Del. Larry Kump

Maddy summaryHB 4673 establishes the West Virginia Bullion Depository, managed by the State Treasurer, to hold physical gold, silver, and other precious metals. It creates "transactional currency" - digital tokens representing specific amounts of deposited gold or silver - that would be recognized as legal tender within West Virginia for paying debts, taxes, or dues. The bill requires deposits of physical bullion or specie (coin), prohibits interest on deposits, exempts holdings from state taxation, and sets up a separate administrative account for fees. It directly affects individuals or businesses depositing precious metals or using the digital tokens for transactions in the state. The bill does not make cryptocurrency itself legal tender but defines digital representations of physical metals as legal tender.

Maddy summaryHB 4678 would amend West Virginia law to allow residents aged 18 to 20 to carry concealed deadly weapons without a permit, aligning their rights with those of 21+ residents under current law. The bill specifically revises sections §61-7-3 (penalties for carrying without a permit), §61-7-6 (exceptions for 18-20 year olds), and §61-7-7 (prohibited possessors) to remove the age restriction for concealed carry. It maintains existing exceptions (like carrying on personal property, during hunting, or for law enforcement) and prohibitions (such as for those convicted of serious crimes or addicted to controlled substances). The change would directly affect West Virginia residents aged 18-20 who currently require a permit to carry concealed weapons.

Maddy summaryHB 4679 prohibits West Virginia counties, towns, and municipalities from using taxpayer funds to hire lobbyists who represent them at the state level. The bill adds new sections to state law (§7-28-1, §7A-9-1, and §8-40-1) explicitly banning local governments from paying for lobbying services using tax revenue. It directly affects all county commissions, consolidated local governments, and municipal corporations across the state. The key provision prevents local entities from using public money to influence state legislation through lobbying efforts. This is a direct policy change limiting how local governments may engage with state lawmakers.

Maddy summaryHB 4628, the PEEPS Act, requires West Virginia law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before accessing historical location data (such as license plate records, cell tower logs, or traffic camera footage) about people or vehicles. Exceptions include when a vehicle owner reports a theft, for traffic enforcement, toll collection, or in immediate emergencies where a warrant cannot be secured. The bill mandates that agencies encrypt this data, prohibit sharing or selling it to private companies, and maintain detailed records of all access requests with supervisor approval. This law directly affects police departments and government entities that collect location information, aiming to limit unwarranted surveillance while allowing specific public safety uses.

Maddy summaryHB 4675, titled "Relating to 'Rain Tax'," would prohibit West Virginia municipalities from charging property owners a fee based on stormwater, runoff, rain, or similar precipitation-related factors. This bill amends state law to remove local governments' authority to impose such fees, directly affecting residential and commercial property owners who might have been charged for these services. The key mechanism is a clear prohibition on assessing any fee tied to precipitation management, replacing existing provisions that allowed stormwater fees under municipal ordinances. This change would require municipalities to find alternative funding methods for stormwater programs but does not specify new funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 4674 prohibits the use or sale of "abortifacients" (defined as drugs requiring an FDA prescription or primarily used to cause abortion) in West Virginia. It directly affects healthcare providers, pharmacies, and individuals who mail or prescribe such drugs within the state, with criminal penalties for violations. The bill creates a private right to sue for damages if someone violates the prohibition and defines "medical emergency" narrowly to exclude psychological conditions. Key mechanisms include strict definitions of terms like "abortifacient" and "abortion," and it explicitly excludes exceptions for miscarriage, stillbirth, or ectopic pregnancies.

Maddy summaryHB 4677 would amend West Virginia law (§20-7-4) to require natural resources police officers to obtain either a landowner's consent or a warrant before entering private property for enforcement purposes. This change directly affects landowners and DNR officers, altering current authority to enter private lands. Key provisions include adding this requirement to the officer's duties while maintaining exceptions for emergencies involving imminent threats to public safety or accidents. The bill does not change officers' existing authority to enter state-owned lands or enforce laws on public waters.

Maddy summaryHB 4516 would allow West Virginia conservation districts to partially reimburse property owners for septic tank maintenance or repairs to improve local water quality. The bill defines "Cooperators" as any property owner with a septic tank (regardless of whether the property is agricultural or non-agricultural) and establishes a process for these reimbursements. It requires that funding be allocated to cover the costs of these programs. This bill directly affects property owners with septic systems in counties served by conservation districts.

Maddy summaryHCR 6 is a symbolic resolution passed by the West Virginia House of Delegates declaring the state's position that it has the right to reject federal laws it deems unconstitutional. It cites provisions from West Virginia's constitution (Articles I, II, III) and historical arguments from figures like James Madison to assert that states, not federal courts, hold authority over constitutional interpretation. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is purely a declarative statement of the state's stance. As a concurrent resolution, it has no legal force and does not change how federal laws are applied.

Maddy summaryHJR 19 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow local governments (counties, municipalities) to approve additional tax increases specifically for fire protection and emergency medical services (EMS) with a simple majority vote (50% plus one vote) instead of the current 60% requirement for all other tax increases. This change would apply only to levies limited exclusively to fire/EMS funding, with a three-year maximum duration and a cap preventing increases from exceeding 50% above existing tax rates. The amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election and leaves the 60% threshold unchanged for all other tax increases. It does not alter existing tax exemptions or revenue distribution rules.