Sen. Jack Woodrum

Maddy summarySB 402 authorizes West Virginia's Real Estate Commission to implement a specific rule (174 CSR 07) that standardizes how prior criminal convictions are evaluated during initial real estate license applications. This rule directly affects individuals seeking a real estate license who have a criminal history. The bill formalizes the Commission's existing authority to apply this rule, which was previously filed with the State Register on August 9, 2024. It does not change the criteria for eligibility but ensures consistent application of the rule by the Commission.

Maddy summarySB 400 authorizes West Virginia's Real Estate Commission to adopt and enforce specific rules governing the licensing of real estate brokers, associate brokers, and salespersons, as well as the conduct of brokerage businesses. The bill formally approves a previously drafted rule (174 CSR 01) that the Commission modified to address legislative committee feedback. This rule would directly affect real estate professionals by setting standards for their licensing, ongoing compliance, and business practices. The bill itself does not change policy but enables the Commission to implement these existing rules through standard administrative procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes West Virginia's Board of Funeral Service Examiners to implement a specific regulatory rule (6 CSR 01) governing requirements for funeral directors, embalmers, apprentices, courtesy card holders, and funeral establishments. The rule outlines professional standards, licensing conditions, and operational guidelines that directly affect funeral service professionals and businesses operating in the state. The bill formally approves the Board's previously modified rule (after addressing legislative committee feedback) without introducing new policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes West Virginia's Board of Pharmacy to implement a specific rule (15 CSR 02) under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. It does not change drug laws but formally approves a rule the Board had previously modified and resubmitted after addressing legislative committee concerns. The rule affects pharmacy practices related to controlled substances but does not alter existing drug regulations.

Maddy summarySB 408 authorizes the Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology to establish rules governing speech-language pathology and audiology assistants. The bill specifically approves a previously revised regulatory rule (29 CSR 02) that the board filed after addressing concerns from the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. This rule will directly affect assistants working in these fields by setting their practice standards and oversight requirements. The bill itself does not create new standards but formally authorizes the board to implement the existing proposed regulations.

Maddy summarySB 391 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Osteopathic Medicine to implement a rule waiving initial licensing fees for certain new applicants seeking their first osteopathic medical license. The rule, previously filed in the State Register on November 15, 2023, would allow the Board to exempt qualifying applicants from standard fees without requiring additional legislative action. This policy change directly affects individuals applying for their initial osteopathic medical license in West Virginia who meet the criteria defined by the Board under this rule. The bill does not specify the exact criteria but enables the Board to establish them through the rule-making process.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 3) creates a Select Committee on Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health for the Eighty-Seventh Legislature. The committee, appointed by the Senate Presiding Officer (up to 17 members), will gather information on prevention, treatment, research, policies, access to care, and funding related to substance use disorders and mental health. It may meet during legislative interims and has jurisdiction over related legislative proposals, operating under Senate committee rules. This is a procedural resolution establishing a committee, not a law changing policy.

Maddy summarySB 582 allows current campus police officers at West Virginia state universities to join the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Police Officer Retirement System. It requires all new campus police hires starting January 1, 2026, to participate in this same retirement system. Current officers cannot transfer existing retirement credits or funds into the DNR system. The bill specifically affects campus police officers employed by state institutions, changing their retirement plan options without altering their current benefits or compensation. This policy change is limited to retirement system enrollment, not other employment terms.

Maddy summarySB 360 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to implement a specific regulatory rule (91 CSR 15) for the Safety and Treatment Program. The bill amends state law to formally approve this rulemaking authority, which was previously filed in the State Register on August 14, 2024. This is a procedural bill that does not change program content but enables the DMV to enforce the existing rule. The rule's specific provisions affecting drivers or safety measures are detailed in the 91 CSR 15 regulatory text, not in this legislative bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes West Virginia's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to implement a specific rule (91 CSR 10) governing handicapped placards. It does not change placard eligibility or requirements but formally approves the DMV's proposed rule after revisions to address committee feedback. The rule, previously filed and modified in 2024, will now be officially authorized under state law. This procedural change directly affects drivers who use or apply for handicapped placards in West Virginia. The bill itself only permits the DMV to enforce the rule, without altering the placard system's substance.