Del. Joe Funkhouser

Maddy summaryHB 5532 prohibits West Virginia counties and municipalities from imposing additional property taxes on residential rental properties beyond the rate applied to owner-occupied homes. It directly affects rental property owners and tenants by preventing local governments from charging higher taxes on rentals due to zoning classifications. The bill requires all county/municipal property taxes on rental properties to match those for owner-occupied homes and bans extra taxes based on zoning. This aims to reduce costs for tenants by preventing "double-taxing" that could raise rents, without altering sales or service taxes for businesses. The bill is currently in the House Finance Committee after introduction on February 16, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5593 would allow pharmacists in West Virginia to sell ivermectin to consumers without a doctor's prescription. The bill directly affects pharmacies, pharmacists, and anyone purchasing ivermectin for personal use. It adds a new section to state law (§60A-2-204a) specifically permitting over-the-counter sales, dispensing, and possession of ivermectin. This changes current requirements by removing the need for a prescription, making the drug accessible without a healthcare provider's authorization. The bill does not address medical uses or safety considerations, only the regulatory framework for its sale.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative House resolution honoring former West Virginia House Speaker and Chief Justice Timothy P. Armstead following his passing. It memorializes his service, names a conference room in the House as the "Speaker Tim Armstead Memorial Conference Room," and extends condolences to his family. The resolution does not create new laws or affect policy - it formally recognizes his legacy and contributions to West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 5535 amends West Virginia law to allow tow trucks and wreckers to use one or more flashing or revolving blue lights in addition to their existing yellow lights. This change specifically permits blue lights only on the rear of the vehicle, while the tow truck is stationary on the roadside or responding to a disabled vehicle, and prohibits their use while the vehicle is in motion. The bill does not alter lighting restrictions for other emergency vehicles like police, ambulances, or fire trucks, which retain their existing color-specific rules. It directly affects tow truck operators by expanding their permitted warning light options under strict, limited conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 5592 would allow pharmacists and pharmacies to sell ivermectin to consumers without a prescription, removing current requirements for a doctor's order. This change applies specifically to human use of ivermectin and overrides existing provisions in West Virginia law that currently require a prescription. The bill directly affects pharmacies, pharmacists, and individuals seeking ivermectin for personal use. It does not alter the medical use or safety of ivermectin, only the legal mechanism for its sale.

Maddy summaryHB 5553 allows West Virginia's Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) and the Department of Human Services to voluntarily join federal prescription drug pricing programs, such as those using international reference pricing models. The bill permits these agencies to negotiate drug prices directly with manufacturers or use federal benchmarks for reimbursement, but only if it saves money for the state and maintains beneficiary access to necessary medications. It explicitly prohibits requiring the state to adopt federal drug lists or override existing state pharmacy benefit rules. Both agencies must report annually to the legislature on program participation, estimated savings, and any access issues.

Maddy summaryHB 5493 would require West Virginia courts to offer convicted sex offenders (specifically those found guilty of crimes against minors under §61-8-12 or related statutes) a choice between hormone treatment (medroxyprogesterone acetate or MPA) or surgical castration as an additional penalty, alongside standard sentencing. Courts must first confirm a defendant's medical suitability for MPA treatment through a court-appointed expert, and the treatment duration is specified in the sentence. Refusing MPA treatment after sentencing could result in a 1-5 year prison term. The bill also mandates a prerelease risk assessment for these offenders before their release from prison.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6) expresses the West Virginia House of Delegates' support for developing natural gas pipeline infrastructure, specifically an intra-Panhandle pipeline connecting western gas fields to the Eastern Panhandle. It aims to improve access to locally produced natural gas for residents, support industrial and commercial growth, and create jobs across the state. The resolution highlights West Virginia's status as a top natural gas producer and notes that existing pipelines transport most output out of state, while Maryland's opposition to pipeline extensions is cited as a barrier. It does not create new laws or funding but urges responsible infrastructure expansion to boost economic development. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct legal effect but signals legislative backing for pipeline projects.

Maddy summaryHB 5500 exempts open-top farm vehicles transporting hay, straw, silage, and other natural farm products between farms from penalties for load escape. It specifically applies to vehicles carrying loose, bio-degradable materials that pose no environmental hazard (like fall foliage), but excludes fully loaded vehicles with large bales that could cause injury if dislodged. The bill requires farmers to obtain special permits for these vehicles and limits their speed to 45 mph when hauling materials prone to blowing away. This change directly affects farmers using open-top transport for agricultural products, removing fines for incidental escape while maintaining safety standards.

Maddy summaryHB 5506 prohibits lobbyists from receiving payment for lobbying West Virginia state officials on behalf of "foreign adversaries" as defined by the bill. It directly affects lobbyists working for governments or entities designated as hostile to the U.S. or West Virginia, including specific countries like China (excluding Taiwan), Russia, Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, and others listed in the bill. Key provisions require lobbyists to self-identify if representing such entities, establish civil penalties for violations, and allow authorities to seek disgorgement of funds or injunctive relief. The bill defines "foreign adversaries" broadly to include governments aligned with communist or totalitarian ideologies, state sponsors of terrorism, or entities under their control, with annual updates to the list by the Secretary of Homeland Security.