Republican 100% Pro 2nd! 100% Pro Life! 100% WV Values!

Help us campaign today for a better tomorrow!

MOVING WEST VIRGINIA FORWARD

TAX POLICY

Recent policies enacted by Republicans over the last eight years, have produced record surplus revenue. Now is the time to reduce taxes by eliminating personal vehicle , business equipment and inventory taxes. I cosponsored HJR3 which puts the question of a Constitutional amendment on the ballot as amendment #2 to give the legislature the ability to end these taxes. I urge a yes vote!

LOCALITY PAY

Locality pay is desperately needed in the Eastern Panhandle for our teachers and state workers.

The conversation has been started and is ongoing. I am optimistic we will get this accomplished in the near future, and will continue to Fight for Locality Pay!

One Size Doesn't Fit All!

Business

West Virginia business climate has improved under Republican leadership. We have seen announcement after announcement of big businesses coming to West Virginia, NUCOR, BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY, GREEN POWER MOTOR COMPANY, PURE WATERCRAFT and tens of millions of dollars being spent by businesses on speculative projects right here in the Eastern Panhandle just to mention a few!

I will continue to support policies that encourage business growth, which will grow our economy!

EDUCATION

I support School Choice and sponsored Hope Scholarship, parents should have affordable options to get the best possible education for their children.

I have certainty noticed a negative impact from Sports on Academics in our Public Schools, the question becomes what can we do? I am interested in thoughts on this issue.

One Size Doesn't Fit All

2nd AMENDMENT

The 2nd Amendment is what got me involved in Politics and I will continue to advocate for Gun Owners!

ARE MOUNTAINEERS ALWAYS FREE?

History of Open Fields Doctrine

The founding fathers took great pain to set up a Republic that insured individual rights and property rights were a high priority. Lets take a look at what happened to property rights.
In 1924 Hester v United States, the U.S. Supreme Court gave an opinion that the Fourth Amendment did not protect “Open Fields” and therefore, police searches in pastures,wooded areas,open water and vacant lots did not require warrant for searches. The Supreme Court held that private land is not protected because it isn’t listed in the Fourth Amendment thus created what is known as “Open Fields Doctrine” In 1967 Katz v United States, the court weakened “Open Fields Doctrine” by redefining what constitutes a search in regards to the Fourth Amendment. The ruling expanded Fourth Amendment protections to include any areas where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, (posted, fenced etc.) This ruling has been used in many cases, especially in cases of technological advances that create questions about privacy norms. In 1984 Oliver v United States, the court followed the 1924 ruling that there is no reasonable expectation of privacy in “Open Fields” therefore a search of same would not require a warrant including outbuildings that could be observed without entry by anyone who trespassed. Currently the Fourth Amendment protects the home and curtilage or the area immediately surrounding the home. This has been done by court interpretation of the Fourth Amendment, and not by any law passed by the legislature.

Some States do not observe the ''Open Fields Doctrine' for various reasons, we will take look at those states now. 16 states have constitutions that use the word “possessions” instead of the Fourth Amendment word “effects”:Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, and Vermont. 3 of these states have state Supreme Court decisions rejecting the federal 'Open Fields Doctrine' and holding that the term “possessions” includes private land: Mississippi, Tennessee, and Vermont. The other states are a mixed bag. Some, like Kentucky and Pennsylvania(at least currently), have rejected the idea that “possessions” includes private land. In other states, like Massachusetts and Ohio, the State Supreme Court hasn’t taken a position. In Texas, there are cases saying opposite things. But the bottom line is, the word “possessions” is a unique textual hook in some state constitutions that courts sometimes use to reject the “Open Fields Doctrine”. Washington, has a State Supreme Court decision rejecting the “Open Fields Doctrine”. (Washington’s provision reads: “No person shall be disturbed in his private affairs, or his home invaded, without authority of law.”) Montana, New York, and Oregon have State Supreme Court decisions rejecting the 'Open Fields Doctrine' anyway because they believe the Supreme Court got it wrong, Tennessee has a recent lower court ruling affirming Tennessee's constitution protects private land. Kentucky and South Dakota recently passed legislation placing some limits on 'Open Fields Doctrine'.
We can see from the summary above that the courts have been all over the place on fourth amendment protections of private property, with the U.S. Supreme Court reversing opinion several times on whether a citizen has an expectation of privacy on their property.

West Virginia has trespass laws and created a crime for those who would spy on you while on your property with a drone which shows there is an expectation of privacy on private property, We need to extend that privacy to the Government officials! We need look no further than the Patriot Act or the FISA Courts to see what happens when government wields power over citizens, we watched as a presidential campaign was spied on and then a setting President was Impeached using false information by those officials who wielded power and misused same.

States must at a minimum observe the Bill of Rights, however a state can observe more rights than the Bill of Rights by State Constitution or by State Law.

West Virginia can and should protect private property from warrant-less searches, this can be done in code or by a constitutional amendment. I have a bill to fix this via code and a resolution for a constitutional amendment, the latter would ultimately need to be approved by the citizens of West Virginia via the ballot box.

Ask yourself do you expect privacy on your property?

In closing I believe Mountaineer's have an expectation of privacy on their property and should be honored by the state!

If we are to get this done it will take the voice of Mountaineer's to make it happen by contacting your State Senators and Delegates and letting them know you support Liberty and expect them to support legislation to restore fourth amendment protections to private property!

"Montani semper liberi"

Let's Make Mountaineer's Always Free Again

House Joint Resolutions for Constitutional Amendments

HJR 3 To Exempt Certain Taxes, I Sponsored

HJR 3 Constitutional Amendment to give the legislature the ability to end personal vehicle, business equipment and inventory tax.

This will be on November ballot as Amendment #2

VOTE YES

HJR 102 Education Oversight

HJR 3 To Exempt Certain Taxes, I Sponsored

HJR 1 passed the House in 2021 but did not get to finish line but passed as HJR 102 in 2022

HJR 102 Constitutional amendment will give the legislature oversight of State Board of Education rules and policies, to approve, deny or amend them, this has no effect on local school boards.

This will be on November ballot as Amendment #4

VOTE YES

HJR 2 Power to Impeach Supreme Court Justices, I Sponsored

HJR 3 To Exempt Certain Taxes, I Sponsored

HJR 2 Power to Impeach Supreme Court Justices, I Sponsored

HJR 2 Constitutional amendment Clarifies the House of Delegates has the power to impeach a Supreme Court Justice without any court interference.

This will be on November ballot as Amendment #1

VOTE YES

I should mention amendment 2, this amendment simply brings WV Constitution in line with a Supreme Court ruling by allowing Churches to incorporate,

Amendment #2

VOTE YES

100% Pro 2nd Amendment

2nd amendment bills that I sponsored and are now law!

HB 2499 Tax reduction for arms and ammo manufacturing which creates a tax incentive for firearm and ammunition manufactures to move to West Virginia, also removes sales tax on firearms and ammunition.

HB 2793 Permit out of state residents to obtain West Virginia concealed carry permits.

HB 2694 Protects West Virginians from enforcement of new federal gun control laws. While I was not a sponsor I worked to get this bill to the floor.

HB 4048 Removes the prohibition of a loaded long gun in or on a conveyance (vehicle, ATV, horse, bicycle etc.) , this has been a long standing prohibition in West Virginia.

I was the lead sponsor

HB 4441 allows the use of big bore air guns to hunt big game

I was lead sponsor

EDUCATION

Hope Scholarship HB-2013

Same sex participation in Sports HB-3293

I was a proud Sponsor of the HOPE SCHOLARSHIP which will give parents a choice in Education for their child!

Same sex participation in Sports HB-3293

I was a sponsor of HB-3293 that will Protect women's sports in our schools and colleges by requiring students play in sports per sex they were born as!!!!

Charter Schools HB-2012

Same sex participation in Sports HB-3293

Charter Schools HB-2012

I did not sponsor HB- 2012 a bill to expand Charter Schools in West Virginia. I was honored to vote yes in committee and for passage.

Business Legislation I Sponsored

HB 2006

I sponsored HB2006 which reduced regulations on business in West Virginia, including raising the amount of contract before needing a contractors license.

HB 2008

HB 2006

I sponsored HB 2008 reduced regulations on businesses requirements for licensure relating to elevator mechanics, crane operators, HVAC, electricians, and plumbers

HB 4634

HB 2006

HB 4634

I sponsored HB 4634 Relating to occupational licensing or other authorization to practice business. Reduced Regulation.

Bills I have sponsored in 2022 with hyperlinks to the bills

This is a complete list of sponsored bills as of 1/30/2022 - click on bill number to view the bill

Delegate Horst sponsored 48 bills:

HB 2007 Provide for occupational licenses or other authorization to practice by recognition for qualified applicants from other states Pending House Government OrganizationCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2159 Preserving and protecting the right to keep and bear arms Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2364 Permit teachers in K-12 schools be authorized to carry concealed firearms as a designated school protection officer Pending House EducationCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2376 Allow concealed carry on and in capitol grounds Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2598 Altering the definition of an above ground storage tank Pending House ENGCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2602 Require special elections to be held same day as primary or general election Pending House Political SubdivisionsCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2603 Limit number of visitor bureaus that can exist in a county Pending House Government OrganizationCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2607 Require all registered voters to produce a photo ID to vote in all public office elections Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2609 Establish quick response teams t o work with drug users who are arrested Pending House DACommittee 01/12/22

HB 2856 Relating to performance metrics for the West Virginia Division of Highways Pending House T&ICommittee 01/12/22

HB 2857 Prohibiting the placement of the name or likeness of public officials on state road signs Pending House T&ICommittee 01/12/22

HB 2858Requiring the Commissioner of Highways to develop a formula for allocating road funds among districts Pending House T&ICommittee 01/12/22

HB 2869 To remove any mandatory mask mandate in West Virginia Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2977Allow guns to be carried on capitol grounds Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2978 Gun carry allowed on college campuses Pending House EducationCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2979 Creating a tax credit for a manufacturer or power generating facility in West Virginia that purchases and uses coal, oil or gas Pending House ENGCommittee 01/12/22

HB 3095 To create the "Protection of Property from Warrantless Searches Act”Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 3197 Allow Religious Exemptions for vaccines Pending House Health and Human ResourcesCommittee 01/12/22

HB 4004 Relating to limiting an abortion to fifteen week’s gestation Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/14/22

HB 4008 Relating to Higher Education Policy Commission funding formula Pending House FinanceCommittee 01/27/22

HB 4012 Prohibiting the showing of proof of a COVID-19 vaccination Pending House Health and Human ResourcesCommittee 01/24/22

HB 4013 Eliminating the certificate of need program Pending House Health and Human ResourcesCommittee 01/24/22

HB 4014 Allowing the concealed carry of firearms on and in Capitol grounds Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/24/22

HB 4031 Ban any and all mask mandates Pending House Health and Human ResourcesCommittee 01/12/22

HB 4033 Prohibit a county from charging for a building permit if the value of the improvement is less than that required for a contractor’s license Pending House Political SubdivisionsCommittee 01/12/22

HB 4036 To ensure false claims on property titles are not fault of landowner Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 4038 To allow those who are 18-20 years old to carry a deadly weapon concealed without a permit, as is allowed for those who are 21 or olde rPending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 4048 WV Keep, Bear and Drive with Arms ActPending 3rd Reading 01/31/22 HB 4052 Relating to Off Duty LEO and LEOSA Exemptions Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 4053 Relating to reasonable force in defense of self, real and personal property Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 4058 Require all schools to update restrooms for privacy Pending House FinanceCommittee 01/17/22

HB 4073 Permit lifetime hunting and fishing license for volunteer firefighters with five years of service Pending House ANRCommittee 01/13/22

HB 4075 Exempt unmined rare earth metals/elements from taxation Pending House ENGCommittee 01/13/22

HB 4086 Updating the definition of ammunition relating to carry concealed weapons Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/14/22

HB 4087 Allowing variance in state fire code for certain buildings used solely for emergency equipment storage Pending House FDCommittee 01/14/22

HB 4289 Establishing the behavioral health workforce education initiative at the Higher Education Policy Commission Pending House FinanceCommittee 01/27/22

HB 4299 To prohibit the intentional interference with election processes and creating associated criminal penalties Pending 3rd Reading 01/31/22

HB 4302 Conservation Districts Law of West Virginia Pending House ANRCommittee 01/20/22

HB 4320 Relating to natural immunity or antibodies to any illness to be treated as equal or better to vaccine induced immunity Pending House Health and Human ResourcesCommittee 01/21/22

HB 4342 Providing for the Relief at the Pump Bill Pending House T&ICommittee 01/21/22

HB 4346 Relating to the authority and obligations of the Governor and Legislature when in declared states of preparedness and emergency Pending House Government OrganizationCommittee 01/24/22

HB 4359 Creating the Criminal Forfeiture Process Act, replacing the West Virginia Contraband Forfeiture Act Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/24/22

HB 4379 Requiring all higher education institutions to use statewide contracts issued by the Purchasing Division Pending House EducationCommittee 01/25/22

HB 4381 Include vehicle inspection within the vehicle registration process Pending House T&ICommittee 01/25/22

HB 4389 Relating to repealing school innovation zones provisions superseded by Innovation in Education Act Pending House EducationCommittee 01/25/22

HB 4391 Relating generally to school nurses Pending House EducationCommittee 01/25/22

HB 4414 Prohibit requiring Covid-19 vaccine or booster shot to attend in person classes at colleges and universities Pending House Health and Human ResourcesCommittee 01/26/22

Republican 100% Pro 2nd! 100% Pro Life! 100% WV Values!

Contribute

MOVING WEST VIRGINIA FORWARD

TAX POLICY

LOCALITY PAY

Business

EDUCATION

2nd AMENDMENT

West Virginia Values

ARE MOUNTAINEERS ALWAYS FREE?

History of Open Fields Doctrine

House Joint Resolutions for Constitutional Amendments

HJR 3 To Exempt Certain Taxes, I Sponsored

HJR 3 To Exempt Certain Taxes, I Sponsored

HJR 3 To Exempt Certain Taxes, I Sponsored

HJR 102 Education Oversight

HJR 3 To Exempt Certain Taxes, I Sponsored

HJR 3 To Exempt Certain Taxes, I Sponsored

HJR 2 Power to Impeach Supreme Court Justices, I Sponsored

HJR 3 To Exempt Certain Taxes, I Sponsored

HJR 2 Power to Impeach Supreme Court Justices, I Sponsored

100% Pro 2nd Amendment

2nd amendment bills that I sponsored and are now law!

EDUCATION

Hope Scholarship HB-2013

Same sex participation in Sports HB-3293

Same sex participation in Sports HB-3293

Same sex participation in Sports HB-3293

Same sex participation in Sports HB-3293

Same sex participation in Sports HB-3293

Charter Schools HB-2012

Same sex participation in Sports HB-3293

Charter Schools HB-2012

Business Legislation I Sponsored

HB 2006

HB 2006

HB 2006

HB 2008

HB 2006

HB 2006

HB 4634

HB 2006

HB 4634

Bills I have sponsored in 2022 with hyperlinks to the bills

This is a complete list of sponsored bills as of 1/30/2022 - click on bill number to view the bill

HB 2007 Provide for occupational licenses or other authorization to practice by recognition for qualified applicants from other states Pending House Government OrganizationCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2159 Preserving and protecting the right to keep and bear arms Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2364 Permit teachers in K-12 schools be authorized to carry concealed firearms as a designated school protection officer Pending House EducationCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2376 Allow concealed carry on and in capitol grounds Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2598 Altering the definition of an above ground storage tank Pending House ENGCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2602 Require special elections to be held same day as primary or general election Pending House Political SubdivisionsCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2603 Limit number of visitor bureaus that can exist in a county Pending House Government OrganizationCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2607 Require all registered voters to produce a photo ID to vote in all public office elections Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2609 Establish quick response teams t o work with drug users who are arrested Pending House DACommittee 01/12/22

HB 2856 Relating to performance metrics for the West Virginia Division of Highways Pending House T&ICommittee 01/12/22

HB 2857 Prohibiting the placement of the name or likeness of public officials on state road signs Pending House T&ICommittee 01/12/22

HB 2858Requiring the Commissioner of Highways to develop a formula for allocating road funds among districts Pending House T&ICommittee 01/12/22

HB 2869 To remove any mandatory mask mandate in West Virginia Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2977Allow guns to be carried on capitol grounds Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2978 Gun carry allowed on college campuses Pending House EducationCommittee 01/12/22

HB 2979 Creating a tax credit for a manufacturer or power generating facility in West Virginia that purchases and uses coal, oil or gas Pending House ENGCommittee 01/12/22

HB 3095 To create the "Protection of Property from Warrantless Searches Act”Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 3197 Allow Religious Exemptions for vaccines Pending House Health and Human ResourcesCommittee 01/12/22

HB 4004 Relating to limiting an abortion to fifteen week’s gestation Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/14/22

HB 4008 Relating to Higher Education Policy Commission funding formula Pending House FinanceCommittee 01/27/22

HB 4012 Prohibiting the showing of proof of a COVID-19 vaccination Pending House Health and Human ResourcesCommittee 01/24/22

HB 4013 Eliminating the certificate of need program Pending House Health and Human ResourcesCommittee 01/24/22

HB 4014 Allowing the concealed carry of firearms on and in Capitol grounds Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/24/22

HB 4031 Ban any and all mask mandates Pending House Health and Human ResourcesCommittee 01/12/22

HB 4033 Prohibit a county from charging for a building permit if the value of the improvement is less than that required for a contractor’s license Pending House Political SubdivisionsCommittee 01/12/22

HB 4036 To ensure false claims on property titles are not fault of landowner Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 4038 To allow those who are 18-20 years old to carry a deadly weapon concealed without a permit, as is allowed for those who are 21 or olde rPending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 4048 WV Keep, Bear and Drive with Arms ActPending 3rd Reading 01/31/22 HB 4052 Relating to Off Duty LEO and LEOSA Exemptions Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 4053 Relating to reasonable force in defense of self, real and personal property Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/12/22

HB 4058 Require all schools to update restrooms for privacy Pending House FinanceCommittee 01/17/22

HB 4073 Permit lifetime hunting and fishing license for volunteer firefighters with five years of service Pending House ANRCommittee 01/13/22

HB 4075 Exempt unmined rare earth metals/elements from taxation Pending House ENGCommittee 01/13/22

HB 4086 Updating the definition of ammunition relating to carry concealed weapons Pending House JudiciaryCommittee 01/14/22

HB 4087 Allowing variance in state fire code for certain buildings used solely for emergency equipment storage Pending House FDCommittee 01/14/22

HB 4289 Establishing the behavioral health workforce education initiative at the Higher Education Policy Commission Pending House FinanceCommittee 01/27/22