Del. Vernon Criss

Maddy summaryHB 4577 creates a reciprocity agreement with the Republic of Ireland for driver licenses, allowing Irish license holders to drive in West Virginia without retaking tests if their license meets comparable standards. The bill requires that foreign license standards (specifically for Ireland) align with West Virginia's, and mandates that drivers operating under this agreement comply with the state's mandatory motor vehicle liability insurance and financial responsibility laws. This agreement applies only to Ireland and does not alter the standard driver's license examination process for new applicants in West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 4546 changes West Virginia's reporting requirements for limited liability companies (LLCs) and foreign LLCs from annual to biennial (every two years). It mandates that these businesses submit a report to the Secretary of State containing their name, addresses, agent for service, and an email for notices, due between January 1 and July 1 of every other calendar year. The bill applies directly to all LLCs operating in West Virginia, including foreign entities authorized to do business here, and takes effect July 1, 2026. This change does not alter existing fees or forgive prior annual filing failures.

Maddy summaryHB 4418, titled "The Tax Efficiency Act of 2026," would allow West Virginia municipalities to pay and manage their business and occupation or privilege taxes through a statewide electronic data processing system. This change directly affects all cities and towns in West Virginia that impose such taxes on local businesses. The bill amends existing tax code to establish this electronic system as an official method for tax collection and administration, replacing manual or paper-based processes. The key provision enables streamlined, centralized processing to reduce administrative costs and improve accuracy for both local governments and businesses.

Maddy summaryHB 4088 updates West Virginia's regulations for certified public accountants (CPAs), affecting current and future licensees, accounting firms, and out-of-state applicants seeking to practice in the state. The bill revises education, examination, and experience requirements for CPA certification, clarifies licensing processes for out-of-state applicants, and updates rules for "substantial equivalency" practice privileges. It also modifies the Board of Accountancy's rule-making authority, establishes new conditions for issuing and renewing authorizations to perform accounting services, and updates prohibited actions and disciplinary measures for licensees and firms.

Maddy summaryHB 4575 transfers $8 million from the State Fund's unappropriated surplus balance to the State Board of Education's Temporary Shortfall Supplement Fund for County Boards of Education. This supplemental appropriation directly affects county school districts in West Virginia by providing funds to address budget shortfalls, as authorized under W. Va. Code §18-2E-5b. The bill amends the fiscal year 2026 appropriations for the State Board of Education (Fund 0313) by adding a new line item for this specific purpose. It does not create new policy but reallocates existing state funds to support local school district budgets.

Maddy summaryHB 4010 establishes a state loan program to provide financial assistance for constructing airplane hangars at local airports in West Virginia. It directly affects counties, municipalities, and regional airport authorities that own or operate airports, allowing them to access state loans for hangar planning, construction, or improvements. The bill creates a pilot project with specific eligibility standards (considering site readiness, economic impact, and market demand) and requires the transportation division to set loan terms, limit participating airports based on funding, and report annually to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance. This program aims to support airport infrastructure development to enhance economic opportunities in local communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the severance tax rate on metallurgical coal produced in West Virginia, affecting coal mining companies that extract this type of coal. The new rates will take effect in stages starting July 1, 2026, lowering the tax from 5% to 4.5% for the first year, then to 4% the following year, and finally to 3.5% beginning July 1, 2028. Metallurgical coal is defined as coal used for making steel and other metals, distinct from thermal coal used for electricity generation. The tax reduction applies to the gross value of coal produced and includes additional local taxes that are normally part of the total severance tax.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead property tax exemption in West Virginia from $20,000 to $50,000. It directly affects homeowners and mobile home owners who are at least 65 years old or permanently disabled, as well as younger homeowners who would receive a phased-in exemption starting at a lower value. The amendment would allow the state legislature to set specific rules for how the exemption applies, including a five-year phase-in period for properties appraised before the law takes effect. Additionally, the bill grants the legislature authority to provide property tax relief to tenants of residential or farm property. The measure requires approval by voters at the 2026 general election to become part of the state constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 4421 requires the West Virginia Parkways Authority to stop charging tolls on the West Virginia Turnpike once all bonds issued for the project (plus interest) have been fully paid or secured in trust. The bill mandates that toll collection must end within 90 days of the final bond payment, and all toll facilities must be removed. This directly affects drivers who use the Turnpike (by eliminating toll fees) and the Parkways Authority (which must cease toll operations). The Turnpike will then transfer to the state Division of Highways for maintenance at no cost to drivers.

Maddy summaryHB 4419 requires the West Virginia Parkways Authority to hold public hearings with at least 14 days' notice in every county along the turnpike before increasing tolls, rents, fees, or charges. The Authority must justify each proposed increase by demonstrating it addresses operational costs, maintenance needs, or bond payment requirements. This bill directly affects the Parkways Authority and drivers using the turnpike, as it mandates strict procedural compliance before any rate change. The law also ensures all tolls and fees remain subject to full auditing by the Joint Committee on Government and Finance upon request.