Rep. Larry Kump

Maddy summaryHB 4755 adds "aggravated vehicular homicide" (defined in §17C-5-1(c)) to West Virginia's list of offenses that trigger enhanced sentencing for repeat offenders. This change directly affects individuals convicted of aggravated vehicular homicide who have prior qualifying offenses under the state's recidivism laws. The bill amends Section 61-11-18 of the West Virginia Code to include this offense, meaning a second or third conviction for this crime could result in harsher penalties if the offender has previous serious convictions. The law focuses on increasing penalties for repeat offenders in cases involving severe DUI-related fatalities.

Maddy summaryHB 4433 amends West Virginia law to create new criminal offenses for human smuggling (transporting undocumented people to evade enforcement) and human trafficking (recruiting or moving people for forced labor or sexual exploitation). It specifically targets individuals who transport adults or minors for these purposes, defining key terms like "coercion" and "forced labor" to clarify illegal conduct. The bill establishes penalties for these crimes, allows asset forfeiture of property used in trafficking, and requires restitution for victims. It also includes an exemption permitting medical, mental health, and legal services for undocumented individuals without criminal liability.

Maddy summaryHB 4995 requires public schools in West Virginia to install video cameras in self-contained special education classrooms (where most students receive special education services) and audio recording devices in restrooms of those classrooms. The bill mandates that cameras monitor all classroom areas except restrooms for clothing changes, while audio devices must be placed in restrooms with visible notices about the recording. Schools must maintain the equipment, document any malfunctions, and provide recordings to authorized personnel upon request. This law directly affects public school districts operating self-contained special education classrooms, aiming to enhance safety monitoring for students with disabilities.

Maddy summaryHB 4710 would change West Virginia's election law by extending the required period a candidate must maintain their party registration before filing for office. Currently, candidates must not have changed parties within 60 days prior to filing; this bill increases that period to 180 days. It directly affects candidates running for partisan offices like the House of Delegates, State Senate, or judicial positions who seek to switch political parties before submitting their candidacy paperwork. The key provision modifies Section 3-5-7(c)(6)(B) of the state code to require this longer waiting period before candidates can file with a new party. This change aims to prevent last-minute party switches during election filing periods.

Maddy summaryHB 5615 removes the requirement for an in-person visit before a patient's first telemedicine appointment in West Virginia. For patients who have had an in-person visit with the same provider within the past three years, the bill mandates an in-person follow-up within 12 months of the initial telemedicine service, with exceptions for acute care, behavioral health, addiction treatment, or palliative care. It also restricts prescribing Schedule II controlled substances (like strong opioids) via telehealth without special authorization, except for patients with an established provider relationship. These changes aim to standardize telehealth practice while ensuring patient safety through documentation and confidentiality rules.

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 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 4501 establishes the Dietitian Licensure Compact, allowing West Virginia-licensed dietitians to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It requires applicants seeking to practice in a "remote state" (a state other than their home state) to complete a national and state criminal background check with fingerprinting, pay associated costs, and authorize the West Virginia Board of Dietitians to share results with state and federal agencies. Background check results are kept private - only shared with the applicant, with their written consent, or by court order - and are not considered public records. The bill creates a commission to manage the compact, set uniform requirements for interstate practice, and handle disciplinary actions across member states. This directly affects dietitians seeking to provide services across state lines and reduces administrative burdens for both professionals and states.

Maddy summaryHB 4522 requires non-government entities providing funds or services for West Virginia election administration (such as ballot initiatives) to certify to the Secretary of State whether they knowingly receive foreign donations. This affects organizations or individuals funding state ballot measures, not voters or candidates. The bill mandates annual certification updates within five business days of new information, with penalties including fines of three times the donation amount for false or late filings, and invalidates agreements for non-compliance. It also requires government entities to submit quarterly reports on such funding and mandates public posting of certifications on the Secretary of State’s website.