Relating to authorizing the Division of Motor Vehicles to promulgate a legislative rule relating to disclosure of information from the files of the Division of Motor Vehicles

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Smith

House Bill 2278 empowers West Virginia's DMV to establish rules for disclosing information, enhancing transparency and public trust in handling personal data.

To House Energy and Public Works

#legislature--rulemaking

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 2278

Title: Relating to authorizing the Division of Motor Vehicles to promulgate a legislative rule relating to disclosure of information from the files of the Division of Motor Vehicles

Introduced: February 12, 2025

Current Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Public Works

Classification: Bill

Subject: Legislature--Rule Making

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2278 aims to authorize the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in West Virginia to establish a legislative rule concerning the disclosure of information from its files. This legislative action is intended to clarify and formalize the processes by which the DMV can share information, ensuring compliance with legal standards and addressing any previous objections raised by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee.

Key Provisions

Authorization of Rule-Making: The bill specifically authorizes the DMV to promulgate a legislative rule that governs how information from its files can be disclosed. This rule is expected to enhance transparency and accountability in the handling of personal and vehicle-related information.

Modification of Existing Rules: The bill references a previously filed legislative rule that was modified to meet the objections of the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. This indicates that the DMV is responsive to legislative feedback and is working to ensure that its practices align with state regulations.

Impact

Affected Entities: The primary entity affected by this bill is the Division of Motor Vehicles, which will gain the authority to create rules for information disclosure. Additionally, individuals and organizations that request access to DMV records may be impacted by the new rules governing such disclosures.

Public Transparency: By formalizing the rules around information disclosure, the bill aims to improve public trust in the DMV's handling of sensitive information.

Procedural Aspects

Legislative Timeline:

February 12, 2025: The bill was filed for introduction and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Public Works on the same day.

Previous Legislative Actions: The bill references a legislative rule that was filed in the State Register on August 14, 2024, and subsequently modified and refiled on October 4, 2024.

Conclusion

House Bill 2278 is a legislative measure designed to empower the Division of Motor Vehicles to create rules regarding the disclosure of information from its files. By addressing previous objections and formalizing the process, the bill seeks to enhance transparency and ensure that the DMV operates within the legal framework established by the state legislature.

Bill