West Virginia Senate Bill SB 382

West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/26
• Refer: 1/15/26

Caption

Division of Natural Resources rule relating to prohibitions when hunting and trapping

Summary

SB 382 concerns a rule of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources governing prohibitions that apply when hunting and trapping. Based on the bill caption, the measure appears to address restrictions or prohibited conduct in the context of hunting and trapping activities, likely as part of the state’s wildlife management and enforcement framework. The bill text itself was not available in the provided materials, so the precise regulatory changes cannot be identified from the record here. In practical terms, the bill would affect hunters, trappers, and wildlife enforcement officials by potentially clarifying or modifying what conduct is prohibited under DNR rules. Because the bill is tied to an agency rule, its legal effect would be to influence how existing wildlife and game laws are administered and enforced, rather than creating an entirely new policy area. Any changes would likely be implemented through the Division of Natural Resources’ regulatory authority and would interact with state hunting and trapping statutes and related administrative rules.

Impact

SB 382 would affect the state’s wildlife regulatory scheme by addressing a Division of Natural Resources rule on prohibited conduct in hunting and trapping. If enacted, it would likely alter or reaffirm administrative restrictions enforced by the DNR, with direct consequences for hunters, trappers, and conservation officers. The bill’s impact would be on the interpretation and enforcement of existing wildlife laws and rules rather than on broad criminal or civil law outside that context.

Sentiment

There were no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, support, or opposition in the materials supplied. The bill’s caption suggests a routine natural resources regulatory measure, which often receives technical rather than highly partisan consideration. On the available record, sentiment cannot be assessed beyond noting that the bill advanced at least to a reported committee substitute stage.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. If there were disagreements, they would most likely concern the scope of prohibited hunting or trapping conduct, enforcement burdens, or whether the rule is too restrictive or too permissive for sportsmen and conservation interests. Without transcripts or vote details, it is not possible to identify which stakeholders raised objections or support.