Rep. Wayne Clark

Maddy summaryHB 5464 modifies West Virginia's horse racing regulations to support thoroughbred racing operations. It establishes definitions for "West Virginia Certified Thoroughbred horses," sets purse requirements for restricted races, and increases the $1 million annual funding cap for racetracks that did not participate in the West Virginia Development Fund before 1992. The bill also adds an inflation adjustment for net terminal income deposited into the state Excess Lottery Revenue Fund and changes how that income is distributed. These changes directly affect licensed thoroughbred racetracks in West Virginia, particularly those with historical non-participation in the Development Fund. The policy focuses on adjusting financial mechanisms for existing racetracks rather than creating new facilities or jobs.

Maddy summaryHB 5587 requires school buses to have cameras that automatically send footage of drivers illegally passing stopped buses directly to law enforcement for ticketing. It applies to drivers who violate school bus stop laws (e.g., passing when flashing lights are active), which currently carry fines and license suspensions. The bill adds a new enforcement mechanism: camera footage is transmitted directly to police without manual reporting, streamlining the process for issuing citations. This directly affects drivers who fail to stop for school buses, with penalties ranging from $500 fines for first offenses to jail time for repeat or severe violations causing injury or death.

Maddy summaryHB 5351 modernizes how counties collect fees from emergency communication service users to cover enhanced 911 systems and address conversion costs. It allows county commissions to impose a single fee per physical address (residential, commercial, or business location) regardless of technology used, including VoIP services for in-state subscribers. The fee must cover system upgrades, city-style addressing conversions, and operational costs, but cannot be charged multiple times for different services at the same location. This update ensures fee collection aligns with modern communication technologies while maintaining transparency for users.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally recognizes President Donald J. Trump for various policies and actions that the West Virginia House of Delegates claims have benefited the state. The document highlights specific initiatives including regulatory reforms in the energy sector, tax relief measures, funding for rural healthcare, and programs aimed at reducing prescription drug costs and establishing investment accounts for newborns. It also cites border security improvements and drug control efforts as contributing factors to public safety and economic well-being. The resolution expresses appreciation for these actions and requests that the formal recognition be sent to the President.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the life and legacy of the late West Virginia legislator Larry D. Kump, who passed away on February 28, 2026. The resolution formally expresses the House of Delegates' condolences to Kump's family and acknowledges his service as a representative for Berkeley County across three different terms. It recognizes his career in criminal justice and mediation, his commitment to limited government, and his role as a devoted family member and church leader. The document is a ceremonial tribute rather than a law that changes policy or affects public programs.

Maddy summaryHB 4663 repeals a West Virginia law (§60-7-8c) that required special licenses for multi-vendor private fairs and festivals where vendors share liability. This change directly affects event organizers hosting such gatherings by removing a licensing requirement. The bill eliminates the specific code section governing these licenses, including associated application processes and fees. The policy change simplifies regulations for organizers of events with multiple vendors sharing responsibility.

Maddy summaryHB 4500 authorizes Berkeley County Commission to levy a special excise tax on sales of tangible personal property and services within the Berkeley County Economic Opportunity Development District. This tax would fund economic development initiatives in the designated district, directly affecting businesses operating within its boundaries and residents who purchase taxable goods or services there. The bill specifies that the district will remain active until 2054, unless terminated earlier under existing law, and aligns with similar provisions for other counties’ economic districts. The tax is limited to sales within the district’s defined boundaries and must be approved through required legislative processes.

Maddy summaryHB 5603 requires out-of-state landowners (those with primary residence or business outside West Virginia) to register their West Virginia properties with local authorities within 60 days of purchase, providing a physical address, in-state agent, and contact details. If a property is deemed dilapidated (unsafe, code-violating, or vacant over 12 months), local authorities must issue a 30-day notice for repairs, with failure to fix resulting in escalating fines: $15,000 for the first 30 days, doubling every subsequent 30 days. Each month of noncompliance is treated as a separate violation, with penalties accruing automatically. The bill targets out-of-state owners of neglected properties, aiming to address public safety hazards and reduce local government burdens from unremedied properties.

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 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.