Sen. Patricia Rucker

Maddy summarySB 370 authorizes West Virginia's Real Estate Commission to implement the existing rule 174 CSR 01, which governs licensing requirements for real estate brokers, associate brokers, and salespersons, as well as standards for brokerage business conduct. The bill formally approves a revised version of this rule that was previously modified to address objections from the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. This procedural bill does not create new policy but enables the Commission to enforce established licensing and operational standards for real estate professionals in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy to implement a specific regulatory rule (16 CSR 05) concerning general provisions for athletic trainers. It formally approves a rule that the Board previously filed on July 24, 2025, modified after addressing Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee objections, and refiled on October 21, 2025. The rule directly affects athletic trainers and the Board by establishing regulatory standards for their practice. This is a procedural authorization bill - no new policy is created, only the legal backing for an existing regulatory rule.

Maddy summarySB 322 amends a 1987 rule allowing the West Virginia Attorney General to prevent deceptive practices in home improvement contracts. It adds a sunset provision requiring the rule to expire automatically on August 1, 2036. This affects home improvement consumers and contractors by establishing a specific end date for the current regulatory framework, without changing the rule's substance. The bill does not create new requirements but sets a defined timeline for the rule's continuation.

Maddy summarySB 274 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Health to implement a specific regulatory rule (65 CSR 29) regarding exemptions from Certificate of Need requirements. This bill directly affects healthcare facilities seeking to expand services without undergoing the standard Certificate of Need review process. The legislation formally approves a rule already filed in the State Register on July 21, 2025, allowing the Department to administer these exemptions. It is a procedural bill that does not alter the exemption criteria but enables the Department to enforce the existing rule.

Maddy summarySB 308 authorizes West Virginia's Tax Department to implement a specific regulatory rule (110 CSR 36) governing preneed cemetery companies. The bill formally approves a rule already filed in the State Register on July 25, 2025, which addresses tax-related requirements for these companies. It directly affects preneed cemetery businesses by establishing standardized tax compliance procedures under state law. This is a procedural bill that enables the existing rule to take effect, without creating new policy.

Maddy summarySB 329 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists to implement operational standards for schools training barbering, cosmetology, hair styling, nail technology, and aesthetics. The bill specifically reauthorizes a previously revised rule (3 CSR 04) that was modified to address legislative committee feedback. This procedural bill does not change the standards themselves but legally permits the board to enforce them. It directly affects cosmetology and barbering schools operating in West Virginia. The rule covers facility requirements, instructor qualifications, and curriculum standards for these educational programs.

Maddy summarySB 301 authorizes West Virginia's Tax Department to create specific rules for administering a tax credit. The credit would allow employers to claim a tax benefit when providing vehicles to low-income workers. This bill directly affects employers who offer such vehicles, as it establishes the framework for claiming the credit through a formal rule (110 CSR 13FF). The legislation does not create the tax credit itself but enables the Tax Department to develop the administrative rules needed for its implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes West Virginia's Tax Department to implement specific rules (110 CSR 13Q) for administering commercial patent incentives tax credits. It directly affects businesses seeking these credits by establishing eligibility criteria and claiming procedures under the department's guidance. The bill does not change the credit amount or scope but formally approves an existing rule for legal enforceability. This is a procedural authorization, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summarySB 302 authorizes West Virginia's Tax Department to establish a formal rule governing the Downstream Natural Gas Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit. This rule, previously filed in the State Register on March 31, 2025, provides specific guidelines for businesses involved in natural gas processing or manufacturing to claim the tax credit. The bill itself does not change the tax credit's eligibility or amount but formally authorizes the department to implement the existing proposed rule. It directly affects natural gas manufacturers seeking to utilize this tax incentive.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 353 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Optometry to implement a specific regulatory rule (14 CSR 08) governing how out-of-state optometrists can obtain a license to practice in West Virginia through reciprocity. This rule, revised after committee feedback and refiled in 2025, allows licensed optometrists from other states to practice in West Virginia without retaking exams, directly affecting those seeking licensure across state lines. The bill does not create new policy but formally approves an existing rule the Board had already drafted and modified.