Del. Larry Kump

Maddy summaryHB 4969 increases retirement benefits for eligible retired state employees and teachers by a total of 5% over three years, starting July 1, 2026. It applies to retirees aged 70+ with at least 25 years of service as of July 1, 2023, including those receiving minimum benefits under existing law. The increase is phased: 2.5% on July 1, 2026, 1.5% on July 1, 2027, and 1% on July 1, 2028. The bill amends provisions for both the Public Employees Retirement System and the State Teachers Retirement System. It does not affect current retirees' benefits retroactively but adjusts payments for those already retired as of the effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 4924 prohibits municipalities participating in West Virginia's Municipal Home Rule Program from creating local anti-discrimination ordinances that include protected classes beyond those listed in state law. This means cities and towns in the program cannot add categories like sexual orientation or gender identity to their local non-discrimination protections if state law doesn't already cover them. The bill amends §8-1-5a of West Virginia Code to enforce this restriction, directly affecting participating municipalities' ability to expand local civil rights protections. It does not change existing state protections but limits local governments from adding new ones.

Maddy summaryHJR 29 proposes a constitutional amendment to clarify the West Virginia Board of Education's duties and authority. It would amend Article XII, Section 2 of the state constitution to state that the Board "shall perform only such duties as may be prescribed by law." The amendment also specifies the Board's composition (nine members appointed by the Governor with Senate approval, with term limits and a five-member political party cap), removal procedures, and requires voter approval at the 2026 general election. This change aims to formally limit the Board's authority to duties explicitly defined by statute.

Maddy summaryHB 4934 requires West Virginia's Secretary of State to verify the physical address listed on a voter's registration record. This directly affects voters who provide their address during registration or address changes, as well as election officials responsible for maintaining registration records. The bill mandates that the Secretary of State establish a process to confirm the physical address provided by voters, or allow third parties to handle this verification. It amends existing law to add this verification step to prevent registration at incorrect addresses. The bill does not change penalties for false registration but adds a procedural requirement for address validation.

Maddy summaryHB 4927 would abolish West Virginia's personal income tax for all individuals, estates, trusts, and pass-through entities, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026. The bill amends §11-21-3 of the West Virginia Code to eliminate the tax imposition described in the section, removing the requirement for taxpayers to pay income tax under current law. This change directly affects all West Virginia residents and nonresidents with taxable income subject to the state's personal income tax. The policy change is a complete repeal of the tax, not a reduction or modification of rates.

Maddy summaryHB 4980 would allow civil lawsuits against West Virginia judges who knowingly violate laws, hold unlawful hearings, or abuse litigants in their official duties. It requires victims to first report misconduct to a judicial oversight body, which must confirm "willful misconduct" before a lawsuit can proceed. The bill sets a five-year statute of limitations for claims and specifies remedies like financial compensation, punitive damages for severe cases, and attorney fees for successful plaintiffs. It explicitly excludes good-faith judicial decisions from liability and mandates public reporting of oversight findings.

Maddy summaryHB 4920, the "Second Amendment Preservation Act," declares federal regulations on intrastate firearm sales within West Virginia invalid, directly affecting West Virginia residents buying, selling, or transferring firearms, accessories, or ammunition within the state. It prohibits the ATF and other federal entities from enforcing rules that restrict these in-state transactions, stating such actions violate both the U.S. and West Virginia constitutions. The bill imposes civil penalties of $50,000 per violation for federal enforcement attempts and requires the West Virginia Attorney General to defend citizens prosecuted federally or sue federal agencies for violations. It also mandates state law enforcement to refuse enforcing federal gun regulations that infringe on Second Amendment rights.

Maddy summaryHJR 28 is a constitutional amendment proposal (not a bill) that would require voter approval to allow West Virginia's legislature to later create a law exempting owner-occupied primary residences from property tax once the mortgage is paid off. It does not create the exemption itself but would permit future legislation to do so for homes with no outstanding mortgage. This would directly affect homeowners who pay off their mortgages and occupy the property as their primary residence. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4917 terminates West Virginia's Health Care Authority's certificate of need program, which previously required health facilities to obtain state approval before expanding services or building new facilities. This bill directly affects hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers that would have needed these approvals, eliminating that regulatory requirement. Key provisions include repealing related statutes, transferring the Authority's remaining powers and assets to the Secretary of the Department of Health, and directing funds to the general revenue fund. The bill also clarifies exemptions and establishes a summary review process for specific behavioral health services under the Secretary's authority.

Maddy summaryHB 4925, the West Virginia PRIME Act, allows West Virginia producers and retailers to sell custom-slaughtered meat (beef, pork, lamb, goat) within the state without requiring USDA or state inspection. It applies to producers (farmers, ranchers) selling directly to consumers or retailers (restaurants, grocery stores), with meat labeled "Processed in a custom-exempt facility. Not for interstate commerce." The bill prohibits local governments from restricting such sales and limits the West Virginia Department of Agriculture from imposing additional regulations beyond minimal facility registration. All transactions must stay strictly within West Virginia borders, and the law explicitly exempts these sales from federal inspection requirements.