Del. Larry Kump

Maddy summaryHB 2538 exempts retirement benefits received by retired West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Police Officers from the state's personal income tax. The bill amends the state tax code to specifically exclude these pension payments from taxation, applying only to officers who served in the DNR Law Enforcement Division. This change directly affects retired DNR officers who currently pay state income tax on their pension benefits. The policy provides a tax exemption for this specific group under existing retirement laws, without altering other tax provisions or creating new state spending.

Maddy summaryHB 2531 increases West Virginia's homestead property tax exemption from $20,000 to $40,000 for qualifying homeowners. It directly affects residents aged 65 or older or certified as permanently and totally disabled who have lived in West Virginia for two consecutive years. The bill allows these homeowners to exclude the first $40,000 of their property's assessed value from local property taxes, provided they occupy the home exclusively as their primary residence. The exemption applies starting July 1st and requires proof of residency, such as a state voter registration or vehicle registration.

Maddy summaryHB 2534 creates a voluntary registry for people with specific disabilities (like autism, Alzheimer’s, or Down syndrome) to help law enforcement better interact with them during encounters. Adults can self-enroll with medical documentation, while parents or legal guardians can enroll minors or incapacitated adults using proof of disability or guardianship. Registry information - including names, contact details, and disability type - is kept confidential and exempt from public records, but may be shared with law enforcement, emergency management, or fire departments for official duties. Individuals can request removal from the registry within five business days.

Maddy summaryHB 2529 prohibits state-funded organizations from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition for employment or participation in their programs. Covered entities - including state agencies, schools, local governments, and businesses receiving state funds - must provide exemptions for medical reasons (verified by a physician) or religious beliefs (via notarized statement), and cannot discriminate against employees using these exemptions. The law explicitly excludes Medicare/Medicaid facilities due to conflicting federal regulations. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2544 would remove the requirement for direct physician supervision for physician assistants and certified nurse practitioners in West Virginia. The bill repeals specific sections of state law (§30-3E-10a and §30-3E-11) that previously mandated in-person supervision and amends other provisions to prevent future rules requiring it. This change would allow these healthcare providers to practice more independently, as long as they maintain collaboration with a physician via telecommunication. The bill directly affects physician assistants and nurse practitioners by expanding their scope of practice under current collaborative frameworks.

Maddy summaryHB 2428 requires a court hearing with the respondent present and represented by counsel before a protective order can prohibit firearm possession in domestic violence cases. It mandates that such prohibitions only apply when there is clear and convincing evidence of an immediate danger to the petitioner, based on documented threats or sworn testimony, not as punishment. The bill also requires automatic appeals for respondents within 10 days if a firearm ban is included in the order. This directly affects individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders who might face firearm restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 2462 designates April 19th as Patriots Day in West Virginia public schools, requiring all schools to commemorate this date annually. The bill mandates that on the closest Friday to April 19th (excluding Spring Break), students must study the battles of Lexington and Concord and read first-person accounts of these events to honor the Minute Men who fought for American independence. This legislation directly affects all West Virginia public school students and educators by adding specific historical curriculum requirements to the school calendar.

Maddy summaryHB 2429 would require West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officers to obtain a warrant or the landowner's explicit consent before entering private property, with exceptions only for emergencies like accidents or threats to public safety. This bill directly affects landowners by strengthening their property rights against unannounced DNR inspections. The key mechanism mandates a warrant or written consent as a prerequisite for entry, clarifying current law that previously allowed "implied permission" under certain circumstances. The bill does not change existing emergency exceptions but aims to prevent unauthorized DNR access to private land.

Maddy summaryHB 2432 expands which federal law enforcement officers can enforce West Virginia state laws by adding 19 specific federal agency roles to the existing list. It allows officers from agencies like the FBI, DEA, Border Patrol, Coast Guard, and federal prisons to assist state/local agencies under three conditions: when requested in writing (or verbally in emergencies), when a local officer requests help during exigent circumstances, or when witnessing a felony. The bill clarifies these officers have the same legal authority and immunities as state officers but cannot conduct independent investigations beyond preserving immediate evidence. It directly affects state/local law enforcement agencies seeking federal assistance and the 19 federal agencies listed in subsection (b). The bill does not change existing law enforcement procedures but broadens eligibility for federal officers to collaborate with state agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 2466 prohibits physicians in West Virginia from prescribing puberty-blocking medications (referred to as "pubertal modulating and hormonal therapy") to minors under 18 for the purpose of gender transition. The bill directly affects transgender and gender-diverse minors seeking medical care for gender dysphoria, banning a common treatment option. Exceptions allow such therapy only in very specific medical circumstances: for diagnosed disorders of sex development, to treat complications from prior gender transition procedures, or for severe gender dysphoria with strict requirements (e.g., two specialized medical opinions, written consent, and dosage limits). The bill does not ban all hormone therapy but restricts puberty blockers specifically for gender transition in minors, with narrow medical exceptions.