West VirginiaHB 42652026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relating to authorizing the Department of Agriculture to promulgate a legislative rule relating to registration forms and tags for registration, taxation, and control of dogs.

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

27 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 5 costs, 18 mixed.

More vaccines available at pharmacies

Pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and pharmacy technicians can give immunizations under Board rules. This makes it easier to get shots at local pharmacies. The law authorizes the rule but does not set service prices or dates.

Stronger pharmacy inspections for safety

The Board of Pharmacy sets inspection standards and procedures for pharmacies. This strengthens oversight and safety for patients statewide. The law authorizes the rule and does not list funding or dates.

Contractor licensing requirements and standards

The Contractor Licensing Board sets licensing standards and qualifications for contractors. Contractors must meet these rules and may pay fees. This adds costs and paperwork for small contractors.

New limits for hemp and kratom

The Department of Agriculture changes product limits and labels for certain hemp and kratom products. Percentage limits are replaced with milligrams per dose, such as 10 milligrams per dose. Rules also clarify non‑natural and fully synthetic ingredients. Makers and sellers may need to reformulate or relabel products.

Rules for markets, dealers, agritourism

The Department of Agriculture sets operating rules for public markets, including vendor and safety standards. Livestock dealers must meet licensing qualifications and pay license fees. Agritourism operators must follow safety and operations standards. These changes may add costs and paperwork while clarifying rules and liability.

Standards for apples and dairy

The Department of Agriculture sets grades and standards for apples. It updates Grade A pasteurized milk rules for processing, sanitation, labeling, and inspections. It also defines when some dairy farms may use exempt processing rules. These standards can raise compliance costs and change who qualifies, while aiming for safer food and clearer market rules.

Rules for customer provided conduit

The Public Service Commission sets rules for using conduit that a customer provides. It governs how utilities and others may occupy that space. This affects broadband and utility projects. The law authorizes the rule but does not set dates.

Shared table program for seniors

Senior Services sets up a shared table initiative for seniors. Seniors and partner organizations can take part in this food sharing program. The law authorizes the rule but does not set funding or dates.

Election equipment loan and grant rules

The Secretary of State sets rules for loans and grants to buy voting equipment, systems, software, services, and upgrades. Election officials can apply under this framework. The law authorizes the rule but does not set funding amounts or dates.

New dog registration and tags

The Department of Agriculture sets dog registration forms and tags. Dog owners must follow these steps and keep tags on their dogs. The Department can charge fees. The law does not list fee amounts or dates.

Higher fees for social workers

The Board of Social Work sets a fee schedule for licenses and applications. Social workers and applicants must pay these fees when they renew or apply.

Attorney General dispute rule ends 2036

The Attorney General’s rule for third-party dispute mechanisms now has an end date. The rule terminates and has no effect after August 1, 2036. After that date, those protections and requirements end unless a new rule replaces them.

Some consumer rules expire in 2036

Attorney General rules on fair treatment of crime victims and witnesses, unfair home improvement acts, damaged goods sales, and preneed burial contracts now end on August 1, 2036. After that date, these rules have no force unless renewed. This reduces formal protections after 2036.

Cosmetology schools and training rules

The Board sets how cosmetology and barber schools must operate. It creates standards for barber apprenticeships and sets training and practice rules for waxing specialists. These steps can add training and compliance costs but give clearer paths into the trades.

Counselor and psychologist licensing updates

Licensed professional counselors must follow renewal cycles and continuing education rules. The psychologists board updates who can be licensed as a psychologist or school psychologist. These changes add training and documentation steps but can make licensing pathways clearer.

Licensing changes for counselors and instructors

Counselors and marriage and family therapists covered by state law 30-1-27 follow only that code’s licensure rules. The Board changes training, exams, and certification for barber and cosmetology instructors. The optometry interview evaluation rule is repealed. Some steps get simpler; others may require added training or testing.

New rules and fees for optometrists

The Board of Optometry now enforces updated rules. It sets licensing steps, continuing education, and a fee schedule. It creates an oral pharmaceutical certificate and explains how out-of-state optometrists can get licensed by reciprocity. These changes add training and fees but can make pathways and scope of practice clearer.

Osteopathic licensing and emergency permits

The Board of Osteopathic Medicine updates licensing procedures and rules for osteopathic physician assistants. During a declared State of Emergency or Preparedness, the Board can issue temporary permits to qualified practitioners. The rules guide applications and supervision, and the emergency permits can expand staffing when needed.

Pharmacy licensing and mail order rules

The Board of Pharmacy updates licensure and practice rules for pharmacists and pharmacies. It regulates mail-order and nonresident pharmacies that serve West Virginians. It sets registration rules for pharmacy technicians and allows pharmacist recovery networks. These rules add compliance steps and possible fees, while supporting access and workforce health.

Rehab therapy and trainer rules

Boards set updated licensing and practice rules for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and athletic trainers. Occupational therapists must meet continuing competence and education standards. These rules may add training time and paperwork while clarifying professional standards.

Rules for funeral service firms

The Board of Funeral Service Examiners sets licensing, apprenticeship, and funeral establishment standards. These rules clarify duties for funeral directors, embalmers, and businesses, and may change business requirements and costs.

Standards for imaging technologists

The Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board sets governance, ethics, and continuing education standards. Licensed technologists must meet training and reporting rules. The ethics rule defines conduct the Board can enforce. These steps add oversight and some course costs while aiming to protect patients.

Updated rules for physicians and PAs

The Board of Medicine sets licensure, practice, and discipline rules for physicians and physician assistants. It also sets continuing education you must complete to keep a license. These standards clarify duties but add time and compliance costs.

Real estate licensing rule trimmed

The Real Estate Commission removes one subsection from its licensing and conduct rule. This changes compliance rules for brokers, associate brokers, salespersons, and brokerages. The law authorizes the amended rule but does not list fees or dates.

Architect and landscape architect fees

The Boards set registration procedures and fees for architects and landscape architects. Architects may see changes in registration and renewal costs. Landscape architect applicants can apply for a waiver of initial licensing fees if they meet board rules. Overall, there are new or updated fees with a narrow fee-waiver path.

New permit rules for pharmacies

The Board of Pharmacy sets permit requirements for pharmacies. Owners and applicants must meet the stated permitting and compliance steps. The law authorizes the rule but does not list permit fees or dates.

Purchasing exemptions for municipal pensions

The Municipal Pensions Oversight Board sets an exempt purchasing rule. Pension plans can use stated exemptions when buying goods and services. This mainly affects plan administrators and vendors, not household benefits.

Free Policy Watch

You just read the policy. Now see what it costs you.

Pick a topic. PRIA runs your household against live legislation and sends you a free personalized readout.

Pick a topic to get started

My Taxes My Health My Budget My Money My Freedom

Or tell us something more specific

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Doug Smith
Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 438 • No: 8

House vote • 3/14/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 689)

Yes: 94 • No: 2

House vote • 3/14/2026

Effective from passage (Roll No. 690)

Yes: 96 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/11/2026

Effective from passage (Roll No. 457)

Yes: 34 • No: 0