West Virginia House Bill HB2252

West Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/12/25
• Refer: 2/12/25

Caption

Relating to authorizing the Department of Human Services to promulgate a legislative rule relating to the Recovery Residence Certification and Accreditation Program

Summary

HB2252 is a rule-authorizing bill that allows the West Virginia Department of Human Services to move forward with a legislative rule for the Recovery Residence Certification and Accreditation Program. The bill does not create the program itself; instead, it gives statutory approval to a previously filed and revised administrative rule, identified as 69 CSR 15, after it was modified to address objections from the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. In practical terms, the bill confirms the Department’s authority to establish standards for the certification and accreditation of recovery residences in West Virginia. Recovery residences are typically housing settings that support individuals in substance use recovery, so the rule is likely intended to set requirements for operation, oversight, and recognition of such facilities under state law.

Impact

HB2252 amends §64-5A-1 of the West Virginia Code to authorize a specific legislative rule under the Department of Human Services. Its effect is limited to approving the administrative rulemaking process for the Recovery Residence Certification and Accreditation Program, thereby allowing the rule to take effect and be enforced as part of the state’s regulatory framework. The bill affects the Department of Human Services, recovery residence operators, and potentially residents seeking certified recovery housing, but it does not itself establish new substantive program requirements in the statute.

Sentiment

The available record suggests generally neutral or procedural support for the bill, with no recorded votes or committee transcript indicating controversy. Because the measure is an authorization bill for a revised administrative rule, it appears to be a routine step in the legislative review process rather than a highly debated policy proposal. The absence of recorded opposition or discussion implies that the bill was treated as a technical approval of agency rulemaking.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is not the bill text itself but the underlying administrative rule it authorizes. Any concerns would likely focus on the standards imposed on recovery residences, the scope of Department of Human Services oversight, or whether the revised rule adequately addressed prior objections from the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. However, no specific objections, supporters, or opponents are identified in the provided materials.