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Bill

HB 4329

Relating to authorizing the Division of Natural Resources to promulgate a legislative rule relating to special boating.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Smith

Authorizes West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources to create regulations for specialized boating activities through administrative rule rather than legislation.

To House Energy and Public Works
#legislature--rulemaking
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Bill Summary · HB 4329

Legislative bill overview

HB 4329 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources to create administrative rules governing special boating activities. The bill itself contains no substantive regulations—it simply delegates rulemaking authority to the agency to develop specific standards for boating that falls outside normal recreational or commercial categories.

Why is this important

The bill addresses a regulatory gap by empowering the state agency to establish rules for specialized boating uses without requiring the full legislative process each time regulations need updating. This affects anyone engaged in non-standard boating activities, commercial operators, and the agency's ability to manage water resources and safety efficiently.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The phrase "special boating" is undefined in the bill summary, leaving unclear what activities would fall under these new rules and creating potential for regulatory overreach
  • Public input process: The bill doesn't specify whether the Division must hold public hearings or comment periods before finalizing rules, raising concerns about stakeholder participation
  • Delegation breadth: Some may view granting broad rulemaking authority without legislative specificity as excessive delegation of legislative power to an executive agency

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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