Del. Doug Smith

Maddy summaryHB 4326 authorizes West Virginia's Office of Miners' Health, Safety, and Training to create and enforce a rule requiring coal mining operations in the state to submit and obtain approval for a comprehensive Mine Safety Program. This bill directly affects coal mining companies operating within West Virginia by mandating a standardized safety program review process. The key provision establishes a formal procedure for mine operators to develop, submit, and gain regulatory approval for their safety plans under 56 CSR 08. The rulemaking authority is explicitly granted to the Office of Miners' Health, Safety, and Training as part of the state's regulatory framework.

Maddy summaryHB 4279 updates a rule governing preneed burial contracts, affecting funeral homes and consumers who purchase these contracts, by adding a sunset provision that will terminate the rule on August 1, 2036. The rule, originally filed in 1988, outlines administrative standards for preneed burial contracts but will expire after the specified date. This change does not alter the rule's substance but sets a clear end date for its application.

Maddy summaryHB 4247 authorizes West Virginia's Insurance Commissioner to establish a specific regulatory rule (114 CSR 40) about "credit for reinsurance." This rule allows insurance companies to apply credit toward their required reserves when they purchase reinsurance (a practice where insurers share risk with other companies). The bill directly affects insurers operating in West Virginia by clarifying how they can use reinsurance to meet regulatory capital requirements. It is procedural, simply approving an existing rule that was previously developed and modified to address legislative committee feedback.

Maddy summaryHB 4239 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Financial Institutions to implement a specific rule (106 CSR 17) governing how financial institutions must notify and handle joint accounts. This rule directly affects banks and credit unions that manage joint accounts, requiring standardized procedures for customer notifications and account treatment. The bill formally approves a previously proposed rule filed in the State Register on July 23, 2025, rather than creating new requirements. It ensures consistent practices across financial institutions regarding joint account management without altering existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 4205 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to implement a specific rule (45 CSR 01) governing emission limits for industrial facilities during startup and shutdown operations. This rule directly affects power plants and manufacturing facilities that temporarily exceed standard emission levels when starting up or shutting down equipment. The key provision allows the DEP to establish alternative, temporary emission limits during these operational phases, rather than requiring strict adherence to regular standards. The bill formally approves a rule already filed with the State Register on July 22, 2025, making it effective without additional legislative action.

Maddy summaryHB 4235 authorizes the West Virginia State Police to adopt a specific grievance procedure rule (81 CSR 08) for state police members. This rule, revised after addressing feedback from the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee, formally establishes the process for handling member grievances. The bill does not change the grievance procedure's content but enables its official implementation by the State Police.

Maddy summaryHB 4231 authorizes West Virginia's Fire Commission to adopt a specific fire safety rule (87 CSR 01) that was previously modified to address legislative feedback. This rule establishes fire safety standards for buildings and businesses across the state. The bill does not change the fire code content but formally grants the Fire Commission authority to implement the rule. It directly affects the Fire Commission's regulatory process and entities required to comply with fire safety regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 4209 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to implement a specific air pollution control rule (45 CSR 25) for hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. The bill formally approves a legislative rule that was previously filed in the State Register (July 23, 2025), requiring these facilities to comply with new air pollution standards. This rule directly affects hazardous waste facilities across West Virginia by mandating controls on air emissions from their operations. The bill itself is procedural, simply granting legal authority to the DEP's existing proposed rule without creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4213 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to finalize and implement a specific water quality standards rule (47 CSR 02) after revisions to address legislative committee feedback. The rule, originally filed in 2025 and modified following objections, directly affects the DEP's Division of Water and Waste Management, which will use it to regulate water quality standards. This bill does not change the standards themselves but formally approves the rulemaking process for existing water quality requirements. It ensures the rule meets legal requirements after review by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4227 authorizes the Office of Inspector General to issue a rule (71 CSR 24) governing the licensure requirements for syringe services programs. The rule was previously developed and modified to address feedback from the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. This bill does not change the rule's content but formally allows the agency to adopt and implement it for program licensing.