Del. Larry Kump

Maddy summaryHB 2082 bans third parties (like political groups or organizations) and election officials from sending absentee ballot applications to voters without a specific request. The bill requires that absentee applications only be provided to voters upon their direct oral or written request by the designated election official. This changes current practice by prohibiting unsolicited mailings or distribution of these forms, ensuring applications are only given when a voter actively seeks them. The law applies to all absentee voting applications in West Virginia, affecting how voters receive these forms and restricting who can distribute them.

Maddy summaryHB 2031 narrows the legal definition of "blighted property" in West Virginia by removing factors like tax delinquency exceeding a property's fair value from the criteria. It also restricts local governments and redevelopment authorities from seizing private property for projects without clearer justification. The bill directly affects property owners facing potential redevelopment efforts and limits how municipalities or regional authorities can acquire land for urban renewal. Key changes include revising definitions in state code to make it harder to label properties as "blighted" and adding requirements for municipal consent before redevelopment projects proceed. This aims to provide greater property rights protections while altering existing redevelopment processes.

Maddy summaryHB 2077 requires voters applying for absentee ballots in West Virginia to include a copy of their West Virginia driver's license or alternative identification approved by the Secretary of State on their absentee ballot application forms. This applies specifically to anyone requesting an absentee ballot for any election, including mail-in or electronic voting. The bill adds a new requirement to the existing application process, which already includes name, address, and signature, but now mandates this ID verification step. It does not change the ballot itself or voting methods, only the application documentation for absentee voting. The Secretary of State will determine which alternative ID options are authorized.

Maddy summaryHB 2119 eliminates a requirement for write-in candidates in West Virginia to register with the Secretary of State before their votes can be counted. The bill repeals §3-6-4a of the West Virginia Code, which previously mandated that write-in candidates file paperwork with the Secretary of State. This change directly affects write-in candidates and voters who select them, as it removes an administrative step for counting votes. Under the bill, votes for write-in candidates will now be counted automatically without needing prior registration. The policy change simplifies the process for counting write-in votes in elections.

Maddy summaryHB 2080 bars public schools in West Virginia from using school resources - like facilities, staff time, or materials - for election-related activities. It also prohibits school employees from engaging in political activities during work hours or while representing the school administration. The bill specifically prevents staff from advocating for candidates, distributing campaign materials, or participating in political events using school time or equipment. This directly affects school employees and students, as it restricts political involvement during school operations.

Maddy summaryHB 2097 creates a new felony offense for "reckless and wanton vehicular homicide" in West Virginia, directly affecting drivers whose reckless driving causes death within one year. The bill establishes penalties of 1-5 years in prison or fines of $2,000-$5,000 (or both) for this felony, while maintaining existing misdemeanor penalties for negligent cases ($500-$1,000 fine or up to six months in jail). It also mandates license revocation for anyone convicted of either vehicular homicide offense. The law distinguishes between reckless/wanton behavior (felony) and mere negligence (misdemeanor) in causing death through vehicle operation.

Maddy summaryHB 2125 expands safe surrender options by permitting 24/7 staffed 911 centers and ambulance stations to install newborn safety devices. These devices must include dual alarms tested weekly, visually checked daily, and alert staff within 30 seconds of a baby’s placement, triggering a 911 call if unattended for 15 minutes. Parents can anonymously leave infants under 30 days old without legal repercussions or abuse charges, while emergency responders gain liability protection for good-faith actions. The bill directly affects parents seeking anonymous surrender, emergency medical staff, and facilities operating these devices.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires West Virginia election officials to obtain legislative approval before implementing any new federal election rules or accepting new federal funds for elections. It also mandates that state agencies notify the Governor, Secretary of State, and legislature whenever they receive election-related communications from federal agencies. The bill directly affects how the state handles federal election policies and funding by adding a legislative review step. This creates a formal process for state oversight of federal election involvement without altering existing election procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 2171 would change when local school board elections occur in West Virginia, moving them from primary elections to general elections held on the same day as other statewide general elections. The bill requires these elections to use a nonpartisan ballot and includes rules limiting the number of school board members elected from any single local district to two. It also establishes procedures for filling unexpired terms based on vote counts and repeals the current law that scheduled school board elections during primaries. This change would directly affect all West Virginia county school boards and voters participating in these elections.

Maddy summaryHB 2081 expands West Virginia's Natural Resources Police Pension System to include correctional officers employed by participating public employers. It applies to certified law enforcement officers hired between the bill's effective date and June 30, 2026, who have not already retired under the Public Employees Retirement System. The bill requires these officers to join the Natural Resources Police Pension System instead of the Public Employees Retirement System, with specific rules for transferring their service credits. This change directly affects correctional officers who meet the hiring timeframe and eligibility criteria.