases by requiring transparency and regular, systematic reviews of property values.

Maddy summaryHB 3027, introduced in West Virginia's 2025 legislative session, would require all registered voters to present a photo ID at polling places for public office elections. The bill specifies acceptable IDs like driver's licenses, passports, military IDs, or student IDs with photos, and lists 18 additional documents (e.g., Medicare cards, utility bills) that may be used as alternatives if they contain the voter's name. Voters without an acceptable ID could use an affidavit signed by an adult who knows them for six months and presents their own ID. This bill directly affects all registered voters in West Virginia elections and is currently pending referral to the House Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 3063 would provide free license plates and vehicle registration for volunteer firefighters in West Virginia who have completed at least five years of service. The bill amends state law to exempt qualifying firefighters from paying standard registration and license plate fees. This policy change directly affects volunteer firefighters meeting the service requirement by eliminating a recurring cost for their personal vehicles. The bill is currently under review by the House Finance Committee after being introduced on February 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts honorably discharged veterans of any U.S. military branch from West Virginia vehicle registration fees, requiring only a $10 initial application fee for special "Veterans" license plates. It allows veterans to apply for these plates on any number of vehicles they own and permits surviving spouses to retain the plate after a veteran's death until remarriage or death. Documentation of military service is required to qualify for the plates. The bill does not impose renewal fees or other charges beyond the initial $10 fee.

Maddy summaryHB 3054 prohibits West Virginia municipalities from requiring larger minimum lot sizes for properties with accessory dwelling units (ADUs, like backyard cottages) compared to standard single-family homes in the same zoning district. This bill directly affects local governments that create zoning ordinances and homeowners seeking to add ADUs. The key provision removes a specific requirement from zoning rules that would otherwise mandate bigger lots for ADU properties, allowing more flexibility in housing development. The bill does not change other zoning regulations but targets this one provision to support accessory housing options.

Maddy summaryHB 3021 requires West Virginia's Department of Commerce to develop a "competition plan" allowing electricity consumers to choose among multiple utility providers within the same geographic area. The bill mandates that any approved deregulation plan must include specific disclosures for consumers: energy sources used, federal/state subsidies received, environmental management practices, and detailed rate options. It also sets technical requirements for utility operators, including a 75% average daily utilization rate and 10% reserve capacity beyond peak demand to ensure grid reliability. Additionally, the bill separates grid maintenance responsibilities from utility operators, requiring utilities to contract with independent maintenance providers and include those costs in consumer rates.

Maddy summaryHB 2727 requires that at least one member of both the West Virginia University (WVU) Board of Governors and the West Virginia State University (WVSU) Board of Governors must have a background in agriculture or an agricultural field. This bill amends existing law governing university board composition, adding a specific qualification requirement for these two boards. It directly affects WVU and WVSU governance by mandating this expertise in agricultural matters for one appointed board member. The change modifies current appointment rules without altering other board composition requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 3004 creates two new state-level offenses: "illegal entry" (entering West Virginia without legal authorization) and "illegal reentry" (re-entering after removal). The bill requires the state Criminal Identification Bureau to maintain records of such incidents and prohibits community supervision or parole for individuals convicted of these offenses. It also provides immunity to law enforcement officials enforcing these provisions and establishes court procedures for ordering deportation. The bill applies directly to individuals entering or re-entering the state without legal status, ensuring prosecutions proceed regardless of federal immigration status determinations.