Del. Gary Howell

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 2104

In committee · West Virginia House of Delegates · Lead sponsor

Limiting the imposition of municipal business and occupation taxes

Maddy summaryHB 2104 limits municipalities' ability to impose or increase business and occupation taxes after 2023. It prohibits new taxes or rate hikes on business activities not taxed by the municipality in 2024, caps municipal tax rates at historical state levels (e.g., 1% of gross income), and phases out municipal taxes on new car sales: reducing them by 50% effective July 2023, another 50% by July 2024, and eliminating them entirely by July 2025. The bill directly affects West Virginia municipalities and businesses operating within them, particularly those selling new vehicles or providing health maintenance services. These changes aim to stabilize local tax burdens while aligning municipal rates with state historical benchmarks.

Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill restricts municipal tax authority by capping rates, prohibiting new taxes, and phasing out existing taxes on businesses and car sales, directly limiting local fiscal management.95% confidence

In committee Feb 12, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Co-sponsor HB 4880

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

Relating to personal income tax social security exemption

Signed into law Apr 22, 2024 1 co-sponsor

Co-sponsor HB 5632

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

Relating generally to West Virginia Real Estate License Act

Signed into law Apr 22, 2024 1 co-sponsor

Co-sponsor HB 5583

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

Permitting the Commissioner of the Division of Highways to issue a special permit to operate or move a vehicle or combination of vehicles of a size or weight of vehicles or nondivisible load exceeding the maximum specified

Signed into law Apr 22, 2024 1 co-sponsor

Co-sponsor HB 5261

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

Relating to the definition of small arms for purposes of taxation

Signed into law Apr 22, 2024 1 co-sponsor

Primary HB 5696

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

Relating to the upper Ohio Valley Trail Network

Signed into law Apr 22, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Co-sponsor HB 4782

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

Preventing municipalities from targeting protected businesses with planning and zoning ordinances more restrictive than those placed upon other businesses.

Signed into law Apr 22, 2024 1 co-sponsor

Co-sponsor HB 4883

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

Relating to increasing annual salaries of certain employees of the state

Signed into law Apr 22, 2024 1 co-sponsor

Primary HB 5170

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

Increasing the size of matching grants for local economic development from $30,000 to $50,000.

Signed into law Apr 22, 2024 0 co-sponsors