Del. J.B. Akers

Maddy summaryHB 2188 changes how distilleries, mini-distilleries, and micro-distilleries in West Virginia pay taxes to the state. Currently, the Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (ABCA) holds all gross revenue from these businesses until tax liability is calculated, requiring separate approval from the Auditor's office to release non-tax revenue. This bill allows them to instead pay tax liabilities directly to the West Virginia Tax Division using their gross revenue, following standard business practices. The change simplifies the process but does not alter tax rates or require payment of other fees (like market zone fees or licenses), which remain payable to the Tax Commissioner. The bill became effective upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2061 modifies how lottery revenues from racetrack video games are distributed in West Virginia. It redirects all funds that would have gone to specific programs (like racetracks and workers' compensation debt reduction) into the State Excess Lottery Revenue Fund, effectively stopping those payments starting in 2014. The bill also allows the Governor to temporarily redirect half of these lottery revenues to the General Revenue Fund during severe budget shortfalls (over $100 million) until the state's workers' compensation debt is fully covered. This directly affects how state funds are allocated from lottery activities, shifting money away from targeted programs toward a central lottery fund.

Maddy summaryHB 2088 prohibits individuals listed on West Virginia’s state sex offender database from attending any public school activities, events, or athletic functions, regardless of whether they have children enrolled. This applies to all such individuals, including parents or guardians, and directly affects those on the registry who would otherwise participate in school-related settings. The bill imposes penalties: a first violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail, while subsequent violations are felonies carrying 1-5 years in prison. It also requires parent-teacher conferences involving registered sex offenders to occur off school grounds, such as at a courthouse or police station. The law creates a clear policy change banning these individuals from school premises during school activities.

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.