West Virginia Senate Bill SB401

West Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/25
• Refer: 2/13/25

Caption

Real Estate Commission rule relating to application of waiver of initial licensing fees for certain individuals

Summary

Senate Bill 401 authorizes the West Virginia Real Estate Commission to promulgate a legislative rule concerning the application of a waiver of initial licensing fees for certain individuals. In practical terms, the bill does not itself create a new licensing program or fee waiver; instead, it gives legal effect to an existing or proposed administrative rule filed by the Commission and allows that rule to take effect under state law. The bill is narrowly focused on real estate licensing administration. It amends the state code section governing authorization of miscellaneous agency rules to approve the specific rule identified as 174 CSR 06, which addresses how certain applicants may seek a waiver of initial licensing fees. The measure affects the Real Estate Commission, prospective license applicants, and any individuals eligible under the rule for fee relief at the start of licensure.

Impact

SB401 would amend §64-9-1 of the West Virginia Code to authorize a specific legislative rule of the Real Estate Commission. Its legal effect is to validate the Commission’s rulemaking on fee-waiver procedures for initial licensing, thereby allowing the rule to be enforced as part of the state’s administrative code. The bill primarily impacts real estate licensing administration and applicants who may qualify for reduced upfront costs when entering the profession.

Sentiment

Based on the available record, the bill appears to have a neutral to favorable administrative purpose, with no recorded committee debate, votes, or opposition in the provided materials. The measure is technical and rule-authorization focused, suggesting it is likely intended as a routine approval of agency rulemaking rather than a controversial policy change.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided transcripts or voting history. If any concerns were raised, they are not reflected in the available materials. Potential issues that could arise in a bill of this type would typically involve the scope of the fee waiver, eligibility criteria, or the effect on licensing revenue, but none of those concerns are shown here.