Relating to authorizing the Department of Administration to promulgate a legislative rule relating to general administration of records management and preservation.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Smith

House Bill 2221 empowers West Virginia's Department of Administration to establish rules for better records management, impacting state agencies and public access to records.

Markup Discussion

#legislature--rulemaking

Bill Information

Bill Number: HB 2221

Title: Relating to authorizing the Department of Administration to promulgate a legislative rule relating to general administration of records management and preservation.

Status: Markup Discussion

Introduced: January 29, 2025

Classification: Bill

Subject: Legislature--Rule Making

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2221 aims to authorize the West Virginia Department of Administration to create and implement a legislative rule concerning the general administration of records management and preservation. This legislative rule is intended to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of how records are managed and preserved within the state.

Key Provisions

Authorization of Legislative Rule: The bill specifically authorizes the Department of Administration to promulgate a rule that governs the general administration of records management and preservation.

Reference to Existing Code: The bill amends §64-2-1 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, which relates to the Department of Administration's authority to manage records.

Implementation Timeline: The rule referenced in the bill was filed in the State Register on March 27, 2024, indicating that the legislative process is already underway for its implementation.

Affected Parties

Department of Administration: The primary agency responsible for implementing the new rule and overseeing records management practices.

State Agencies and Employees: All state agencies that handle records will be impacted by the new regulations, as they will need to comply with the updated management and preservation standards.

Public and Stakeholders: Citizens and organizations that interact with state records may experience changes in how records are accessed and preserved.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

January 29, 2025: Bill filed by Rep. Tony M. McCombie.

February 4, 2025: First reading and referred to the Rules Committee.

February 12, 2025: Introduced in the House and referred to the Government Organization Committee.

March 4, 2025: Assigned to the Executive Committee.

March 12, 2025: The Executive Committee recommended the bill for passage.

March 27, 2025: The bill was held on the calendar for a second reading.

May 31, 2025: Deadline for third reading extended under Rule 19(a).

Conclusion

House Bill 2221 is a significant legislative effort to modernize and streamline records management and preservation within West Virginia's state government. By empowering the Department of Administration to establish a legislative rule, the bill seeks to improve the handling of public records, ensuring that they are managed effectively and preserved for future reference. The ongoing legislative process indicates a commitment to enhancing administrative efficiency in state governance.

Bill