Maddy summarySenate Bill 494 modifies West Virginia's electioneering communication reporting rules by lowering the spending threshold from $5,000 to $1,000 per calendar year for required disclosures. It extends the reporting deadline from 15 to 30 days for communications made within 12 hours before an election. The bill also mandates both written and spoken disclaimers on digital electioneering communications, requiring clear identification of the spender and a statement that the communication isn't authorized by the candidate. This affects political groups, committees, and individuals spending over $1,000 on election-related ads that mention candidates. The changes aim to increase transparency around election advertising while adjusting reporting timelines and requirements.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 481 amends West Virginia law to explicitly permit off-duty law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons in public schools and school events. This change directly affects off-duty officers (including those with active law enforcement credentials) and public schools, clarifying that they are exempt from existing restrictions that prohibit weapons on school grounds. The bill modifies the exemption language in §61-7-11a(b)(2)(A) to specifically include "off duty" officers, removing ambiguity about whether current exemptions cover them. It does not change restrictions for civilians or other personnel, maintaining the existing prohibition for non-exempt individuals.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 306) authorizes West Virginia's Information Services and Communications Division to establish a specific rule (161 CSR 01) outlining its operational plan. It formally approves a legislative rule the Division had already proposed and filed in the State Register on November 12, 2024. The bill does not create new policy or change how the Division operates; it simply grants official authorization for the existing proposed rule to take effect. This is a procedural measure to finalize the Division's internal operational guidelines.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 412 authorizes the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) to implement a rule (58 CSR 16) regulating the transportation and sale of wildlife parts and pelts. This rule, filed in the State Register on September 3, 2024, will directly affect hunters, trappers, and businesses involved in wildlife trade by requiring specific handling and documentation standards. The bill does not create new rules but formally approves the DNR's existing proposed rule, ensuring it becomes enforceable under state law. This change aims to clarify legal requirements for those handling wildlife products while maintaining consistent enforcement.
Maddy summarySB 352 authorizes West Virginia's State Tax Department to implement Legislative Rule 110 CSR 50C, which governs how the department exchanges taxpayer information with other entities under written agreements. The rule specifically outlines procedures for sharing data between state tax authorities and other governments or organizations when formal written agreements exist. This procedural bill does not change tax rates or create new obligations but formalizes existing information-sharing practices for administrative efficiency. The rule was previously filed with the State Register on March 11, 2024.
Maddy summarySB 304 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Administration to implement a rule (148 CSR 23) that defines which state agencies qualify for exemptions from the Fleet Management Division's vehicle fleet services. This rule, previously filed in the State Register on April 30, 2024, specifies the criteria for exemptions, allowing certain agencies to manage their own vehicle fleets instead of using the state's centralized services. The bill formally incorporates this rule into state law, making it official. It directly affects state agencies that operate vehicle fleets and may seek exemption from the Fleet Management Division's management requirements.
Maddy summarySB 318 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to implement a revised fee schedule for water pollution control permits. The bill directly affects businesses and entities that require permits to discharge pollutants into waterways, as they would pay fees under the new schedule. The key provision allows the DEP to use the fee rule (47 CSR 26) that was modified after committee feedback and refiled in November 2024. This is a procedural authorization, not a new policy, ensuring the DEP can enforce existing fee structures through official rulemaking.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner to implement an existing rule (175 CSR 04) governing the sale of wine and hard cider. It does not create new sales rules but formally approves a modified rule that was previously reviewed by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. The rule directly affects businesses selling wine and hard cider in West Virginia by clarifying their compliance requirements under state law. This is a procedural authorization, not a substantive policy change.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 317 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to implement updated rules for underground injection control (47 CSR 13), specifically changing permit duration requirements. The rule sets a maximum 10-year term for Class 1 and 5 well permits, while Class 2, 3, and 6 well permits are issued for the facility's operating life (with Class 6 including post-injection site care). The DEP must review Class 2, 3, and 6 well permits at least every five years to determine if modifications, revocations, or terminations are needed. This directly affects oil and gas operators and other entities using underground injection wells for activities like wastewater disposal.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 311 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to implement a pre-filed regulatory rule (33 CSR 20) governing hazardous waste management. This bill does not create new requirements but formally approves the DEP's existing proposed rule for managing hazardous waste systems. The rule directly affects businesses and entities handling hazardous waste in West Virginia by establishing their regulatory obligations under the DEP's oversight. The bill's sole purpose is procedural, granting legal authority for the DEP to enforce the specific rule (33 CSR 20) that was already submitted to the State Register on August 28, 2024.