SB 309 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT) to promulgate legislative rules. In practical terms, the bill gives the DOT rulemaking authority to adopt regulations through the legislative rule process, allowing the agency to implement and administer transportation-related policies under state law. Because the bill text was not available in the provided materials, the specific subject areas covered by the rules are not identifiable from the record here, but the caption indicates the measure is a general authorization bill for DOT rules.
The bill’s main legal effect is to enable or continue the DOT’s authority to issue legislative rules that carry the force of law once approved through the state’s rulemaking framework. This can affect the department’s administration of highways, roads, transportation programs, permitting, safety standards, and related operational matters, depending on the scope of the rules adopted under the authorization. The bill was enacted and became effective from passage, so it immediately changed or confirmed the DOT’s rulemaking authority in state law.
Impact
SB 309 affects state administrative law by authorizing the Department of Transportation to promulgate legislative rules, which are binding regulations adopted under legislative oversight. The measure likely impacts the DOT, regulated transportation entities, contractors, motorists, and other parties subject to transportation regulations by allowing the department to implement rules governing its programs and operations. Because the underlying bill text was not provided, the precise statutes amended or the exact regulatory topics covered cannot be specified from the available record.
Sentiment
The available voting record suggests broad bipartisan support and little visible opposition. The Senate passed the bill unanimously, 31-0, and the House passed it by a wide margin, 91-2, with the bill also marked effective from passage in both chambers. No committee transcript was provided, so there is no recorded debate to indicate significant controversy or divided sentiment in the materials supplied.
Contention
There is no committee discussion in the provided record, and the roll-call votes show overwhelming support, indicating minimal contention. The only observable opposition came from a small number of House members who voted no on final passage, but the materials do not explain their reasons. Any substantive disagreement would likely have concerned the scope or necessity of DOT rulemaking authority, but that is not documented in the supplied context.