Del. Doug Smith

Maddy summaryHB 2281 authorizes the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles to formally adopt a legislative rule related to the State Vehicle Title, Registration and Relicensing Project of 2018. The bill specifically approves a rule that was already filed with the State Register on August 14, 2024 (91 CSR 24), which governs vehicle title, registration, and relicensing processes. This is a procedural authorization for an existing rule, not a new policy change. It directly affects vehicle owners and dealers who interact with the state's motor vehicle services.

Maddy summaryHB 2316 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Examiners of Psychologists to implement an existing rule (17 CSR 07) that changes how prior criminal convictions are evaluated during initial psychology licensure applications. The rule specifically outlines criteria for considering criminal history in licensing decisions and establishes a process for certain applicants to request fee waivers. It directly affects individuals seeking their first psychology license in West Virginia who have prior criminal records. The bill does not create new requirements but formally approves the board's proposed guidelines for handling these cases.

Maddy summaryHB 2311 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Osteopathic Medicine to implement a rule waiving initial licensing application fees for certain new osteopathic physicians seeking their first license in the state. The bill specifically approves an existing rule (filed November 2023) that would allow the Board to grant fee waivers to qualifying applicants, such as those meeting specific criteria like residency status or practice location. This policy change directly affects new osteopathic medicine license applicants by reducing their upfront costs to enter the profession. The bill does not create new eligibility standards but formally authorizes the Board to enforce the existing fee waiver mechanism.

Maddy summaryHB 2252 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Human Services to issue a legislative rule for the Recovery Residence Certification and Accreditation Program. This rule, which was developed and modified to address legislative committee concerns, establishes standards for recovery residences - facilities supporting individuals in substance use disorder recovery. The bill provides the legal authority for the rule to take effect without altering its content, directly affecting recovery residences seeking certification or accreditation under the program.

Maddy summaryHB 2280 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to implement an existing proposed rule (91 CSR 15) for the Safety and Treatment Program, which focuses on driver safety initiatives. The bill specifically approves a legislative rule filed in the State Register on August 14, 2024, that was previously authorized under §17C-5A-3 of the code. This is a procedural authorization - no new policy changes are created, and the rule's content (e.g., specific safety measures or treatment protocols) remains defined by the existing rule text. The bill directly affects the DMV's regulatory authority and the program's participants, but does not alter program eligibility or requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2292 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Architects to create and implement a specific rule governing architect registration. This procedural bill directly affects architects seeking to practice in the state and the Board itself, by enabling them to finalize a rule they previously developed and modified. The bill specifically references a legislative rule filed in the State Register (relating to "registration of architects, 2 CSR 01") that was revised to address committee feedback. It does not create new registration requirements but allows the Board to formally adopt their existing proposed rule.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes West Virginia's State Tax Department to implement a legislative rule that automatically exempts certain items from sales and use tax. Specifically, it covers drugs, durable medical goods, mobility-enhancing equipment, prosthetic devices, and motor vehicles. The rule, previously filed on March 11, 2024, ensures these items are tax-exempt without requiring additional approval. This directly affects consumers purchasing these medical and mobility-related products or motor vehicles.

Maddy summaryHB 2301 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Dentistry to establish regulations for mobile dental facilities and portable dental units. The bill specifically updates a previously modified rule (5 CSR 14) that was revised after legislative committee feedback. It does not create new services but allows the Board to formally adopt these rules through standard regulatory processes. This procedural bill directly affects dental providers operating mobile units and the Board’s regulatory authority.

Maddy summaryHB 2265 authorizes West Virginia's Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner to create and enforce rules for retail sales of plant-based products like hemp and kratom. It specifically approves an existing rule (175 CSR 11) that was filed in the State Register on August 20, 2024, for retail enforcement of these products. The bill directly affects retail stores selling hemp-derived items and kratom products by establishing standardized enforcement guidelines under the Commissioner's authority.

Maddy summaryHB 2313 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy to create a specific rule governing the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. This rule, previously filed and modified by the Board, will establish clear guidelines for pharmacies on handling controlled substances like prescriptions and storage. The bill directly affects pharmacies and pharmacists in West Virginia by providing regulatory clarity under existing law. It does not change the substance of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act but formally permits the Board to issue implementing rules.