Del. Vernon Criss

Maddy summaryHB 3097 prohibits credit services organizations from selling consumer information to third-party financing entities. The bill specifically bans these organizations from furnishing consumer reports for credit transactions not initiated by the consumer. It directly affects credit services organizations and consumers whose data they handle, preventing the sale of personal financial information for external financing purposes. The key provision (section 7 of §46A-6C-3) creates a clear legal barrier against this data-sharing practice.

Maddy summaryHB 2162 would remove the tax exemption currently granted to credit unions in West Virginia. The bill specifically targets Section 31C-2-8 of the state code, which currently exempts credit unions from certain taxes. If enacted, credit unions operating in West Virginia would no longer qualify for this tax exemption and would instead be subject to applicable taxes. This change directly affects all credit unions licensed to operate within the state. The bill is a straightforward repeal of an existing tax provision with no new tax rates or mechanisms specified.

Maddy summaryHB 2473 increases annual taxes on health insurance companies (known as "certified HMOs") operating in West Virginia, based on their Medicaid and non-Medicaid member enrollment. The bill sets tiered tax rates per member month - higher for Medicaid plans with more members and lower for non-Medicaid plans - with rates increasing annually based on changes in West Virginia’s Medicaid funding rates. Starting July 1, 2025, tax rates for Medicaid plans will rise significantly (e.g., $78.75 per Medicaid member month under 250,000), and future rates will be adjusted to maintain the maximum federal limit allowed under federal law (42 C.F.R. § 433.68). This directly affects all HMOs holding a certificate of authority to operate in the state under West Virginia law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates West Virginia's campaign finance rules by allowing corporations and membership organizations (including nonprofits and LLCs) to directly contribute to candidates, candidate committees, or political action committees. It clarifies reporting requirements for these contributions and defines key terms like "corporation" and "contribution" to improve transparency. The changes affect candidates, their committees, and corporate donors by streamlining disclosure rules for campaign spending. The bill focuses on modernizing reporting standards rather than restricting contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 3155 changes the annual permit fee for video lottery terminal (VLT) licensees in West Virginia. It reduces the fee from $1,000 to $500 per terminal for operators using software versions that outperform the bottom 10% of terminals by more than $900 in annual net revenue for the state. The West Virginia Lottery will calculate performance using daily revenue data from the prior year (March 1-February 28), requiring terminals to be active for 60 days. The reduced fee applies from 2025 through 2030, directly affecting VLT operators with high-revenue terminals.

Maddy summaryHB 2925 would make certain panhandling practices unlawful in West Virginia, directly affecting individuals soliciting money in specific public or private locations. The bill prohibits panhandling at bus/train stops, in public transit, on streets/sidewalks (if blocking paths, following people, or threatening harm), and on private property without permission. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties: $100 for a first offense and $250-$1,000 for repeat offenses. Fire departments are exempt from these restrictions when soliciting donations for their operations.

Maddy summaryHB 2694 adjusts how much money the West Virginia Lottery Commission deposits into the State Lottery Fund to cover its administrative costs. Specifically, it changes the deposit rate from a flat 2% of gross terminal income to a sliding scale based on the previous year’s revenue: 2% if revenue is $0-$300 million, 1.5% if $300-$400 million, and 1% if over $400 million. This directly affects the Lottery Commission’s budget for operating the video lottery program. The bill does not alter how funds are distributed to counties, municipalities, or other programs, only the percentage allocated to administrative expenses.

Maddy summaryHB 2480 proposes merging West Virginia's 55 county school boards into 11 consolidated boards, with each new board covering five counties and having two members per county. The bill requires this consolidation to take effect on July 1, 2026, and directs the State Board of Education to establish rules for the transition. It cites declining enrollment, rising costs, and inequitable funding as reasons for the change, stating savings from reduced administration could be reinvested in teacher salaries, school programs, or tax relief. This directly affects all 55 counties by altering how local school governance operates.

Maddy summaryHB 2144 requires West Virginia inpatient substance use disorder treatment providers to offer patients transportation upon discharge to their state of birth, a previous state of residence, or a state with family support. This applies specifically to facilities receiving Medicaid funding, which are also prohibited from marketing or partnering with out-of-state providers to bring patients to West Virginia. The bill further mandates that Medicaid seek federal approval to restrict eligibility for waiver services to individuals who have established West Virginia residency for at least six months prior to treatment. These provisions aim to support patient recovery continuity while managing program eligibility and funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2163 terminates the Purchasing Division within West Virginia's Department of Administration, effective July 1, 2025. This bill directly affects the Department of Administration and state agencies that previously used the division for procurement services. The key provision adds a new section to state law explicitly ending the division's operations, requiring the department to discontinue all purchasing-related functions. The bill does not specify alternative procurement arrangements but formally dissolves the division's structure within state government.