Del. Joe Funkhouser

Maddy summaryHB 4687 creates the State Bank of West Virginia as a custodial agency within the State Treasurer's office, specifically for holding physical precious metals (bullion and specie) owned by the state, its agencies, or political subdivisions. The bill establishes rules for deposits, withdrawals, and account management, prohibits the bank from paying interest, and requires strict record-keeping and reporting to the Treasurer. It directly affects state entities that hold precious metals by providing a dedicated, secure repository and defines procedures for private individuals or businesses to deposit metals under specific conditions. The bank will operate under a State Bank Administrator appointed by the Treasurer with gubernatorial approval, focusing solely on safekeeping and administrative handling of these assets.

Maddy summaryHB 4680 prohibits state emergency orders from restricting religious gatherings, travel to places of worship, or imposing penalties on religious institutions during a declared state of emergency. It directly affects churches and religious organizations by ensuring their services cannot be shut down under emergency powers. The bill creates a legal right for religious institutions to sue if harmed by violations, with a two-year deadline to file claims for damages, attorney fees, and other relief. It applies immediately upon passage and requires the governor's emergency orders to comply with these protections.

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 4653 modifies how small public utilities in West Virginia set rates. It exempts utilities with fewer than 4,500 customers or less than $3 million in annual revenue (including small electric/gas cooperatives, municipal water/sewer systems, and telephone cooperatives) from full commission approval, requiring them instead to set rates based on actual service costs and file changes with the Public Service Commission. Utilities must wait 45 days before new rates take effect (or waive this if facing financial distress), and customers can petition the Commission if they believe rates are unfair, triggering a 120-day review period. This bill directly affects small utility providers and their customers by changing the process for rate adjustments.

Maddy summaryHB 4647 would change West Virginia law to extend the term of county sheriffs from four years to six years. This bill directly affects sheriffs across all West Virginia counties, who would now be elected every six years instead of every four years. The key provision amends Section 3-1-17 of the state code to adjust the election cycle for sheriffs from "every fourth year" to "every sixth year" following the 2028 election. This change would alter the frequency of sheriff elections without modifying election procedures or qualifications.

Maddy summaryHB 4649 requires purchasers of property sold at tax sales (by the West Virginia Auditor for unpaid taxes) to satisfy any outstanding municipal liens (such as unpaid water or sewer charges) recorded against the property before securing a deed. Specifically, buyers must pay off these local government claims and provide the Auditor with a certified record of satisfaction from the municipality, in addition to existing requirements like preparing redemption notices and paying associated costs. Failure to meet this new requirement within 120 days (with a possible 60-day extension for a $100 fee) results in losing the property purchase. This change ensures new owners receive clear title without hidden municipal claims.

Maddy summaryHCR 11 is a West Virginia state resolution urging Congress to call an Article V constitutional convention. It seeks to propose amendments requiring that U.S. Representatives, Senators, federal judges (Article III), and Cabinet Secretaries be natural-born U.S. citizens with sole U.S. citizenship. The resolution does not change existing law but applies to Congress under Article V of the Constitution to initiate a convention focused solely on this citizenship requirement for those federal positions. This is a procedural step by West Virginia to join other states in seeking a constitutional amendment, not a legislative bill with immediate effect.

Maddy summaryHCR 10 is a West Virginia legislative resolution urging Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It specifically requests a convention limited to proposing an amendment to repeal the 16th Amendment, which authorizes federal income taxes. The resolution states West Virginia’s application will be aggregated with similar applications from other states to reach the required two-thirds threshold for Congress to act. This is a procedural step - West Virginia cannot repeal the 16th Amendment itself, but seeks to initiate the process for states to propose such a repeal. The resolution also notes plans for potential legal action if Congress fails to convene the convention.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's HCR 9 is a resolution urging Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to propose repealing the 17th Amendment. This amendment, ratified in 1913, established the direct election of U.S. senators by voters instead of state legislatures. The resolution requests Congress convene a limited convention focused solely on this amendment, joining similar requests from other states to reach the required two-thirds state support. It does not change current law but seeks to initiate the process for a potential constitutional amendment, which would restore state legislatures' role in selecting senators.