Del. Vernon Criss

Maddy summaryHCR 88 is a ceremonial resolution honoring two West Virginia first responders nominated for the Medal of Valor. It specifically recognizes Captain Donald Lawson (New Martinsville Police) for rescuing two people from carbon monoxide poisoning despite his own hospitalization, and Darrell Lambert (Lake Volunteer Firefighter) for entering a burning building without protective gear to save a trapped resident, sustaining burns in the process. The resolution formally confirms the Legislature's approval of their award and directs the House Clerk to send a copy to Governor Morrisey. This is a symbolic honor with no new policy or funding changes, directly affecting only these two nominees. It passed unanimously in both chambers on April 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 78 is a non-binding resolution urging West Virginia's Division of Highways to prioritize completing I-73 (the "King Coal Highway") across Wayne, Mingo, McDowell, Mercer, and Wyoming counties. It requests the highway agency treat the project as a high priority to improve economic development and emergency access, especially after recent flooding exposed transportation challenges in the region. The resolution asks the state to provide necessary funding and executive support to expedite the highway's completion but does not allocate new funds or create new law. It directly affects the Division of Highways and residents of the five specified counties by formally advocating for this infrastructure project.

Maddy summaryHB 2159 requires the Bureau for Medical Services (BMS) to charge interest on overpayments made in its medical programs, starting 30 days after the overpayment is confirmed. Overpayments occur when more is paid than allowed for covered services or goods. Interest accrues annually at the rate set for state debts under existing law, calculated on the unpaid balance until resolved. All collected interest is retained by the original funding source, not the general state treasury.

Maddy summaryHB 3154 amends West Virginia law to clarify advertising rules for licensed limited video lottery retailers and operators. The bill requires all advertising and promotional activities to receive prior written approval from the Lottery Commission Director before publication or release. It explicitly states that previous legislative rules restricting such advertising "shall have no effect" upon this bill's enactment, meaning the new approval process overrides prior restrictions. The law does not change what can be advertised, only the process for getting approval. This directly affects businesses operating video lottery machines across the state.

Maddy summaryHB 3269 reorganizes West Virginia's banking and financial regulatory structure by moving the Board of Banking and Financial Institutions, Division of Financial Institutions, and Lending and Credit Rate Board into independent entities under the executive branch, effective January 1, 2026. The bill designates the Board as the chief executive body, requiring it to approve the Division's budget, policies, and personnel decisions while shifting the Division to a merit-based hiring system (exempt from classified service). It mandates that 10% of the Division's revenue be deposited into the state's General Revenue Fund and establishes new standards requiring financial institutions to submit compliance plans to both the Division and the Board. The bill also modifies commissioner qualifications, removes references to the former Department of Banking, and updates administrative procedures for financial oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 2052 eliminates a restriction that previously limited West Virginia's apprenticeship training tax credit to wages paid to apprentices in the construction trades. The bill expands the credit to apply to wages paid to apprentices in any trade, provided they are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor's West Virginia State Office. The credit amount remains $2 per hour worked (capped at $2,000 per apprentice annually or 50% of actual wages, whichever is lower). This change takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and directly affects businesses across all industries that hire registered apprentices.

Maddy summaryHB 2145 terminates the West Virginia Purchasing Division Director's authority to charge vendors an annual fee for bid notifications. The bill specifically removes the provision allowing fees up to $125 per year (capped at the cost of notification services) that vendors previously had to pay to receive procurement notices. This change directly affects businesses and vendors participating in state procurement contracts, eliminating a mandatory fee requirement. The bill amends existing code sections (§5A-3-4 and §5A-3-12) to end this fee authority effective upon the bill's 2025 enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 3387 creates a pilot program allowing West Virginia's State Board of Education to establish regional school districts that combine neighboring county school districts. It directly affects county districts facing shared challenges like funding gaps, rural population issues, and geographic barriers. The bill authorizes regional districts to consolidate schools, make financial decisions, and supersede county boards within their area, starting July 1, 2025. It also permits the State Board to develop rules for a smooth transition during consolidation. The program aims to address operational inefficiencies through regional planning while maintaining the same powers as current county boards.

Maddy summaryHB 2146 would exempt slaughterhouses from collecting West Virginia's Consumer Sales and Service Tax when processing beef, pork, or lamb for individual livestock owners (e.g., farmers or ranchers processing their own animals). This amendment adds the specific exemption to the state's tax code, removing tax liability for this service when performed for personal ownership. It applies only to individual owners, not commercial businesses or slaughterhouse operations. The bill does not alter other existing tax exemptions or affect general meat processing services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 11) is a concurrent resolution requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways to rename Bridge Number 54-014/00-013.22 (locally known as the Fifth Street Bridge) in Wood County as the "Thomas A. Azinger Memorial Bridge." It directly affects the bridge signage and official designation for the structure carrying WV 014 over the Little Kanawha River. The resolution, adopted by the House and referred to the Senate, formally commemorates Delegate Thomas A. Azinger, a former West Virginia House member who served from 1994-2012 and 2018, and passed away in July 2024.