Del. Larry Kump

Maddy summaryHB 5010 prohibits West Virginia institutions of higher education and their affiliate organizations from accepting gifts, grants, contracts, or other funding from designated "foreign adversaries," including China (specifically targeting Confucius Institutes), Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Qatar. The bill requires institutions to report foreign funding exceeding $10,000 individually or $50,000 annually to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, detailing donor information and spending restrictions. It defines "foreign adversary" broadly and mandates that funds accepted in violation must be returned to the state. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5000 prohibits public school employees from using school resources (like facilities, equipment, or time during work hours) for election advocacy or political activities. It specifically bans school staff from engaging in political activity while on duty or acting on behalf of the school administration. The bill directly affects all public school employees in West Virginia, restricting their political conduct during work hours and preventing the use of school assets for election-related efforts. This is a policy restriction, not a new program or funding measure.

Maddy summaryHB 4948 would require new data center construction or establishment in West Virginia to maintain a minimum 500-foot buffer zone from residences, schools, or houses of worship. This rule applies to planning and building new facilities, directly affecting developers seeking to locate data centers near these sensitive locations. The bill does not apply to existing data centers but sets a new siting standard for future projects. It aims to balance data center development with community proximity concerns without altering operational requirements for current facilities.

Maddy summaryHJR 31 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit consecutive terms for West Virginia state legislators. If approved by voters in 2026, it would restrict senators to two consecutive terms and delegates to four consecutive terms. The limits would apply only to terms beginning after ratification, with prior terms not counting toward the limit. This amendment requires voter approval at the 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4914, the West Virginia Education Freedom and Parental Empowerment Act, creates education savings accounts (ESAs) funded by federal block grants to give parents direct control over K-12 education spending. It requires state funds to be allocated equally per student into parent-controlled accounts, usable for tuition at private/charter schools, tutoring, materials, and other qualified educational expenses. The bill dissolves the State Board of Education’s regulatory powers over K-12 education, limiting it to only transferring federal funds to the State Treasurer, who administers the program and tracks spending. This directly affects all West Virginia K-12 students and their families by shifting educational funding and decision-making from state authorities to parents.

Maddy summaryHB 4970 requires mandatory random drug testing for all employees of West Virginia county commissions, state government, and K-12 school systems. It mandates that new hires pass a pre-employment drug test and that 10% of all employees (including volunteers like coaches) undergo random annual testing. The policy applies to county employees starting July 1, 2026, and to school employees beginning the 2026-2027 school year. County commissions, the State Board of Education, and state personnel offices must develop implementing rules for legislative approval. This bill directly affects over 100,000 public sector workers across state and local government.

Maddy summaryHB 4908 requires a criminal conviction before any property can be taken through asset forfeiture in West Virginia. This bill directly affects individuals whose property might otherwise be seized under civil forfeiture laws without a criminal conviction. Key provisions include eliminating civil asset forfeiture, mandating a guilty verdict for property seizure, requiring notice to all owners, and protecting innocent owners who didn't know their property was used in crime. The bill replaces current civil forfeiture procedures with a criminal conviction requirement for all property seizures.

Maddy summaryHB 4928 prohibits counties and municipalities from taxing residential rental properties at higher rates than owner-occupied homes. It requires all property taxes on rental properties to match the rate for owner-occupied housing and bans additional taxes based on zoning. The bill directly affects landlords who own rental properties and aims to reduce their tax burden, potentially helping keep rents stable. It does not change sales or service taxes for rental businesses. The legislation focuses on changing property tax assessment rules, not on broader rent control or other housing policies.

Maddy summaryHB 4916 would eliminate West Virginia's state taxes on tobacco products (including e-cigarettes), alcohol, and gambling. The bill repeals specific tax code sections (like those covering tobacco excise taxes, alcohol sales taxes, and lottery table game taxes) that currently impose state levies on these industries. This change would directly affect businesses selling these products (e.g., tobacco shops, liquor stores, casinos) and consumers who pay these taxes. If passed, the bill would remove these tax obligations from West Virginia law.

Maddy summaryHB 4918 requires West Virginia public schools to provide a minimum of 180 instructional days per year, with specific daily minute requirements: 315 minutes for kindergarten through fifth grade, 330 minutes for sixth through eighth grade, and 345 minutes for ninth through twelfth grade. Counties may extend the school day by at least 30 minutes to meet the 180-day requirement, using the extra time for up to five days of weather-related closures or teacher professional development. The bill also mandates that noninstructional days total 20 annually, including holidays, election day, and designated days for staff training and school preparation. This directly affects all West Virginia public school districts and their annual calendars.