Del. Larry Kump

Maddy summaryHJR 4 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how West Virginia's Superintendent of Free Schools is selected. Currently appointed by the State Board of Education, the superintendent would instead be directly elected by voters in general elections every four years under this amendment. The bill specifically amends Article XII, Section 12-2 of the West Virginia Constitution to require this direct election process. This change would affect all West Virginia voters, as they would gain the ability to elect the state's top education official, and the superintendent would continue serving as a member of the Board of Public Works. As a constitutional amendment, it requires voter approval in the 2026 general election after legislative passage.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's House Concurrent Resolution 16 requests Congress to propose a constitutional amendment fixing the U.S. Supreme Court's size at nine justices. The resolution, introduced by Delegate Kump on February 13, 2025, formally asks Congress to establish this number as permanent in the Constitution. It does not create new law but symbolically urges federal action to amend the Constitution, citing the current practice of having nine justices. This resolution affects only Congress and the federal constitutional process, not any specific individuals or groups.

Maddy summaryHJR 6 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring West Virginia's governor to provide at least five days' written notice to all state legislators before convening a special session of the legislature. This would amend Article VI, Section 19 of the state constitution to mandate that the governor's proclamation calling a special session be issued no fewer than five days prior to the session's start. The bill directly affects all state legislators by ensuring they receive a minimum notice period before special sessions begin. The amendment, if approved by voters, would change the current process for notifying lawmakers about special sessions.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would shorten the term of office for members of West Virginia's Board of Education from nine years to five years. Currently appointed by the governor with staggered nine-year terms, board members would serve five-year terms if approved by voters. The change requires voter approval at the 2026 general election, as specified in the resolution. It does not alter the board's structure, appointment process, or the requirement for gubernatorial appointments with Senate consent.

Maddy summaryHJR 7 proposes a constitutional amendment to change West Virginia's Senate district structure from multi-member districts to 34 single-member districts. This would require the Senate to be composed of 34 individual districts based on the 2020 Census data, implemented for the 2026 elections. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect. It directly affects how West Virginia senators are elected and represents a structural change to the state's legislative representation system.

Maddy summaryHJR 8 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase West Virginia's homestead exemption for property taxes. Currently, the exemption covers the first $20,000 of assessed value for primary residences owned by residents who are 65 or older, permanently disabled, or citizens of the state. If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, the amendment would raise this exemption amount, reducing property tax burdens for qualifying homeowners. This change directly affects eligible homeowners meeting the age, disability, and residency criteria.

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes amending the West Virginia Constitution to require the Board of Education to divide the state into nine geographic districts, each comprising one or more county school boards. It would replace gubernatorial appointments with elections, mandating that each district elects one Board member from its own county school board. The amendment specifies that elected members must be current county board members, establishes election timing, and includes rules about political party balance and removal procedures. This change would affect all 55 county school boards and the structure of the statewide Board of Education, requiring voter approval in the 2026 general election. The bill does not alter education policy but changes how Board members are selected.

Maddy summaryHJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace the separate offices of State Treasurer and State Auditor with a single Office of Comptroller. This change would combine the financial oversight duties currently split between these two positions into one role, affecting how state finances are managed and reported. The amendment would update the state constitution to remove references to "Treasurer" and "Auditor" and substitute "Comptroller" in all relevant sections, including those governing the school fund board and executive appointments. The proposal requires voter approval in the 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 2032 removes the elected position of County Surveyor from West Virginia election ballots, ending the office entirely. The bill amends state election laws to delete all references to the County Surveyor position, as counties no longer use this elected role. This change takes effect after the 2024 general election, meaning the office will not appear on future ballots. The bill does not alter county services or duties, as the position has been inactive for years.

Maddy summaryHB 2083 sets specific deadlines for when absentee ballot applications must be received by election officials, not for when completed ballots must be returned. It requires most voters to submit applications by the sixth day before an election, while qualified first responders must submit by 5:00 p.m. the day before. This affects all West Virginia voters seeking absentee ballots by mail or electronic means, ensuring officials have sufficient time to verify eligibility and mail ballots. The bill updates existing application timing rules without changing the current requirement that completed ballots must be received by polls closing on election day.