SB 746 would establish two new wildlife viewing stamps: a resident stamp for West Virginia residents and a nonresident stamp for out-of-state visitors. These stamps, purchased in addition to a standard hunting or fishing license, allow holders to view wildlife on state-owned lands and roads (including fire roads and gated roads) in a regular vehicle, excluding UTVs and ATVs. The fee for each stamp would be set by the Department of Natural Resources and require legislative approval, with revenue funding wildlife programs. The program would not apply to Coopers Rock or Kanawha State Forests.
HB 5439 would create a statewide pollinator protection program under West Virginia's Department of Agriculture to support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The program requires the department to develop a plan with input from beekeepers, farmers, and conservation groups, focusing on planting pollinator-friendly habitats on private property and in state parks and forests. Key provisions include mitigating damage from invasive plant species, encouraging low-maintenance habitat creation, identifying educational opportunities, and leveraging existing state/federal grants for conservation. The goal is to protect pollinator health while supporting West Virginia's agricultural economy and beekeeping industry.
This resolution (HR 10) proposes approval of federal legislation (H.R. 5966), the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, which would establish a program to improve the Ohio River. The program would fund specific actions like cleaning polluted water, restoring fish habitats, controlling invasive species, and improving public access to the river. West Virginia directly benefits as 28% of the river’s length borders the state, providing drinking water for 700,000 residents and supporting local economies. The resolution itself does not create funding but formally supports the federal bill’s implementation. This is a procedural resolution endorsing the broader federal restoration effort.
This bill requires West Virginia's wildlife director to propose new rules for hunting antlered deer. The proposed rules would limit licensed hunters to harvesting two antlered deer per season, with the second deer needing at least three points on one antler. These rules would directly affect all hunters with valid deer hunting licenses in West Virginia.
HB 4355 creates a new $10 "upland game bird" stamp that hunters can purchase alongside their standard license. It directly affects hunters targeting specific species: ruffed grouse, bobwhite quail, ring-necked pheasant, woodcock, and snipe. Proceeds from the stamp will fund the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to buy and release these birds into designated Wildlife Management Areas. The bill defines the bird species and requires the Division to administer the program.
SB 379 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources to implement specific rules governing wildlife rehabilitation facilities. The bill approves a modified rule (previously filed and revised to address committee feedback) that sets standards for facilities caring for injured or orphaned wildlife. This directly affects wildlife rehabilitation centers operating in the state by requiring compliance with these standardized procedures. The rule, referenced as "58 CSR 21," focuses on operational requirements rather than creating new policies. This is a procedural bill to formally adopt an existing regulatory framework.
This bill authorizes West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources to implement a specific regulatory rule (58 CSR 21) governing wildlife rehabilitation facilities. The rule, developed after modifications to address legislative committee concerns, sets standards for facilities caring for injured or orphaned wildlife. It directly affects wildlife rehabilitation centers by requiring compliance with these established regulations. The bill does not change the rule's content but formally authorizes its implementation.
This bill requires West Virginia's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to identify waterways prone to flooding due to silt, sediment, or blockages near homes and businesses. The DEP must then coordinate with the Department of Highways to dredge and clear these waterways, including removing silt and other obstructions. The law specifically targets both navigable and non-navigable waterways that threaten residential, commercial, or infrastructure areas. It mandates that dredged material be hauled to appropriate sites and requires coordination to protect wildlife and prevent pollution during the process. This policy directly affects communities in flood-prone areas by mandating proactive waterway maintenance.
HB 4333 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources to implement a specific rule (58 CSR 56) governing special migratory game bird hunting. This rule, previously filed in the State Register on March 31, 2025, sets regulations for hunting seasons, bag limits, and methods for migratory birds like ducks and geese. The bill legally authorizes the rule to take effect by amending state code, making it enforceable. It directly affects hunters of migratory game birds in West Virginia by establishing the regulatory framework for their activities.
