West Virginia Senate Bill SB418

West Virginia 2025 Regular Session

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

Caption

DNR rule relating to general hunting

Summary

SB 418 is a legislative rule authorization bill that approves a rule filed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources concerning general hunting. The bill amends and reenacts the state code section governing legislative rule authorization to specifically authorize the DNR rule identified as 58 CSR 49, which was filed in the State Register on September 3, 2024 and is tied to authority in §20-1-7 of the West Virginia Code. In practical terms, the bill does not itself create new hunting regulations in the statutory text; instead, it gives legislative approval for the agency rule so it can take effect under state law. The underlying rule would govern general hunting administration and related wildlife management matters within the Division of Natural Resources’ regulatory authority.

Impact

If enacted, SB 418 would update West Virginia Code §64-10-1 to authorize the Division of Natural Resources’ general hunting rule, thereby validating the agency’s regulatory action and allowing the rule to be implemented as part of the state’s administrative code. The bill affects hunters, wildlife managers, and others subject to DNR hunting regulations, but it does not directly alter criminal penalties or hunting provisions in the bill text itself; its legal effect is to approve agency rulemaking.

Sentiment

The available record shows no committee debate, votes, or recorded opposition, so the overall sentiment appears neutral and procedural. Bills of this type are typically routine rule-authorization measures, and the text suggests the Legislature is simply deciding whether to allow the DNR’s hunting rule to stand.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Because there are no transcripts or vote records, there is no evidence of disagreement over the substance of the hunting rule, the scope of the Division of Natural Resources’ authority, or any particular hunting season, bag limit, licensing, or enforcement issue. Any potential controversy would likely center on wildlife regulation or hunter impacts, but that is not reflected in the available record.