Del. Vernon Criss

Maddy summaryHB 4981 designates psychiatric hospitals treating exclusively civil and forensic patients (over 95% court-ordered civil/forensic cases from state custody) as "state-designated facilities" for Medicaid funding purposes. This change allows these specific hospitals to qualify for Medicaid reimbursement under federal rules, rather than being excluded as "state-designated" under current tax code. The bill amends tax provisions to ensure revenue collected from eligible hospitals (via a 0.75% tax on gross receipts) flows directly into a Medicaid funding account. It directly affects licensed psychiatric hospitals meeting the strict patient-mix criteria, enabling them to access Medicaid program funds they previously could not.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the life and legacy of the late West Virginia legislator Larry D. Kump, who passed away on February 28, 2026. The resolution formally expresses the House of Delegates' condolences to Kump's family and acknowledges his service as a representative for Berkeley County across three different terms. It recognizes his career in criminal justice and mediation, his commitment to limited government, and his role as a devoted family member and church leader. The document is a ceremonial tribute rather than a law that changes policy or affects public programs.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 13 is a West Virginia legislative resolution endorsing federal legislation (H.R. 5966), which would create the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program. If enacted, the program would fund projects to improve water quality, restore fish habitats, enhance flood resiliency, and expand recreational access across the Ohio River basin. It directly affects West Virginia residents who rely on the river for drinking water (700,000 people), economic activity, and recreation along its 277-mile border. The resolution clarifies the program would be non-regulatory, not creating new permits or legal claims, and aims to deliver clean water and economic benefits to communities in the Ohio River watershed.

Maddy summaryHB 4962 creates a legal process for residents, tenants, or community groups to address drug activity on properties. To file a lawsuit, they must prove specific neighborhood harms like increased police calls, trash accumulation, safety concerns, or diminished property values. Property owners found responsible for drug-related nuisances face civil penalties or criminal charges under this law.

Maddy summaryHB 5478 establishes a statewide pilot program distributing free, internet-free learning touchpads to eligible preschoolers in West Virginia to improve kindergarten readiness. The program targets children aged 3-4 who qualify based on family income (at or below federal poverty level), participation in programs like WIC or Head Start, or other risk factors identified by the state. Each touchpad kit includes preloaded early-learning apps, headphones, a protective case, and parent guides with daily activity suggestions and text-message tips. The West Virginia Department of Education will administer the program, partner with community organizations, and evaluate its impact on readiness metrics annually, while ensuring compliance with child privacy laws.

Maddy summaryHCR 22 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study policy options that could accelerate the ordering and deployment of electric generation equipment in West Virginia. It specifically asks the committee to examine mechanisms like state-backed deposit guarantees, regulatory frameworks for cost recovery, and accelerated depreciation schedules to reduce delays in equipment procurement. The study aims to support grid reliability, economic growth, and West Virginia’s goal of reaching 50 gigawatts of generation capacity by 2050, while protecting ratepayers and taxpayers. It does not create new laws but seeks recommendations for potential legislative action based on the committee’s findings.

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 summaryHB 5390 establishes that fiscal notes (financial impact statements) submitted to the West Virginia Legislature by state agencies, political subdivisions, or public officials are legally considered sworn testimony. The bill imposes criminal penalties for knowingly submitting false or misleading fiscal notes, treating such acts as perjury, while creating a safe harbor for those who voluntarily correct errors made in good faith before a bill's final vote. Key provisions require corrected notes to clearly identify changes and explain the reason for corrections, and mandate referral to prosecutors if credible evidence of intentional falsification exists. This directly affects state agencies and officials preparing fiscal notes, ensuring accountability for financial impact assessments used in legislative decision-making.

Maddy summaryHB 5504 defines "low-proof spirit alcohol products" as non-wine, non-beer beverages containing 0.5% to 15.5% alcohol by volume, packaged in containers of 25 ounces or less. The bill establishes new requirements for manufacturing, selling, and distributing these products, including specific tax rules and a grant of rulemaking authority to the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Commission. It directly affects businesses producing or selling such beverages, as well as the commission responsible for enforcement. The law replaces existing regulations to create a distinct category for these lower-alcohol products, which were previously covered under broader alcohol rules.

Maddy summaryHB 5470 requires pharmacy benefits managers to include all cost-sharing amounts paid by patients or others when calculating their out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions. It applies annual cost-sharing limits to all health plans sold in West Virginia and prohibits insurers or pharmacy managers from changing coverage terms based on the availability of drug assistance programs. The bill directly affects insured patients and health plans by preventing hidden cost-shifting and ensuring transparency in how deductibles and copays are calculated. Violations carry civil penalties up to $10,000 per incident, and the provisions take effect for plans issued on or after January 1, 2027.