2020 West Virginia Legislative News Report #3

 Legislative action continues to intensify as more and more proposals (bills) are introduced, but only a selective few are given committee hearings and thereafter voted upon for passage in their originating chambers (House of Delegates or State Senate).

 This week I voted for, and the House of Delegates passed HB 4129 on adoption, which lessens the bureaucratic obstacles for the adoption of a child. HB 4129 now is pending consideration by the West Virginia State Senate.

 My HB 2497, the "Whistle-Blower" law, was passed by the House of Delegates (89 yeas, 6 nays, 5 absent). HB 2497 now is pending consideration by the West Virginia State Senate. HB 2497 protects government employees who "blow the whistle" on government wrong-doing or waste.

  I voted for, and the House of Delegates passed HB 4089, to require cursive writing to be taught in all of our schools. HB 4089 now is pending consideration by the West Virginia State Senate.

  I voted against HB 2433, which was narrowly defeated in the House of Delegates (47 yeas, 50 nays, 3 absent). HB 2433 would have further reduced the flexibility for local school boards to set their school year calendar. A motion the next day, to reconsider and re-vote on HB 2433, also was defeated (46 yeas, 52 nays, 2 absent). I again voted nay on reconsideration. I stood up, spoke up, and voted nay twice on HB 2433, because our local school boards should continue to have control over setting the local school year. Those who are concerned with school boards on this and other local school issues, should vote in the upcoming school board elections in May.

 I voted for, and the House of  Delegates passed HB 2419, to allow pre-trial release of inmates charged with misdemeanors (unless they are charge with a crime of violence, use of a deadly weapon, offense against a minor, drugs, or a serious traffic offense). This will help decrease the taxpayer expense of locking up defendants in regional jails while they are waiting for trial. HB 2419 now is pending consideration by the West Virginia State Senate.

 My HB 2605 was passed by the West Virginia House of Delegates Political Subdivisions Committee, and now moves on for further consideration by the House of Delegates Judiciary Committee. HB 2605 allows voters in West Virginia towns and cities to approve changing their June or other election dates to be on either the West Virginia regular Primary or General election dates, thus saving taxpayers money on elections and increasing voter turnout.

 Meanwhile, I continue to be a staunch supporter of our 2nd Amendment right to bear arms, personal property rights, individual liberty, and pro-life family values.

 More information about West Virginia legislation is available at the West Virginia Legislature's Office of Reference & Information, www.wvlegislature.gov or (304) 347-4836.

  My constituents also may visit www.LarryKump.com, telephone me at (304) 340-3122, or email me at Larry.Kump@wvhouse.gov for further inquiries. During session days, I always am in my legislative office (Room 476M) no later than 6:00 AM (and usually much earlier).

  May God bless you all real good!