This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 29A-3-21, to the Code of West Virginia, which focuses on legislative rules concerning chemicals of emerging concern. It defines key terms such as "best available science," "chemical of emerging concern," and "weight of scientific evidence." The bill stipulates that any legislative rules proposed by state agencies regarding these chemicals must not be more stringent or extensive than existing federal laws or regulations on similar topics. In cases where no federal standard exists, the proposed rules must be grounded in the best available science and the weight of scientific evidence.

Furthermore, the bill outlines specific requirements for legislative rules aimed at protecting human health, including the necessity of establishing a direct causal link between exposure to the chemicals and manifest bodily harm. It also provides exceptions for rules mandated by federal law, those that are less stringent than federal standards, and emergency rules. The effective date of this section will apply to any legislative rule proposed or adopted after its enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 29A-3-21