Bill > HB4375

This bill mandates that the Bureau for Social Services must officially adopt its Social Services Manual as a "legislative rule," which is a formal regulation created through a specific legal process that involves public notice and comment, ensuring transparency and accountability. The bill requires the Bureau to first create an emergency rule to incorporate the current version of the manual, which includes procedures for foster care services and was originally referenced in 1986 but has since been updated without following this formal process. Crucially, all future updates or revisions to this manual will also need to go through the legislative rulemaking process, meaning they will be treated as formal laws rather than internal policy documents.

Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4375&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill