West Virginia House Bill HB4290

West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/26
• Refer: 1/14/26
• Refer: 1/30/26

Caption

Relating to authorizing the Board of Landscape Architects to promulgate a legislative rule relating to fees.

Summary

HB4290 is a narrow administrative bill that authorizes the West Virginia Board of Landscape Architects to promulgate a legislative rule governing fees. The bill amends and reenacts §64-9-1 of the West Virginia Code to approve the specific rule filed in the State Register on July 25, 2025, under the board’s existing statutory authority in §30-22-7. In practical terms, the bill does not create a new licensing program or change the board’s underlying powers; it simply gives legislative approval to the board’s fee rule, identified as 9 CSR 03. This kind of bill is part of the state’s rulemaking oversight process and allows the agency rule to take effect as authorized law.

Impact

The bill affects West Virginia’s administrative rule framework by authorizing a specific legislative rule for the Board of Landscape Architects concerning fees. Its legal effect is to validate the board’s fee-setting rule within the state code, thereby influencing how landscape architects are charged for licensure or related regulatory services. The bill primarily impacts the Board of Landscape Architects and regulated professionals in that field, rather than the general public.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes, the overall sentiment appears neutral and procedural. The measure is a routine authorization bill for an agency rule, with no evidence of controversy, opposition, or substantive policy debate in the available materials. It appears to be a technical housekeeping item rather than a high-profile legislative issue.

Contention

No specific points of contention are evident in the available record because there are no committee transcripts or vote details provided. If any concerns were raised, they would likely have centered on the level or structure of fees authorized by the Board of Landscape Architects, but the materials do not show any identified opponents or supporters. The bill’s limited scope suggests minimal controversy.