Del. Doug Smith

Maddy summaryHB 2247 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Health to create specific rules governing laboratories operating under the state's Medical Cannabis Program. The bill formally approves a legislative rule (previously filed in the State Register on August 30, 2024) that would establish requirements for these labs. This procedural measure directly affects cannabis testing laboratories by defining their regulatory standards under the program. It does not change program eligibility or patient access but clarifies the department's authority to set lab-related rules.

Maddy summaryHB 2338 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources to create and implement specific hunting regulations under existing law. The bill directly affects hunters and wildlife management by enabling the Division to establish rules for general hunting activities, referencing an existing proposed rule (58 CSR 49) filed in the State Register. It amends §64-10-1 of the state code to formally permit the Division to promulgate these regulations. The bill does not create new hunting restrictions but confirms the legal authority for the Division to finalize its proposed rules. This is a procedural step to allow the Division to move forward with its regulatory process.

Maddy summaryHB 2340 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources to create and implement a specific legislative rule regarding special fishing regulations. The bill formally approves a rule previously filed in the State Register on August 14, 2024 (58 CSR 61), which governs special fishing permits and restrictions. This rulemaking authority directly affects the Division of Natural Resources (the agency responsible for managing fisheries) and will impact anglers, fishing guides, and businesses operating under special fishing regulations. The bill itself does not change fishing rules but enables the agency to establish them through standard regulatory processes.

Maddy summaryHB 2309 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Occupational Therapy to establish specific rules for evaluating prior criminal convictions during initial license applications for occupational therapists. The bill specifically approves a legislative rule (previously filed and modified per committee feedback) that would guide how the board considers past criminal records when reviewing new license applicants. This change directly affects individuals seeking occupational therapy licenses who have prior criminal convictions, ensuring the board has clear authority to create fair and consistent application standards. The policy focuses on procedural rules for license determinations, not altering criminal law or eligibility thresholds.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes West Virginia's State Auditor to create and enforce regulations for the Local Government Purchasing Card Program. It formally approves a rule (155 CSR 06) already filed in the State Register on March 22, 2024, which governs how local governments use purchasing cards for expenses. The bill does not change the program's current rules but provides legislative backing for the State Auditor to manage and update the regulations. It directly affects local governments that use purchasing cards for official expenses.

Maddy summaryHB 2269 authorizes West Virginia's State Tax Department to create a specific rule (110 CSR 10F) governing how taxpayers can pay taxes using electronic funds transfer. The bill directly affects taxpayers who use electronic payment methods and the State Tax Department, which would implement the new rule. It modifies existing law to formally approve a rule that was previously modified and refiled in 2024 to address legislative committee feedback. The key provision is enabling the department to establish clear procedures for electronic tax payments, streamlining the process for users. This is a procedural bill focused on administrative rulemaking, not altering tax rates or obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 2336 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources to implement an existing rule (58 CSR 34) governing special projects and grants for state parks, forests, and rail trails. The bill formally approves a legislative rule previously filed in the State Register on August 14, 2024, which outlines how these grants and projects will be managed. It does not create new programs or funding but ensures the existing regulatory framework for these recreational resources is legally recognized. This procedural bill affects state park, forest, and trail management by enabling the Division to administer grants under the established rule.

Maddy summaryHB 2342 authorizes the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to promulgate (issue) a legislative rule about falconry that was already drafted and filed in the State Register on September 3, 2024. The rule, identified as 58 CSR 65, will establish specific regulations for falconry activities in the state. This bill provides the legal authority for the rule to take effect without altering its content. Falconers and individuals involved in falconry within West Virginia will be directly affected by these regulations once implemented.

Maddy summaryHB 2329 authorizes the Hope Scholarship Board to implement a specific legislative rule for the Hope Scholarship Program, which was modified and refilled in the State Register on November 20, 2024. This procedural bill does not change the program's eligibility criteria, funding, or benefits but formally allows the board to use the approved rule without further legislative action. The rule governs administrative aspects of the scholarship program, directly affecting students and families participating in the Hope Scholarship Program.

Maddy summaryHB 2286 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to promulgate a legislative rule governing "manufacture-grade milk" standards. This bill specifically references and authorizes the department's previously filed and modified regulatory rule (61 CSR 19) for milk used in manufacturing. It directly affects dairy producers and manufacturers in West Virginia who must comply with these milk quality standards. The bill serves as procedural authorization for the department to implement this existing regulatory framework, without creating new policy.