Rep. Elías Coop-González

Maddy summaryHB 4452 removes specific land ownership limits for religious organizations in West Virginia. It eliminates current restrictions that cap church-owned land at 10 acres within cities/towns and 60 acres outside those areas. The bill amends state law to allow religious groups to own any amount of land without these acreage limits. This change directly affects churches, congregations, and religious organizations operating within the state. The policy shift removes a longstanding legal restriction on property ownership by religious entities.

Maddy summaryHB 5484 creates a new felony crime in West Virginia for conspiring to deny medical care to victims of sexual exploitation, assault, incest, or abuse. It directly affects individuals who work together (conspire) to block victims from accessing licensed medical treatment for injuries or conditions caused by these crimes. The bill establishes penalties of 5-10 years in prison, a $50,000 fine, or both for violations. This law specifically targets efforts to prevent victims from receiving necessary medical care following sexual offenses, without altering existing abortion laws.

Maddy summaryHB 5048 ensures foster children in temporary care facilities continue their education through virtual learning while awaiting residential placement. It requires that virtual instruction occur in the county where the child was last enrolled (or the current county if unavailable, or the nearest capable county), and mandates that virtual learning begins within three days of placement in temporary care. Foster care agencies responsible for the child must receive IT training to support this transition. Once placed with a foster family, all educational records and virtual learning details are transferred to the new county and foster family. The bill directly affects foster children in temporary care and the agencies managing their placement.

Maddy summaryHB 4198, the E-Verify Requirement Act, requires all employers in West Virginia - including businesses, government entities, and public agencies - to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm employees' work authorization. It replaces criminal penalties with fines for knowingly employing unauthorized workers ($100-$10,000 per violation depending on offense count) and allows license suspension or revocation for repeat violations. The bill also creates a "safe harbor" for employers who use E-Verify, shielding them from penalties for failure to verify status. It repeals a provision denying business expense deductions for non-compliance but maintains financial penalties and licensing consequences for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the West Virginia Office of the Attorney General and Office of the Treasurer to conduct a study of state budget spending from the current year and the previous five years. The study will categorize expenditures into four groups: spending required by the state constitution, spending for core government functions, spending for policy goals not constitutionally required, and spending with unclear or speculative purposes. The findings and recommendations will be reported to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance by December 21, 2026. This resolution does not change how money is spent but instead asks officials to analyze and categorize existing budget items to better understand how taxpayer dollars are allocated.

Maddy summaryHB 5660 amends West Virginia's statute governing concealed weapons licenses, updating the process for obtaining a permit to carry deadly weapons (specifically pistols and revolvers). It affects both West Virginia residents (requiring a $50 fee) and nonresidents (requiring a $100 fee), who must submit detailed applications verifying citizenship/residency, age (21+), criminal history (no recent felonies/misdemeanors involving violence or domestic abuse), and background checks. The bill specifies required applicant information including personal details, proof of lawful status, and compliance with federal firearm restrictions. It also waives the weapon-handling qualification requirement for renewal applicants. This legislation modifies existing licensing procedures without changing the core eligibility criteria.

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 4894, the "West Virginia Utility Affordability and Economic Competitiveness Act," prohibits utility companies from raising rates for one year (a moratorium) and establishes a phased approach to reduce high utility costs for West Virginia residents and businesses. It requires utilities to evaluate all costs - including base rates, fees, environmental impacts, and long-term system reliability - when making future rate decisions, rather than focusing solely on individual projects. The bill directly affects all West Virginia households and businesses that pay utility bills, aiming to lower the state’s position as having some of the highest combined electricity and water costs in the U.S. The law mandates that affordability be measured by total system costs and competitiveness relative to neighboring states, not just immediate rate changes.

Maddy summaryHB 5681 would allow qualified certified nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives in West Virginia to prescribe, administer, and dispense prescription drugs without needing a collaborating physician. Currently, state law requires these professionals to have a written agreement with a physician to prescribe medications, but the bill removes this requirement. The legislation amends specific sections of the West Virginia Code governing registered nurses and their practice standards. This change would directly affect nurse practitioners and midwives by expanding their independent prescribing authority for medications.