Del. Doug Smith

Maddy summaryHB 2279 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Motor Vehicles to issue a specific legislative rule regarding handicapped placards. The bill formally approves a rule that was previously modified and refilled after addressing committee feedback, which governs placard issuance and requirements. This procedural bill directly affects the Division of Motor Vehicles and individuals who use handicapped placards for vehicle parking privileges. It does not change placard eligibility rules but enables the DMV to implement the approved rule.

Maddy summaryHB 2246 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Health to implement specific rules governing medical cannabis growers and processors. It formally approves a legislative rule (previously filed in the State Register on August 30, 2024) that outlines requirements for these businesses under the Medical Cannabis Program. The bill does not create new policy but enables the Department of Health to enforce existing regulatory standards for cannabis cultivation and processing. This directly affects licensed medical cannabis businesses operating in West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 2274 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Highways to enforce an existing legislative rule (filed August 9, 2024) governing the use of state rights of way and adjacent areas. This rule regulates activities like utility installations, construction, or public access along state roads. The bill directly affects the Division of Highways (as the enforcing agency) and entities or individuals using state right-of-way areas, such as utility companies or contractors. It formalizes authority for an already-proposed rule without creating new policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2263 authorizes the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner to implement a specific rule regulating tobacco products in vending machines. This rule, filed with the State Register on August 20, 2024 (identified as 175 CSR 09), will require businesses operating tobacco vending machines to comply with new operational standards. The rule directly affects convenience stores, gas stations, and other retailers that sell tobacco products through vending machines by setting requirements for placement and accessibility. The bill formalizes the rule's implementation, making it enforceable without altering the rule's content.

Maddy summaryHB 2264 authorizes West Virginia's Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner to implement an existing legislative rule (175 CSR 10) governing distilleries, mini-distilleries, and micro-distilleries. The bill formally approves a rule that was previously modified and refiled in the State Register in November 2024, following adjustments to address committee feedback. This rule directly affects small-scale alcohol producers by establishing their operational standards under state regulation. The bill does not create new requirements but legally validates the Commissioner's authority to enforce the existing rule framework.

Maddy summaryHB 2282 authorizes the Parkways Authority to implement a legislative rule supporting electronic toll collection and enforcement on West Virginia parkways. The rule, previously drafted and modified, establishes standards for electronic toll systems (like interoperable transponders) and outlines enforcement procedures for non-payment. It directly affects drivers using electronic toll systems on parkways and the Parkways Authority, which would manage the rule's implementation. The bill does not change toll rates or create new tolls but provides a regulatory framework for existing electronic toll operations.

Maddy summaryHB 2328 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology to issue a rule governing speech-language pathology and audiology assistants. This rule, which was modified to address objections from the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee and refilled in the State Register, is now formally authorized by this bill. The bill itself does not change the rule's content but provides the legal basis for its implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 2243 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Health to implement a specific emergency medical services rule (64 CSR 48) that was already filed in the State Register on August 27, 2024. The bill formally approves the department's authority to enforce this existing rule without creating new requirements or altering current EMS practices. It directly affects emergency medical service providers and facilities operating under state regulations. This is a procedural authorization, not a substantive policy change, as the rule itself was previously developed and submitted.

Maddy summaryHB 2339 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources (DNR) to adopt an existing proposed rule (58 CSR 58) governing special waterfowl hunting. This bill directly affects hunters participating in designated waterfowl hunting areas by enabling the DNR to implement specific regulations for those zones. The key provision formally approves the rule already filed in the State Register on September 3, 2024, which outlines hunting protocols for special waterfowl seasons. The bill does not create new hunting rules but allows the DNR to proceed with the established regulatory framework.

Maddy summaryHB 2295 authorizes the West Virginia State Auditor to implement a specific regulatory rule governing private trust companies operating in the state. The bill formally approves an existing rule (previously filed in the State Register on August 13, 2024, and modified after committee review on October 17, 2024) that addresses how these financial entities must operate. This rule, identified as "155 CSR 12," establishes standards for private trust companies, directly affecting their compliance requirements. The bill does not create new regulations but legally authorizes the State Auditor's previously proposed rule.