Sen. Jack Woodrum

Maddy summarySB 310 authorizes the Public Defender Services to implement a legislative rule governing how court-appointed attorneys are paid and reimbursed for expenses. The rule, filed in the State Register on August 19, 2024, establishes specific standards for calculating attorney fees and covering case-related costs. This bill directly affects court-appointed attorneys who represent indigent defendants in West Virginia by formalizing their reimbursement process. It does not alter the rule's content but legally permits its adoption.

Maddy summarySB 341 authorizes the Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner to implement a specific rule (175 CSR 02) governing private club licensing for alcohol sales in West Virginia. This rule, filed on August 20, 2024, will directly affect private clubs - such as social or members-only establishments - that serve alcohol by requiring them to comply with new licensing procedures. The bill's key provision formally approves this rule under state law, making it enforceable. Once effective, the rule will establish clear requirements for how private clubs apply for and maintain their alcohol licenses.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 345 authorizes West Virginia's Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner to create and enforce rules for retailers selling certain plant-based products, specifically hemp and kratom. The bill amends existing law to formally permit the commissioner to develop regulations governing the retail sale of these products under the existing 175 CSR 11 regulatory code. This legislation does not create new rules itself but enables future rulemaking to address retail enforcement. It directly affects retailers who sell hemp-derived products and kratom within West Virginia. The bill is procedural, focusing on enabling regulatory action rather than defining specific policies.

Maddy summarySB 308 authorizes West Virginia's Office of Technology to implement a specific operational plan rule (163 CSR 04) that was previously developed and modified to address legislative committee feedback. The bill formally approves the rule after it was filed in the State Register on August 29, 2024, revised, and refiled on October 11, 2024. This procedural bill directly affects the Office of Technology by enabling it to use the finalized rule for its operations. It does not create new policy but validates an existing administrative rule.

Maddy summarySB 305 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Administration to establish and maintain a specific rule (148 CSR 24) for financial services reporting. This procedural bill confirms the department's authority to create and enforce reporting requirements for financial services entities operating in the state. It does not change the content of the reporting rules but formally authorizes their continued use under state law. The rule directly affects financial institutions and service providers required to submit these reports to the state.

Maddy summarySB 419 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources (DNR) to implement an existing regulatory rule (58 CSR 58) governing special waterfowl hunting seasons and regulations. The bill formally amends state code to recognize the DNR's authority to enforce this rule, which directly affects waterfowl hunters participating in designated special hunting seasons. This is a procedural authorization - no new hunting rules are created, only the existing rule is formally recognized under statute. The rule itself, filed in September 2024, remains unchanged.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes West Virginia's Information Services and Communications Divisions to implement an existing legislative rule (161 CSR 02) governing telecommunications payments made by state government agencies. It specifically allows the divisions to enforce rules about how spending units (like state departments and agencies) pay for telecommunications services. The bill does not create new policies but formally approves a rule already filed in the State Register on November 12, 2024. This procedural action ensures the rule can be legally enforced without requiring new legislation. The rule directly affects state agencies that manage telecom contracts and billing.

Maddy summarySB 301 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Administration to implement existing records management rules (148 CSR 12) that were filed in the State Register on March 27, 2024. The bill formalizes the department's authority to manage how state agencies store, preserve, and handle public records. It directly affects all state agencies that maintain official records, requiring them to follow these established procedures. The bill does not create new rules but legally approves the department's previously proposed rule for records administration. This is a procedural measure to ensure consistent record-keeping practices across state government.

Maddy summarySB 309 authorizes West Virginia's Office of Technology to implement a specific rule (163 CSR 05) governing telecommunications payments made by state spending units. The bill formally approves an existing rule that was previously filed, modified, and refiled to address concerns raised by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. This rule directly affects state agencies and departments that make telecommunications payments, requiring them to comply with the standardized procedures outlined in 163 CSR 05. The bill itself does not change the rule's content but provides the legal authorization for its enforcement.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 422 authorizes the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to implement a falconry rule (58 CSR 65) that was filed with the State Register on September 3, 2024. This rule establishes regulations for falconry activities, including standards for training, equipment, and safety. The bill formalizes the rule as official state law, directly affecting falconers who must comply with these requirements.