Del. Doug Smith

Maddy summaryHB 2293 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Architects to establish fees for professional registration through a legislative rule. It amends state code to formally allow the Board to set these fees, directly affecting architects seeking initial licensure or renewal in the state. The bill references an existing rule (2 CSR 03) filed in the State Register on August 2, 2024, which addresses registration fee structures. This is a procedural update to codify the Board's existing authority, not a new policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 2254 authorizes West Virginia's Office of Inspector General to implement a specific licensing rule for behavioral health centers. The bill formally approves the "Behavioral Health Centers Licensure" rule (71 CSR 25), which was previously modified and refiled after addressing committee concerns. This rule directly affects behavioral health centers seeking or maintaining licensure in West Virginia by establishing their regulatory standards. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on authorizing an existing regulatory rule rather than creating new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 2310 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Occupational Therapy to create new rules governing telehealth practice requirements and definitions for occupational therapists. This bill directly affects occupational therapists and their patients who use telehealth services, as it establishes the framework for how these services must be delivered. The key provision is granting the Board explicit authority to develop and implement these specific telehealth rules, ensuring consistency and clarity in remote care practices. The bill does not create new telehealth standards itself but enables the Board to define them through formal rulemaking.

Maddy summaryHB 2273 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Highways to implement a specific legislative rule (157 CSR 03) governing the construction and reconstruction of state roads. This rule, previously modified to address legislative committee concerns, sets standards for road projects. The bill directly affects the Division of Highways, which will use this rule to guide future infrastructure work without creating new policy. It is a procedural authorization, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 2318 authorizes West Virginia's Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board to implement its existing rule (190 CSR 03) for renewing appraiser licenses and certifications. The bill specifically allows the Board to establish procedures for license renewals without requiring new legislative action. This procedural change directly affects licensed real estate appraisers in West Virginia who must renew their credentials.

Maddy summaryHB 2272 authorizes West Virginia's State Tax Department to formally establish rules for sharing taxpayer information with other agencies under written agreements. It specifically approves a legislative rule (110 CSR 50C) filed on March 11, 2024, which governs how the department exchanges information through formal agreements. This procedural bill affects only the State Tax Department's internal processes, not taxpayers or tax rates. It does not create new tax obligations but streamlines existing information-sharing protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 2288 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Agriculture to establish and enforce specific regulations for the state's fish processing industry. The bill specifically approves a legislative rule (61 CSR 23A) that was previously modified to address legislative committee feedback, covering standards for fish processing operations. This rule directly affects fish processing businesses operating in West Virginia by setting compliance requirements for their facilities and practices. The legislation does not create new policy but formally authorizes the existing rulemaking process for this industry.

Maddy summaryHB 2308 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Occupational Therapy to create a rule allowing certain individuals to request a waiver of their occupational therapy licensing fees. The rule would establish specific eligibility criteria and a process for applicants to apply for fee waivers, though the exact qualifications are not defined in the bill itself. This bill directly affects occupational therapy license applicants and holders who may qualify under the future rule. It does not set fee amounts or eligibility standards but grants the Board authority to develop these through formal rulemaking.

Maddy summaryHB 2300 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Dentistry to promulgate a legislative rule governing continuing education requirements for dentists. The bill amends §64-9-6 of the West Virginia Code to formally approve a modified rule (previously filed July 2024, refiled November 2024) that addresses continuing education standards (referenced as 5 CSR 11). This rule directly affects licensed dentists in West Virginia by establishing their ongoing education obligations. The bill serves a procedural purpose, enabling the Board to implement these requirements without new legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources to implement an existing rule (filed September 3, 2024) governing the transport and sale of wildlife parts and pelts. It directly affects hunters, trappers, and businesses handling animal products by formalizing current regulations under state law. The key mechanism is simply granting official approval for the Division to enforce this specific rule (58 CSR 16), which has already been proposed. The bill does not create new restrictions but confirms the legal authority for the existing rule.