Rep. Doug Smith

Maddy summaryHB 2319 authorizes West Virginia's Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board to create and enforce rules for how appraisal management companies must register and renew their licenses. This bill directly affects appraisal management companies, which are businesses that coordinate property appraisals for real estate transactions. The key provision allows the Board to establish specific requirements for registration and renewal processes through formal rulemaking. The bill does not change existing rules but formally authorizes the Board to develop these rules under state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes West Virginia's Board of Registered Nurses to implement a specific rule (19 CSR 03) governing nurse registration, licensure requirements, and professional misconduct standards. It directly affects registered nurses and nursing professionals in West Virginia by formalizing existing rules about qualification criteria and conduct violations. The rule, already filed in the State Register (August 23, 2024), defines what constitutes professional misconduct and sets standards for maintaining licensure. The bill does not create new policies but legally confirms the board's authority to enforce these established rules.

Maddy summaryHB 2270 authorizes West Virginia's State Tax Department to implement a specific rule (110 CSR 10G) that creates a non-court process for resolving tax disputes between the department and taxpayers. The rule, which was previously proposed and adjusted to address legislative committee feedback, outlines procedures for handling disagreements through methods like mediation instead of litigation. This bill directly affects the State Tax Department, which will use the rule in its operations, and taxpayers who face tax assessment disagreements. By formalizing the rule, it establishes a clear, structured alternative to court-based resolution for tax disputes.

Maddy summaryHB 2051 would amend West Virginia law to permit licensed concealed handgun carriers to carry firearms on Capitol grounds and within the Capitol building. It allows individuals with valid concealed carry permits to carry concealed handguns in the Capitol complex, including the building itself, but requires them to show their permit upon request when entering. The bill prohibits concealed carry in the Governor’s office, Supreme Court chambers (third and fourth floors), and maintains existing restrictions on open carry and pepper spray exceeding one ounce. This change directly affects licensed concealed carry permit holders who access the Capitol complex, while preserving current rules for other areas.

Maddy summaryHB 2283 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to implement a specific regulatory rule (61 CSR 03) governing state aid for fairs and festivals. This procedural bill does not change funding amounts or eligibility but formally approves the existing rule-making authority for distributing state aid to qualifying local fairs and festivals. The rule, filed in July 2024, will govern how the Department administers these funds. It directly affects local fair and festival organizers seeking state financial support.

Maddy summaryHB 2276 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Highways to create specific rules for small wireless facilities (like 5G cell equipment) on highway rights-of-way. It directly affects telecom companies seeking to install such infrastructure along state roads. The bill formally approves an existing regulatory rule (157 CSR 13) that the Division of Highways had previously proposed, allowing it to manage permits and placement standards for these small facilities. This streamlines the process for deploying wireless networks while maintaining state oversight of highway property.

Maddy summaryHB 2266 authorizes West Virginia's Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner to create specific rules governing the licensing and operations of businesses selling nonintoxicating beer (typically beer with less than 0.5% alcohol by volume). This bill directly affects breweries, retailers, and other businesses seeking to legally sell nonintoxicating beer within the state. The key provision allows the Commissioner to establish clear procedures for obtaining licenses and operating under these rules, building on a previously modified rule (176 CSR 01) that was reviewed by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. The bill formalizes the Commissioner's authority without changing the substance of the rules themselves.

Maddy summaryHB 2261 authorizes the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner to create specific licensing rules for private clubs (like social or sports clubs seeking liquor licenses). The bill formally approves a rule already filed in the State Register (175 CSR 02) that was initially authorized under existing law. This change clarifies the Commissioner's authority to establish detailed requirements for private club liquor licensing without altering current licensing standards. The bill directly affects private clubs applying for or renewing alcohol licenses under the state's beverage control system.

Maddy summaryHB 2302 authorizes West Virginia's Election Commission to create and implement a legislative rule governing campaign finance, specifically referencing the existing "146 CSR 03" rule proposal. This rule, initially filed in August 2024 and modified in January 2025, would establish specific regulations for campaign finance practices. The bill directly affects candidates, political committees, and donors who must comply with these rules, though it does not change campaign finance laws itself. This is a procedural measure to formally approve the Commission's proposed rule framework.

Maddy summaryHB 2297 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists to establish a formal schedule of fees for its regulatory services. The bill specifically approves a previously modified rule (3 CSR 06) that the board refiled after addressing concerns from the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. This rule will set the fees barbers and cosmetologists pay for licensing, renewals, and other board-related services. The bill does not set specific fee amounts but allows the board to adopt and update the fee schedule as needed.