Del. Larry Kump

Maddy summaryHB 2758 prohibits any entity from intentionally injecting, releasing, or dispersing chemicals, substances, or apparatus into West Virginia's atmosphere with the purpose of altering temperature, weather, or sunlight intensity. This directly affects federal agencies, private entities, or other groups conducting such atmospheric experiments within the state. The bill explicitly bans these activities by amending state law to make such dispersal unlawful. It takes effect 30 days after passage and aligns with the West Virginia Department of Environment Protection's air quality monitoring responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 2756, the "Uniform Public Expression Protection Act," creates a legal framework to protect individuals and entities filing or defending lawsuits involving constitutional rights like free speech, press, assembly, and petition on matters of public concern. It establishes expedited court procedures, allows immediate appeals for such cases, and permits recovery of attorney fees. The bill applies to lawsuits concerning communications about public issues (e.g., government actions or community matters), but explicitly excludes cases involving government employees acting officially, real property disputes, personal injury claims, or insurance matters. This law directly affects individuals, media, and organizations facing legal challenges over public expression, while streamlining judicial handling of these constitutional rights cases.

Maddy summaryHB 2533 requires the West Virginia Department of Human Services to conduct drug screening for all adults applying to become foster parents, kinship parents, or caregivers for children in the department's legal custody. The bill mandates testing for substances like cocaine, marijuana, and opiates, with applicants needing to complete approved substance abuse treatment if testing positive. A second positive test results in a 12-month suspension from placement, while a third positive test leads to permanent ineligibility. The department covers initial testing costs, but applicants must pay for any requested second test, and all test results remain confidential except as specified. The law also requires annual reporting on program costs, ineligibility rates, and successful treatment completions.

Maddy summaryHB 2799 protects employees in West Virginia who use reasonable force (including deadly force when justified) to defend themselves or others from an attack at their workplace. It prohibits employers from terminating an employee solely for such defensive actions, ensuring workers cannot face job loss for acting in self-defense during an attack. The bill specifically allows the use of deadly force without a duty to retreat if an employee reasonably believes they or others face imminent death or serious harm. This amendment expands existing self-defense protections to explicitly cover workplace scenarios, aligning with the bill's stated purpose of shielding workers from employment retaliation.

Maddy summaryHB 2759 increases penalties for bribery and corrupt government practices in West Virginia. It raises prison terms to up to 10 years for bribery (felony) and up to 3 years for lesser corruption (misdemeanor), with fines up to $250,000. Anyone convicted is permanently barred from holding any state office or position of trust. The bill also clarifies that all corruption convictions automatically disqualify offenders from public service.

Maddy summaryHB 2532 amends West Virginia law to exempt insurance producers who have held an active license for 20 years or more from biennial continuing education requirements. This affects long-tenured insurance agents selling life, health, property, casualty, or other permitted insurance lines, removing their obligation to complete up to 24 hours of continuing education every two years. The bill maintains existing requirements for all other licensed producers, including those needing 6-24 hours of education. It does not change current exemptions for specific license types or telemarketing producers.

Maddy summaryHB 2691 would allow public school teachers and employees with a valid concealed carry permit to carry a concealed firearm on school grounds. This change specifically applies to employees of public schools and public charter schools who meet state concealed carry requirements. The bill requires firearms to remain concealed at all times while on school property and does not alter the general prohibition on firearms for other individuals or open carry.

Maddy summaryHB 2673 would require a criminal conviction (a guilty verdict) before law enforcement can seize an individual's property through civil asset forfeiture. This bill amends West Virginia's asset forfeiture laws to eliminate the current practice of taking property without a criminal conviction, directly affecting individuals whose property might be seized (e.g., cash, vehicles, real estate) and law enforcement agencies. Key provisions include requiring notice to all property owners, holding prompt post-seizure hearings, and protecting innocent owners from losing property. The bill also adds safeguards like mandatory receipts for seized items and limits on how long property can be held as evidence.

Maddy summaryHB 2611 would allow towns, cities, counties, or other local areas bordering West Virginia to join the state through a defined process. It requires a binding local referendum on the next general election date, followed by a simple majority vote in the West Virginia Legislature and final voter approval at the next general election. If approved, the Secretary of State would notify Congress and the Post Master General within seven days, update tax collection procedures (with a grace period for new residents), and provide administrative support for local governments and businesses. The bill directly affects border communities seeking statehood, establishing a clear pathway for their admission while ensuring a six-month transition for professional licensing and tax compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 2607 proposes to amend West Virginia Code sections related to eminent domain by revising the definitions of "blighted area" and "blighted property" used in slum clearance and redevelopment projects. These changes would determine which properties can be taken through eminent domain by local governments, municipalities, or regional authorities for community renewal efforts. The bill directly affects property owners in areas designated as blighted under the new criteria and the authorities authorized to conduct redevelopment. The bill has been introduced in the House and referred to the Judiciary Committee, with no further action taken as of the provided date.