Sen. Patricia Rucker

Maddy summarySB 343 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Medicine to create new rules governing physician assistants' licensure, practice standards, disciplinary procedures, and continuing education requirements. The bill specifically references an existing rule (11 CSR 01B) filed in July 2025 and updates the legal framework to allow the Board to formally adopt these rules. This directly affects physician assistants and the Board of Medicine, as it establishes the legal basis for future regulations impacting their professional practice. The bill itself does not change current rules but enables the Board to develop and implement them through official rulemaking procedures.

Maddy summarySB 334 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Examiners in Counseling to implement a modified licensing rule for marriage and family therapists. The bill specifically approves a revised rule (27 CSR 08) that was adjusted after feedback from the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee and refiled in October 2025. This rule directly affects marriage and family therapists seeking or renewing their licenses in West Virginia. The legislation is procedural, focusing solely on authorizing the board to adopt this existing modified rule, not changing the actual licensing requirements.

Maddy summarySB 345 authorizes the Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board of Examiners to issue a revised rule regarding licensing and practice standards for medical imaging and radiation therapy technologists. The rule, initially filed in June 2025 and modified to address concerns before being resubmitted in August 2025, establishes requirements for professionals in this field. This bill does not change the rule's content but provides the legal authority for the board to adopt it.

Maddy summarySB 312 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to implement a specific rule (61 CSR 01B) governing dog registration forms and tags, which includes requirements for dog registration, taxation, and control. This rule was previously modified to address objections from the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee and is now formally authorized for use. The bill does not change the rule's content but ensures its legal validity for enforcement.

Maddy summarySB 320 amends West Virginia law to add a sunset provision to an existing Attorney General rule about third-party dispute mechanisms. The bill specifies that the rule (currently codified as 142 CSR 03) will expire and become invalid on August 1, 2036. This change affects the Attorney General's authority to enforce the rule governing how third-party dispute resolution services must be established and qualified. The bill does not alter the substance of the dispute mechanisms themselves, only the rule's expiration date.

Maddy summarySB 332 authorizes the Board of Examiners in Counseling to adopt a rule governing the licensing requirements for counselors in West Virginia. The rule, developed and revised to address feedback from the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee, outlines specific standards for obtaining and maintaining a counseling license. This bill enables the Board to implement the rule without further legislative approval, directly affecting how counselors in the state meet licensing criteria. It does not alter the rule’s content but formally authorizes its use in the licensing process.

Maddy summarySB 323 amends West Virginia law to add a sunset provision to an existing rule governing the sale of damaged goods. The bill requires the Attorney General's rule (currently codified as 142 CSR 06) to automatically expire on August 1, 2036, without needing further legislative action. This directly affects businesses selling damaged products (like repaired electronics or discounted items) and consumers who purchase them, as it ensures the rule's requirements will no longer apply after 2036. The key mechanism is a fixed termination date, not new restrictions or penalties. The rule itself prevents businesses from misleading consumers about the condition or value of damaged goods.

Maddy summarySB 291 authorizes West Virginia's Insurance Commission to enforce an existing rule (114 CSR 11) governing how insurance companies advertise accident and sickness insurance policies. The bill formally approves a rule the Commission previously filed in the State Register (July 22, 2025), which sets standards for these advertisements. This procedural measure does not create new requirements but ensures the Commission has legal authority to implement the existing advertising guidelines. It directly affects insurance companies that market accident/sickness coverage in West Virginia.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 307 authorizes West Virginia's Tax Department to create a specific rule (110 CSR 21H) governing income tax credits for property taxes paid. This procedural bill enables the department to establish clear guidelines for how taxpayers claim these credits, directly affecting homeowners and property owners who use this credit. The key mechanism is the formal authorization for the department to develop and implement the rule, which was previously modified and refilled after committee feedback. The bill does not change the credit amount or eligibility but ensures the rulemaking process is legally valid.

Maddy summarySB 355 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Osteopathic Medicine to implement its established licensing procedures for osteopathic physicians under rule 24 CSR 01. The bill formally approves a legislative rule that was previously developed and modified after review by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee (filed July 2025, refiled December 2025). This procedural bill directly affects osteopathic physicians seeking or maintaining licensure in West Virginia by establishing their required application and certification processes. It does not change the substance of the licensing rules but grants the Board the authority to enforce them. The rule specifically covers procedures for licensing osteopathic physicians within the state.