Del. Larry Kump

Maddy summaryThis bill changes West Virginia law for domestic violence protective orders by requiring a court hearing with the respondent present and represented by counsel before restricting firearms. It mandates that courts must find "clear and convincing evidence" of an immediate danger (via documented threats or sworn testimony), not just general allegations, and prohibits using firearm confiscation as punishment. Respondents would automatically receive a 10-day appeal of any firearm restriction in the protective order. The bill directly affects individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders who might face firearm restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 4913 exempts the first 100 acres of qualifying working farms from all state, county, and municipal property taxes. A "working farm" is defined as land primarily used for agricultural production (crops, livestock, etc.), actively managed, and producing goods for sale. The exemption applies per parcel - not per owner - to prevent landowners from splitting parcels to gain more tax breaks, and a clawback provision reinstates taxes if the land stops farming or is subdivided. The bill also prohibits reassessments based on nearby development or "highest and best use" theories unrelated to agriculture.

Maddy summaryHB 4922 would exempt all West Virginia residents aged 65 and older from both personal property taxes and real estate property taxes starting January 1, 2027. The bill amends existing tax exemption laws (§11-3-9 and §11-6B-3) to add this new category for seniors, directly affecting older residents who own property in the state. It clarifies that this exemption applies to all real estate and personal property, not just primary residences. The policy change takes effect on a specific date (January 1, 2027), with no mention of income limits or other qualifying conditions in the bill text. This is a direct tax relief measure for senior citizens, not a procedural or commemorative bill.

Maddy summaryHB 4931 prohibits West Virginia from creating or maintaining any registry of firearm owners or firearms within the state. It bans state agencies, federal entities operating in West Virginia (like ATF contractors), and private actors from compiling or storing such records - both physical and electronic. Violators face civil penalties of $10,000 to $100,000 per violation, with funds directed to a Second Amendment Defense Fund for legal challenges. The law applies immediately upon passage and targets registry systems, not firearm ownership or sales.

Maddy summaryHB 4968 would exempt the first $20,000 of annual income from West Virginia state income tax for resident individuals and married couples filing jointly. Effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2026, the bill modifies the tax calculation by reducing taxable income by $20,000 before applying the state tax rate. This directly benefits low-to-moderate income West Virginia residents who earn under $20,000 annually. The change applies to both single filers and couples filing jointly, reducing their state tax liability without altering federal tax treatment.

Maddy summaryHB 4926, the "Second Amendment Reaffirmation and Protection Act," ensures that if federal gun laws like the National Firearms Act (1934) or Gun Control Act (1968) are repealed or struck down, West Virginia automatically restores full firearm rights without new state restrictions. The bill prohibits West Virginia or local governments from enacting, enforcing, or funding any laws that mimic or replace repealed federal regulations, and protects individuals and businesses from penalties for exercising restored rights. It also creates a private right for citizens to sue officials who enforce illegal restrictions and bans state law enforcement from assisting federal agencies in enforcing repealed laws. The act takes effect immediately upon federal repeal or judicial nullification of covered laws.

Maddy summaryHB 4911 redefines what constitutes an official political party for all state and local elections in West Virginia. It grants official ballot status to parties that received at least 1% of votes for Governor in the previous statewide election or have 5,000 registered members statewide. The bill extends this definition to apply to municipal elections, allowing local governments to create ordinances (with 3/4 approval) enabling non-qualified groups to participate in municipal primaries. This change directly affects parties seeking ballot access and local election administrators.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 4872) amends West Virginia law to establish clear guidelines for former deputy sheriffs who resigned (not retired) to seek reinstatement with their original department. It allows eligible former deputies to reapply within five years of resignation if they have no pending misconduct charges, reside in the same county, and pass a medical and psychological exam. The sheriff holds full discretion to approve or deny reinstatement, and successfully reinstated deputies would start at the lowest rank above probationary deputies. The bill specifically updates existing rules to replace a prior two-year window with a five-year limit for reapplication.

Maddy summaryHB 4903 provides a $6,000 pay equity salary adjustment over three years for specific correctional employees in West Virginia. It directly affects non-uniform administrative staff at the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (starting July 1, 2026), as well as all employees of the Division of Corrections, Division of Juvenile Services, and West Virginia Regional Jail Authority (with adjustments effective July 1, 2018-2020). The bill mandates annual $2,000 raises each July 1 for these employees, funded from general revenue for state divisions and a special jail fund for regional facilities. This policy aims to address recruitment and retention challenges by increasing base pay for these roles, without altering existing pay grade maximums.

Maddy summaryHB 4883 would exempt overtime pay from West Virginia's personal income tax. Currently, workers pay state income tax on overtime earnings, but this bill would remove that tax obligation. The provision applies directly to all West Virginia employees who earn overtime pay under state labor laws. This change would increase take-home pay for affected workers by eliminating the tax on overtime hours.