Rep. Doug Smith

Maddy summaryHB 4288 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Examiners in Counseling to implement a specific licensing rule for marriage and family therapists. The bill formally approves the "27 CSR 08" rule (previously modified after committee feedback) that outlines licensing requirements for these professionals. This rule directly affects individuals seeking or renewing their marriage and family therapist licenses in West Virginia. The bill itself does not change the licensing standards but provides official authorization for the Board's proposed rule to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4286 authorizes the Board of Examiners in Counseling to implement a revised licensing rule (27 CSR 01) that was modified to address legislative concerns. This rule establishes specific requirements for counselors seeking or renewing their licenses in West Virginia, including qualifications and renewal processes. The bill does not create new policy but formalizes an existing regulatory framework for the counseling profession.

Maddy summaryHB 4268 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to implement a specific licensing rule (61 CSR 11H) for livestock dealers. This rule sets requirements for businesses that buy, sell, or transport livestock, directly affecting those operating in this sector. The bill formally approves a revised rule that was previously modified to address legislative committee concerns. It does not create new licensing standards but allows the Department to enforce existing requirements through this authorized rule.

Maddy summaryHB 4320 authorizes the West Virginia Secretary of State to promulgate a legislative rule (153 CSR 10) governing federal loan and grant programs under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). This rule would enable local election offices to access federal funds for purchasing voting equipment, election systems, software, services, and upgrades. The bill formally approves an existing rule filed on June 24, 2025, without creating new funding or altering program requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4283 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists to implement a specific legislative rule (3 CSR 13) governing barber apprenticeship requirements. This bill directly affects barber apprentices and the Board by enabling them to enforce standardized training and experience rules for apprentices. The key mechanism is the formal authorization of the Board's previously proposed rule, which was modified to address legislative committee feedback and refilled in the State Register. The bill does not create new policy but approves an existing administrative rule to streamline apprenticeship oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 4304 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Osteopathic Medicine to finalize and implement a specific licensing rule (24 CSR 01) for osteopathic physicians. The bill clears procedural hurdles by officially approving a rule that was previously modified after addressing objections from the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. This directly affects osteopathic physicians seeking or renewing licenses in West Virginia, as it standardizes their licensing procedures under the Board's oversight. The rule, originally filed in 2025 and revised in December 2025, streamlines the process for physician licensure without creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4311 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy to establish a rule (15 CSR 12) governing immunizations administered by pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and pharmacy technicians. This rule would define specific conditions and procedures for these healthcare providers to safely administer vaccines. The bill specifically approves a rule that was previously developed, modified following legislative review, and resubmitted to the State Register. The policy change formalizes the regulatory framework without altering current immunization practices or expanding provider roles.

Maddy summaryHB 4317 authorizes the West Virginia Psychologists Board to implement regulatory requirements for licensure as a psychologist or school psychologist under the existing rule 17 CSR 03. The bill formally approves a revised rule that was previously modified to address legislative committee feedback and refiled in 2025. This procedural bill does not change licensure standards but enables the board to enforce the established regulatory framework for professionals seeking or maintaining their licenses. It directly affects individuals pursuing or holding psychology licenses in West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 4281 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists to establish specific rules for certifying instructors in the beauty and personal care industry. The bill directly affects professionals teaching barbering, hair styling, nail technology, aesthetics, waxing, and cosmetology by setting standards for their qualifications, training, and examinations. It formalizes a previously proposed rule (3 CSR 02) that the board modified to address legislative committee feedback, ensuring consistent instructor certification requirements across these fields. This procedural bill does not create new laws but enables the board to implement standardized training and certification processes for instructors.

Maddy summaryHB 4316 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Physical Therapy to establish a specific rule (16 CSR 05) governing general practice standards for athletic trainers. This rule will directly affect athletic trainers by setting requirements for their licensure, scope of practice, and professional conduct within the state. The bill formally approves a previously modified rule that was reviewed and refiled after addressing concerns raised by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee.