Del. Vernon Criss

Primary HB 2063

In committee · West Virginia House of Delegates · Lead sponsor

Terminating the Division of Personnel

Maddy summaryHB 2063 (West Virginia House Bill 2063) terminates the Division of Personnel within the Department of Administration, effective July 1, 2025. This bill directly ends the state agency responsible for managing civil service personnel functions. The key provision is a new section (§29-6-5a) that formally dissolves the division, removing it from the state code. The bill does not create new programs or affect specific employees, but changes the structure of state personnel administration. The bill was introduced in the West Virginia House of Delegates on February 12, 2025.

In committee Feb 12, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 2160

In committee · West Virginia House of Delegates · Lead sponsor

Relating to authorizing application of the manufacturing investment tax credit and the manufacturing property tax adjustment credit against personal income tax

Maddy summaryThis bill allows West Virginia manufacturing businesses to apply tax credits from equipment investments against personal income tax. Eligible manufacturers (including those with specific industry codes 211112, 332992, or 332994) receive a 5% credit on qualifying costs, or 50% for codes 332992/332994. The credit applies over 10 years, starting when equipment is first used, and must first reduce other taxes like mining or corporate taxes before affecting personal income tax. It directly affects manufacturers operating in West Virginia who meet the defined industry code requirements.

Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates tax credits for manufacturers, reducing tax burden through 5-50% credits on equipment investments, directly advancing tax relief policy.95% confidence

In committee Feb 12, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Co-sponsor HB 2051

In committee · West Virginia House of Delegates · Co-sponsor

Allowing the concealed carry of firearms on and in Capitol grounds

Maddy summaryHB 2051 would amend West Virginia law to permit licensed concealed handgun carriers to carry firearms on Capitol grounds and within the Capitol building. It allows individuals with valid concealed carry permits to carry concealed handguns in the Capitol complex, including the building itself, but requires them to show their permit upon request when entering. The bill prohibits concealed carry in the Governor’s office, Supreme Court chambers (third and fourth floors), and maintains existing restrictions on open carry and pepper spray exceeding one ounce. This change directly affects licensed concealed carry permit holders who access the Capitol complex, while preserving current rules for other areas.

In committee Feb 12, 2025 1 co-sponsor Track

Primary HB 2161

In committee · West Virginia House of Delegates · Lead sponsor

Relating to consumers sales and service tax and use tax exemption for certain goods to be incorporated into a qualified, new or expanded warehouse or distribution facility

Maddy summaryHB 2161 modifies West Virginia's tax exemption rules for businesses building or expanding warehouses and distribution facilities. It lowers the required full-time job threshold from 300 to 50 jobs for businesses to qualify for a sales tax exemption on eligible purchases. The exemption covers specific items directly used in the facility, including computers/software for operations, material handling equipment (like conveyors and automated systems), building materials, and certain tangible property incorporated into the facility. To qualify, the facility must either be a new warehouse or an expansion with at least $50 million in total investment, and must employ 50 or more full-time West Virginia residents upon completion.

Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesReduces state tax revenue by lowering job threshold for sales tax exemption on business equipment, weakening tax base for budget funding.95% confidence

In committee Feb 12, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Co-sponsor HB 5157

Signed into law · West Virginia House of Delegates · Co-sponsor

Relating to contingent increase of tax rate on certain eligible acute care hospitals

Signed into law Apr 22, 2024 1 co-sponsor

Primary HB 5024

Signed into law · West Virginia House of Delegates · Lead sponsor

Relating to exempting non-grantor trusts administered in this state from the personal income tax.

Signed into law Apr 22, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Co-sponsor HB 4822

Signed into law · West Virginia House of Delegates · Co-sponsor

Creating the Certified Sites and Development Readiness Program

Signed into law Apr 22, 2024 1 co-sponsor

Primary HB 4801

Signed into law · West Virginia House of Delegates · Lead sponsor

Relating generally to the banking authority of the State Treasurer’s Office

Signed into law Apr 22, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 5128

Signed into law · West Virginia House of Delegates · Lead sponsor

Directing transfer of moneys into fire protection funds at the end of each year

Signed into law Apr 22, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Co-sponsor HB 4967

Signed into law · West Virginia House of Delegates · Co-sponsor

Relating to the administration of the Voluntary Remediation and Redevelopment Act to provide new liability protections for persons and companies who wish to purchase and redevelop former industrial properties.

Signed into law Apr 22, 2024 1 co-sponsor