HB 4286 authorizes the Board of Examiners in Counseling to implement a revised licensing rule (27 CSR 01) that was modified to address legislative concerns. This rule establishes specific requirements for counselors seeking or renewing their licenses in West Virginia, including qualifications and renewal processes. The bill does not create new policy but formalizes an existing regulatory framework for the counseling profession.
HB 4268 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to implement a specific licensing rule (61 CSR 11H) for livestock dealers. This rule sets requirements for businesses that buy, sell, or transport livestock, directly affecting those operating in this sector. The bill formally approves a revised rule that was previously modified to address legislative committee concerns. It does not create new licensing standards but allows the Department to enforce existing requirements through this authorized rule.
HB 4991, the West Virginia First Energy Act, requires coal-fired power plants in the state to maintain a minimum 69% operational utilization rate (measured annually) and hold at least a 30-day coal supply based on average usage. It restricts utilities from retiring or reducing coal or natural-gas plants without Public Service Commission approval, which requires proof the change won’t raise rates, increase market volatility, or harm grid reliability. The bill also prohibits cost recovery for new wind or solar projects and bans power-purchase agreements for intermittent energy unless existing coal/gas capacity meets specific replacement standards. These provisions aim to stabilize electricity rates, preserve coal industry jobs, and prioritize in-state dispatchable power sources over out-of-state or weather-dependent generation.
HB 4320 authorizes the West Virginia Secretary of State to promulgate a legislative rule (153 CSR 10) governing federal loan and grant programs under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). This rule would enable local election offices to access federal funds for purchasing voting equipment, election systems, software, services, and upgrades. The bill formally approves an existing rule filed on June 24, 2025, without creating new funding or altering program requirements.
HB 4283 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists to implement a specific legislative rule (3 CSR 13) governing barber apprenticeship requirements. This bill directly affects barber apprentices and the Board by enabling them to enforce standardized training and experience rules for apprentices. The key mechanism is the formal authorization of the Board's previously proposed rule, which was modified to address legislative committee feedback and refilled in the State Register. The bill does not create new policy but approves an existing administrative rule to streamline apprenticeship oversight.
HB 4304 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Osteopathic Medicine to finalize and implement a specific licensing rule (24 CSR 01) for osteopathic physicians. The bill clears procedural hurdles by officially approving a rule that was previously modified after addressing objections from the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. This directly affects osteopathic physicians seeking or renewing licenses in West Virginia, as it standardizes their licensing procedures under the Board's oversight. The rule, originally filed in 2025 and revised in December 2025, streamlines the process for physician licensure without creating new requirements.
HB 4311 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy to establish a rule (15 CSR 12) governing immunizations administered by pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and pharmacy technicians. This rule would define specific conditions and procedures for these healthcare providers to safely administer vaccines. The bill specifically approves a rule that was previously developed, modified following legislative review, and resubmitted to the State Register. The policy change formalizes the regulatory framework without altering current immunization practices or expanding provider roles.
HB 4317 authorizes the West Virginia Psychologists Board to implement regulatory requirements for licensure as a psychologist or school psychologist under the existing rule 17 CSR 03. The bill formally approves a revised rule that was previously modified to address legislative committee feedback and refiled in 2025. This procedural bill does not change licensure standards but enables the board to enforce the established regulatory framework for professionals seeking or maintaining their licenses. It directly affects individuals pursuing or holding psychology licenses in West Virginia.
HB 5010 prohibits West Virginia institutions of higher education and their affiliate organizations from accepting gifts, grants, contracts, or other funding from designated "foreign adversaries," including China (specifically targeting Confucius Institutes), Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Qatar. The bill requires institutions to report foreign funding exceeding $10,000 individually or $50,000 annually to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, detailing donor information and spending restrictions. It defines "foreign adversary" broadly and mandates that funds accepted in violation must be returned to the state. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.
HB 4874 requires West Virginia's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to provide the Tax Assessor's Office with vehicle registration records. This change would streamline annual personal property tax assessments by eliminating duplicate data collection, as the Assessor's Office would use the DMV's existing vehicle records instead of gathering them separately. The bill directly affects the Tax Assessor's Office and the DMV, mandating the DMV to share these records. It does not change tax rates or assessment methods, only the process for compiling property data.
HB 4281 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists to establish specific rules for certifying instructors in the beauty and personal care industry. The bill directly affects professionals teaching barbering, hair styling, nail technology, aesthetics, waxing, and cosmetology by setting standards for their qualifications, training, and examinations. It formalizes a previously proposed rule (3 CSR 02) that the board modified to address legislative committee feedback, ensuring consistent instructor certification requirements across these fields. This procedural bill does not create new laws but enables the board to implement standardized training and certification processes for instructors.
HB 4316 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Physical Therapy to establish a specific rule (16 CSR 05) governing general practice standards for athletic trainers. This rule will directly affect athletic trainers by setting requirements for their licensure, scope of practice, and professional conduct within the state. The bill formally approves a previously modified rule that was reviewed and refiled after addressing concerns raised by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee.
