Sen. Craig Blair

Maddy summaryThis bill provides an additional $1,050,000 in funding for the West Virginia Public Defender Services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The money will come from the state's unspent general revenue surplus and is intended to support the Public Defender Corporations. By adding this new line item to the existing budget, the legislation ensures that the department has the necessary financial resources to operate during the upcoming fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs an additional $10.9 million from the state's general revenue surplus to the Office of Technology within the Department of Administration for fiscal year 2025. The funds are specifically allocated to transfer into the Office of Technology fund to support its ongoing operations and technology initiatives. By utilizing unspent money from the previous fiscal year, the legislation ensures continued financial resources for the agency without requiring new revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to add $2 million in supplemental funding to the Office of the Inspector General within the West Virginia Department of Health for the fiscal year 2025. The money would come from the state's unappropriated surplus balance in the General Revenue fund and is designated for current operational expenses. By creating a new appropriation item, the legislation ensures these funds are legally available for the agency to use during the upcoming fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to lower West Virginia's personal income tax rates for individuals, married couples filing jointly, heads of households, and estates starting January 1, 2025. Under the new structure, tax rates would range from 2.16% for income up to $10,000 to 4.67% for income exceeding $60,000, with specific calculations for married individuals filing separate returns. The legislation also reduces withholding tax rates on nonresident income and lottery winnings from 6.5% to 4.67%. Additionally, the bill includes a mechanism to apply an extra 5% reduction to existing tax rates, contingent on meeting certain criteria outlined in the state's fiscal code.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to add $2.8 million in supplemental funding from the state's general revenue to the Division of Environmental Protection for fiscal year 2025. The additional money is designated for current expenses within the agency's existing budget framework. By utilizing unappropriated surplus funds, the legislation aims to provide extra financial resources to the department without creating new revenue streams.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state tax credit in West Virginia for individuals who claim the federal child and dependent care tax credit. It allows eligible taxpayers to receive a nonrefundable credit equal to 50 percent of the amount of the federal credit they are allowed to claim. The provision applies to tax years starting on or after January 1, 2024, and is intended to provide additional financial relief to families using child care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the West Virginia Department of Economic Development to move money from its general surplus fund into two specific accounts for the 2025 fiscal year. Under the legislation, $125 million is transferred to the Economic Enhancement Grant Fund and $10 million is moved to the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust. The measure uses existing unspent state revenue to increase funding for these designated programs without introducing new taxes or spending categories.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the West Virginia Legislature to add specific funding amounts to the Higher Education Policy Commission's budget for fiscal year 2025. The legislation allocates $5 million to support fire and emergency medical services training programs and $17 million to expand nursing education initiatives. By utilizing unspent state surplus revenue, the bill provides these designated funds directly to the commission's administration control account.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally recognizes the dedicated public service of the Honorable William Chandler Swope, Sr. It directly affects Swope, a former West Virginia State Senator who served two terms and held various committee leadership roles. The resolution expresses the Senate's appreciation for his commitment to serving West Virginia citizens and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the document to him. This measure is commemorative in nature and does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 205 formally recognizes the dedicated public service of Honorable Robert Hugh Plymale, a long-serving West Virginia Senator who is retiring after eight consecutive terms. The resolution highlights his extensive legislative history, noting his roles as chair of the committees on Transportation, Pensions, and Education over multiple legislatures. It expresses the Senate's sincere appreciation for his commitment to serving West Virginia citizens and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Mr. Plymale.