Rep. Doug Smith

Maddy summaryHB 4259 authorizes West Virginia's Tax Department to implement a specific administrative rule (110 CSR 19) for the Soft Drinks Tax, which was proposed and filed on July 25, 2025. The rule would establish clear procedures for how the tax is collected and reported by businesses. This bill directly affects soft drink manufacturers and distributors who must comply with these administrative requirements. The legislation does not change the tax rate or the tax base, only formalizing the existing proposed rule for implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes West Virginia's Office of Technology to finalize and implement a specific legislative rule (163 CSR 03) regarding cyber incident reporting. It directly affects the Office of Technology, which will manage the rule, and entities required to report cyber incidents under this rule. The key provision formally approves the rule - previously modified to address committee feedback - after it was initially filed in July 2025 and refiled in August 2025. The rule establishes standards for how organizations must report cyber incidents to the state. This is a procedural authorization for an existing rule, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 4254 authorizes West Virginia's Tax Department to implement an existing tax credit program. The bill specifically approves a previously proposed rule (110 CSR 13FF) that would allow businesses to claim a tax credit for providing vehicles to low-income workers. This rulemaking authority is procedural, meaning the bill itself doesn't create new policy but formally permits the Tax Department to enforce the existing credit mechanism. The credit directly benefits businesses that supply vehicles to eligible low-income employees, potentially reducing their tax liability.

Maddy summaryHB 4278 authorizes the West Virginia Attorney General to maintain and enforce a legislative rule (142 CSR 06) that prevents unfair or deceptive practices in the sale of damaged goods or products. The bill specifically adds a sunset provision, requiring the rule to expire automatically on August 1, 2036. This procedural update does not change the rule's substance but sets a clear end date for its legal effect. The rule directly affects businesses selling damaged goods and consumers who purchase them.

Maddy summaryHB 4216 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Health to establish licensing requirements for lead abatement professionals through a specific regulatory rule (64 CSR 45). The bill directly affects contractors and workers performing lead paint removal or abatement in residential properties. It creates a standardized licensing process to ensure proper training and safety practices during lead hazard remediation. The rule, previously modified after committee feedback, will set baseline qualifications for individuals and companies handling lead-based paint hazards. This is a procedural authorization to implement the rule, not a direct change to licensing standards themselves.

Maddy summaryHB 4329 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources to promulgate a specific regulatory rule (58 CSR 26) concerning special boating activities. This procedural bill does not create new rules but formally approves an existing rulemaking action already filed in the State Register. It directly affects the Division of Natural Resources, enabling them to implement the rule without further legislative approval. The bill focuses solely on administrative authorization, with no substantive changes to boating regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 4232 authorizes West Virginia's State Emergency Response Commission to issue and enforce a specific rule (55 CSR 01) regarding emergency planning and community right-to-know requirements. This rule directly affects communities near hazardous facilities by requiring facilities to disclose chemical information and emergency response plans. The bill formalizes the Commission's authority to implement these transparency and safety measures, ensuring communities have access to critical safety information about local chemical risks. It is a procedural authorization for an existing rule, not a new policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 4252 authorizes West Virginia's Tax Department to implement a specific rule (110 CSR 01H) for valuing timberland and managed timberland in property tax assessments. This rule establishes the methodology used to determine the taxable value of land used for growing trees, affecting landowners who own such properties. The bill provides legal authority for the Tax Department to use this rule but does not change existing tax rates or policies. Landowners with timberland or managed timberland will be directly impacted by how their property is valued under this rule.

Maddy summaryHB 4222 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Health to issue a specific rule (64 CSR 115) that establishes standards for diabetes self-management education programs. This rule, filed with the State Register on July 25, 2025, will directly affect individuals with diabetes in West Virginia who participate in these programs and the healthcare providers offering them. The bill formally approves the existing rule proposal, making it part of state regulations without altering its content. The rule is designed to standardize education on managing diabetes, including topics like diet, medication, and blood sugar monitoring.

Maddy summaryHB 4256 authorizes West Virginia's Tax Department to create specific rules governing the High-Wage Growth Business Tax Credit. This bill directly affects businesses eligible for the credit and the Tax Department, which will develop detailed implementation guidelines. The key mechanism is enabling the department to promulgate a legislative rule (110 CSR 13II) under existing authority, clarifying how the credit will be administered. The bill does not change the credit's eligibility or value but establishes the process for creating the operational rules. This is a procedural measure to formalize rulemaking, not a substantive policy change.