Del. Larry Kump

Maddy summaryHB 2782 requires West Virginia public elementary, secondary schools, and state institutions of higher education to display the national motto "In God We Trust" in a conspicuous location if the display is either donated or purchased using private donations. The bill mandates that any poster or framed copy must include centered representations of both the U.S. flag and the West Virginia state flag, with no additional text or images allowed. Schools may accept private donations specifically for this purpose but cannot use public funds to purchase the displays. The bill focuses solely on the physical display requirements and does not alter school curricula or religious practices.

Maddy summaryHB 3019 requires West Virginia public school districts to provide parents with specific information whenever sending school immunization-related notices. Schools must include two key items: the FDA's patient package insert for each required vaccine and details about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (with its website link). This notification must be sent to parents of new students before enrollment and to all current students' families at least once yearly. The law applies to all public school districts in West Virginia and aims to ensure parents receive clear, factual information about immunization requirements and available resources.

Maddy summaryHB 3018 prohibits West Virginia's environmental agency from creating new rules to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in key sectors (like utilities, industry, and transportation) to comply with the Kyoto Protocol or Paris Agreement. It also bans the state from making legally binding commitments to federal agencies regarding emissions cuts under these international agreements. The bill explicitly allows continued participation in voluntary programs, such as the EPA's "Green Lights" initiative. It directly affects West Virginia's regulatory approach to climate policy, preventing state action aligned with these global accords.

Maddy summaryHB 2977 would repeal all existing West Virginia laws requiring mandatory vehicle inspections and inspection stickers. This bill directly affects all vehicle owners in West Virginia by eliminating the legal requirement to obtain and display an annual inspection sticker. The key mechanism is removing sections of the state code (§17C-16-1 through §17C-16-9) that governed inspection stations, penalties for non-compliance, and registration suspension for unsafe vehicles. If passed, vehicle owners would no longer need to get state-mandated inspections to legally operate their vehicles in West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 2944 amends West Virginia law to require vehicles with out-of-state license plates parked at a resident's home to be registered within 60 days (down from 90 days), instead of 90 days under current law. It directly affects individuals who park vehicles registered in another state at their West Virginia residence for extended periods. The bill authorizes law enforcement to issue fines for violations of this 60-day registration requirement. This change specifically targets long-term parking of out-of-state vehicles at private residences, excluding certain cases like commuting employees or students with out-of-state residency.

Maddy summaryHB 2974, the "Second Amendment Preservation Act," declares federal regulations on intrastate firearm sales within West Virginia invalid, prohibiting state officials from enforcing such rules. It imposes $50,000 civil penalties for violations and requires the West Virginia Attorney General to defend residents facing federal charges over intrastate firearm transactions or prosecute federal agents who enforce prohibited regulations. The bill directly affects West Virginia residents engaging in local firearm sales, law enforcement, and federal agencies like the ATF operating within the state. It explicitly states that federal laws restricting intrastate firearm transfers violate both the U.S. and West Virginia constitutions.

Maddy summaryHB 2938 would allow pharmacists in West Virginia to sell ivermectin over the counter without a prescription, directly affecting pharmacies and residents seeking the medication. The bill amends state law to remove the requirement for a prescription for ivermectin, permitting its sale, distribution, or possession by individuals without medical authorization. This change applies specifically to human-use ivermectin, not veterinary products. The legislation does not alter medical guidelines or safety standards but shifts access from prescription-dependent to over-the-counter availability. The bill is currently pending in the Health and Human Resources Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2924 would abolish the legal doctrine of adverse possession in West Virginia, meaning individuals can no longer claim ownership of land simply by occupying it openly and continuously for a set period without the owner's permission. The bill amends the state code to remove the existing 10-year limitation period for land claims and explicitly states that "the doctrine and law of adverse possession is abolished." This change directly affects landowners, who will no longer face the risk of losing property through adverse possession claims, and individuals who might have sought to claim land under this rule. The bill does not alter other property laws but specifically eliminates adverse possession as a method to obtain title to land.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 2873 prohibits certain Chinese government entities and Chinese-controlled companies from purchasing or owning agricultural land in West Virginia. It specifically bans governmental entities of China, companies headquartered in China, and entities controlled by the Chinese government or owned by Chinese citizens (with majority ownership). Existing owners of agricultural land before July 1, 2025, cannot transfer it to another foreign entity after that date, and all future transfers must be approved by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. The bill applies only to agricultural land and does not affect non-agricultural property or other foreign ownership.

Maddy summaryHB 2838 requires all West Virginia county boards of education to provide free feminine hygiene products to female students in every public elementary, middle, and high school. The bill mandates that schools make these products available at no cost to students, ensuring access without financial burden. It directly affects female students attending public K-12 schools across the state. The key provision is the requirement for county boards to supply these products as a standard school resource.