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 MOUNTAINERS ALWAYS FREE?

Open Fields Doctrine Needs Abolished To Be Free!

  Introduction
  The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution serves as a vital safeguard of individual privacy and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. Enshrined in the Constitution, this amendment is a reflection of the Founding Fathers' intentions to balance the needs of law enforcement with the rights of the people. However, in recent years, the courts have been accused of circumventing the Fourth Amendment, undermining its original intent. This opinion editorial delves into how the courts have interpreted and sometimes diluted the Fourth Amendment, while reiterating the importance of understanding its original intent.

  The Original Intent of the Fourth Amendment
The Fourth Amendment, ratified in 1791, was a response to the abuses carried out by British authorities. It reads: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
  Historical context reveals that the Founding Fathers sought to protect citizens from arbitrary searches, ensuring that individuals would not be subjected to undue intrusions by the government. The framers envisioned the Fourth Amendment as a means to establish a balance between personal privacy and group security, preventing the rise of a police state.
Definition of "Effect"
At the time of the Fourth Amendment's ratification, the term "effects" was widely understood to encompass more than just personal belongings. It was an expansive term used to encompass one's possessions, including the land that they owned. This understanding is reinforced by the fact that the Fourth Amendment uses the term "persons, houses, papers, and effects" in its language, further affirming the Founders' intention to extend protection to all property.

Mountaineers Are Always Free is a phrase that has come to embody the rugged individualism and independent spirit of West Virginia. However, this freedom is under threat from the Open Fields Doctrine, a legal concept that allows law enforcement to conduct warrantless searches on private property that is considered open and unenclosed. Not only does this doctrine pose a threat to the privacy and property rights of West Virginians, but there is also the additional issue of electronic surveillance being used on private property without a warrant. The Open Fields Doctrine is a clear violation of the Fourth Amendment, which protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. it gives law enforcement officers the ability to conduct searches without a warrant or the property owner's consent as long as the property is considered open and unenclosed. This can include fields, forests, and other rural areas, which are often found in West Virginia. The problem with this doctrine is that it infringes on the fundamental right to privacy and property rights of West Virginia residents. Many people in the state own large tracts of land for hunting, farming, or other purposes and they should have the right to privacy as well as the right to be free from unwarranted searches, regardless of what is considered open fields. Moreover, electronic surveillance is another avenue that law enforcement agencies use to get around the Fourth Amendment rights of those in West Virginia. The government has used technology, such as aerial drones and cameras, to surveil individuals on their property, including farmers and other rural residents. The use of these electronic devices allows law enforcement to monitor the activity of individuals on their private property, without a warrant or their consent. This, too, is a violation of privacy and property rights. The application of these doctrines is unfair and tends to impact rural and remote communities with less political influence. It is an outdated legal concept that has no place in modern society. The government's responsibility is to protect the citizens' rights and not to create legal loopholes that leach away people's freedom. Therefore, West Virginians need to demand that the state abolishes the Open Fields Doctrine and greater restrictions be put in place regarding electronic surveillance on private property. The state motto, Mountaineers Are Always Free, is not just a slogan, but a set of values that reflect the spirit of those who live in West Virginia. It is time to hold the government responsible for violating the property rights and privacy of the people of West Virginia, and to affirm that Mountaineers Are Always Free!

Preserving Original Intent
  To preserve the Fourth Amendment in its intended spirit, it is crucial for courts to continuously evaluate their interpretations in light of evolving circumstances. Careful consideration must be given to the principles of probable cause and the particularity requirement. The intent of the framers is a lodestar that should guide modern-day applications of the amendment.
  While the challenges of combating crime and ensuring national security are vital, it must be recognized that maintaining a delicate balance between personal privacy and governmental powers is fundamental to a functioning democracy. Courts should exercise caution in cases involving the Fourth Amendment, mindful of the original intent and the need for a principled approach.
  Conclusion
  The Fourth Amendment's original intent remains a critical aspect of understanding and applying this foundational constitutional right. The courts' role is to interpret the amendment while considering societal changes, upholding the principles of personal privacy and curbing excessive governmental intrusion. It is an ongoing endeavor to balance the needs of law enforcement with the rights of individuals, ensuring that the Fourth Amendment serves as a steadfast protection against unreasonable searches and seizures for generations to come.

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 MOUNTAINERS ALWAYS FREE?

Open Fields Doctrine Needs Abolished To Be Free!

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