Sen. Jack Woodrum

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources (DNR) to implement a specific rule about general hunting, identified as 58 CSR 49. It formally approves a rule the DNR had already proposed and filed with the State Register in September 2024. The bill does not change hunting regulations itself but allows the DNR to proceed with administering the existing rule. This affects the DNR's authority to manage hunting-related policies under state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) to implement its existing rule (58 CSR 61) for "special fishing" regulations. It does not create new fishing rules but formally adopts a legislative rule the DNR previously proposed and filed in the State Register on August 14, 2024. The rule applies to specific fishing activities under DNR management, such as restricted seasons or locations, directly affecting anglers who participate in these designated fishing opportunities. The bill serves as a procedural step to confirm the rule's validity under existing law (§20-1-7).

Maddy summarySB 416 authorizes the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) to use an existing rule (58 CSR 34) governing special projects and grants for state parks, forests, and rail trails. This rule, filed in the State Register on August 14, 2024, establishes the process for awarding and managing these grants. The bill ensures the DNR has legal authority to administer this framework, directly affecting how funding is distributed to support recreational and natural resource projects. The rule will standardize grant procedures across all state parks, forests, and rail trails, ensuring consistent management of public outdoor spaces.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes West Virginia's Office of Miners' Health, Safety, and Training to establish and enforce rules (56 CSR 22) for certifying and training EMT-Miners (emergency medical technicians specializing in mining emergencies) and EMT-M instructors. It directly affects miners requiring emergency medical certification and the instructors who train them, by standardizing their certification, recertification, and training requirements. The bill does not create new policy but formally authorizes an existing regulatory rule to ensure consistent medical readiness in mining operations.

Maddy summarySB 18 would allow West Virginia county commissions to impose a tax on admission to public entertainment venues (like theaters, concerts, or amusement parks) for private profit. The tax rate cannot exceed 2% of the admission price (or 1 cent minimum), excludes state-regulated lotteries, and must be collected by sellers and added to the ticket price. County ordinances would need to outline how the tax is collected and paid to the county. This would directly affect businesses charging admission fees and counties seeking new revenue sources, but would not apply in cities already taxing such activities under existing law.

Maddy summarySB 237 allows federal law enforcement officers working on federal lands in West Virginia (like national parks or forests) to be designated as "special natural resources police officers" under written agreements between the state Division of Natural Resources and federal agencies. These officers, who must meet state law enforcement training standards, can enforce state laws on federal lands and in mutual aid situations but are limited to their assigned federal units. They cannot receive state pay or benefits for this role. The bill aims to improve cooperation between state and federal agencies in enforcing state laws on federal property.

Maddy summarySB 233 provides a $100 annual rebate for owners of hybrid vehicles (those using both electricity and petrochemical fuels) by refunding the $100 registration fee they pay each year. The rebate begins July 1, 2025, and applies to the specific $100 fee established for hybrid vehicles under the existing registration fee structure. This policy directly affects hybrid vehicle owners in West Virginia by reducing their annual registration costs. The bill amends West Virginia Code §17A-10-3c to implement this refund mechanism, which is separate from fees for hydrogen, natural gas, or fully electric vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-regulated carbon credit marketplace called the West Virginia Carbon Exchange, administered by the Division of Forestry. It requires all carbon credits generated from West Virginia forests and timber to be sold exclusively through this platform, directly affecting forest landowners, timber businesses, and buyers of carbon credits. The program mandates scientific methods to calculate carbon capture from forest products and their environmental substitution effect, while prohibiting entities from "countries of particular concern" from participating. The exchange must certify credits, maintain public registries, and enforce price and term limits before listing credits for sale. The Division must launch the exchange by July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits driving slowly in the left lane of four-lane interstate highways in West Virginia when it blocks normal traffic flow, except when driving safely or following the law. It applies to all drivers on these specific highways (defined as having two lanes in each direction). Violators face fines up to $100 for a first offense and $200 for repeat offenses within a year. Law enforcement will enforce this rule starting July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 142, the Mountain Bike Responsibility Act, requires commercial trail operators in West Virginia to follow specific safety and liability protocols for mountain biking. It mandates operators to mark trail difficulty, maintain emergency response plans, and post a clear warning notice stating that mountain bikers assume inherent risks (including injury or death) and must take precautions to avoid harm. The bill applies only to commercial entities operating mountain bike trails (excluding public or non-profit organizations) and specifies that operators aren't liable for injuries caused by natural terrain features, equipment failure, or other inherent risks. Key provisions include standardized trail signage, emergency response requirements, and a mandatory liability waiver notice at trail entrances.