Sen. Patricia Rucker

Maddy summarySenate Bill 260 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to implement a rule (45 CSR 25) that controls air pollution from hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. This rule, filed in the State Register on July 23, 2025, establishes specific air pollution standards for facilities handling hazardous waste. The bill directly affects hazardous waste facilities in West Virginia by requiring them to comply with these new emission controls. The rule itself, not the bill, defines the exact pollution limits and compliance procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 259) authorizes West Virginia's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to implement an existing rule (45 CSR 18) that controls air pollution from solid waste combustion facilities. It does not create new pollution standards but formally approves a rule the DEP previously proposed and filed in the State Register on July 23, 2025. The rule directly affects waste combustion facilities regulated under this standard, requiring them to comply with established air pollution controls. The bill is procedural, merely granting legal authority for the DEP to enforce the pre-existing rule without altering its requirements.

Maddy summarySB 264 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to implement a revised rule for water quality standards under the Division of Water and Waste Management. The bill specifically approves a rule (47 CSR 02) that was modified after addressing objections from the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. This rule governs requirements for water quality standards, directly affecting entities regulated under DEP's water quality programs. The bill does not change the rule's content but formally authorizes the DEP to enforce it as revised.

Maddy summarySB 55 creates a new felony offense for knowingly, willfully, and forcibly obstructing or hindering a home incarceration supervisor or social services worker while they are lawfully performing their duties, if the obstruction causes the death of that professional. It directly affects individuals who obstruct these workers and the workers themselves, who are protected under this law. The key provision sets a mandatory minimum 20-year prison sentence (with no parole eligibility before 20 years) for this offense, replacing a prior 15-year term. This law expands existing protections for public safety personnel to include home incarceration supervisors and social services workers handling cases like abuse investigations or home-based supervision.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 654 establishes a new salon training program for barbering and cosmetology professionals in West Virginia and exempts certain "safe services" from standard licensure requirements. The bill amends existing licensing codes to define key terms (like "aesthetics" and "cosmetology") and creates a specific training program under §30-27-8c. It directly affects salon professionals seeking licenses, training programs, and the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists by introducing this new pathway and expanding exemptions for low-risk services. The policy change focuses on streamlining training requirements and reducing licensure barriers for certain routine services.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to implement a rule (45 CSR 16) that sets emission standards for new industrial facilities, such as factories and power plants. The rule, proposed on July 23, 2025, establishes specific pollution limits these new sources must meet. By passing this bill, the legislature formally approves the DEP's authority to enforce these standards, making the rule enforceable. This directly affects new stationary sources by requiring compliance with the established emission limits.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 380 authorizes the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to implement a specific rule (58 CSR 26) governing special boating activities. This rule, filed on July 25, 2025, will directly affect boaters by establishing regulations for special boating in the state. The bill serves as procedural authorization for an existing rule, not a new policy change.

Maddy summarySB 376 authorizes the West Virginia Division of Labor to implement a child labor rule (42 CSR 09) that was developed and modified to address legislative objections. The rule, previously filed in the State Register, will establish regulations governing child labor practices. This procedural bill directly affects employers who hire minors and ensures the rule is officially in effect without altering its content.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes West Virginia's Division of Forestry to create and enforce rules for certifying managed timberland. It specifically approves regulatory rules (22 CSR 06) that were revised after addressing legislative committee feedback. The certification process directly affects timberland owners and operators who manage forests under these standards. The bill does not change land use or create new taxes - only formalizes the Division's rulemaking authority for timberland certification.

Maddy summarySB 385 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Rehabilitation Services to implement a specific legislative rule about the Ron Yost Personal Assistance Services Act Board. This procedural bill formally approves a rule already filed in the State Register (March 31, 2025), which governs how the board operates. The rule directly affects the Division of Rehabilitation Services in administering personal assistance services under the Ron Yost Act. It does not create new benefits or requirements but confirms the legal authority for existing administrative procedures.