Rep. Doug Smith

Maddy summaryHB 2314 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy to implement a specific rule governing pharmacy permits. The rule, developed by the Board and adjusted to address review committee feedback, sets clear standards for obtaining and maintaining pharmacy permits across the state. This bill does not change the rule's content but formally allows the Board to put it into effect. The rule directly affects pharmacies and pharmacy permit holders in West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 2244 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Health to promulgate a legislative rule for the Primary Care Support Program, as referenced in a rule filed in the State Register on August 27, 2024. The bill updates state code to explicitly grant the Department the authority to issue this rule, ensuring it is legally enforceable without requiring additional legislative approval. This procedural change directly affects the Department of Health and the implementation of the Primary Care Support Program, which provides funding and support for primary care services.

Maddy summaryHB 2287 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Agriculture to create and enforce a legislative rule governing employment background checks and reference inquiries for agricultural sector jobs. The bill specifically references and updates an existing rule (61 CSR 20) that was modified after committee feedback and refilled in the State Register. This rule would directly affect employers and job seekers within the agricultural industry by standardizing background check practices. The bill itself does not change the rule's content but formally authorizes the Department of Agriculture to promulgate it through proper rulemaking procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 2296 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists to implement a specific regulatory rule governing the operation of barber, cosmetology, nail technology, aesthetic, hair styling, and waxing salons and schools. The bill formally approves a rule the Board previously filed (modified after committee feedback) that addresses operational standards for these businesses. It does not create new requirements but enables the Board to enforce existing rules through official legislative authority. This affects salons, schools, and their operators in the regulated beauty and personal care industry across West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 2253 authorizes the Office of Inspector General to issue a specific rule governing hospital licensure in West Virginia. This rule, developed by the Office and modified to address committee feedback, sets the standards hospitals must meet to obtain and maintain their licenses. The bill directly affects hospitals by establishing clear regulatory requirements for their licensure process under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 2317 authorizes West Virginia's Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board to implement a specific rule governing appraiser licensure and certification requirements. The bill formally approves a rule (190 CSR 02) that was previously modified after feedback from the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee and refilled in the State Register. This rule sets the standards for becoming a licensed or certified real estate appraiser in the state. The bill does not change the requirements themselves but enables the board to enforce the approved rule. It directly affects individuals seeking to work as real estate appraisers in West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 2326 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care to establish specific rules governing telehealth practice requirements and definitions for respiratory care professionals. The bill enables the Board to create a formal rule (referencing "30 CSR 11") clarifying how telehealth services must be delivered, documented, and regulated within respiratory care. This directly affects respiratory care practitioners, telehealth providers, and patients using telehealth services in West Virginia. The bill does not change existing laws but grants the Board the authority to develop these rules, ensuring consistency with state regulatory standards.

Maddy summaryHB 2337 authorizes the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to implement a specific rule (58 CSR 47) that outlines prohibitions on hunting and trapping in certain areas and times. This rule was developed and adjusted to address concerns raised by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. The bill does not create new restrictions but formally approves an existing rule for enforcement, directly affecting hunters and trappers who must comply with these prohibitions.

Maddy summaryHB 2278 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to implement a specific rule (91 CSR 08) governing how they disclose information from their records. This procedural bill directly affects the DMV's operations and individuals seeking access to their personal vehicle or driver information held by the DMV. The rule outlines procedures for releasing records while addressing prior legislative committee objections. The bill does not create new policies but formally authorizes the existing rule framework for public record disclosures.

Maddy summaryHB 2115 creates a property tax exemption for homeowners in West Virginia with household incomes at or below the federal poverty guidelines. It specifically exempts eligible homeowners from "school excess levy" taxes (extra taxes levied by counties for school funding beyond regular property taxes), but does not affect standard property taxes. To qualify, homeowners must own a primary residence used exclusively for living, have paid property taxes for two years in WV, and submit annual proof of income (like tax returns) and residency. The exemption attaches to the property on July 1 each year and must be renewed annually; it cannot be transferred if the property changes ownership. This bill directly affects low-income homeowners in West Virginia who pay school-related property taxes.