This bill amends West Virginia Code §49-2-121 to require the Bureau of Social Services to prepare, compile, and file its complete policy manual as a legislative rule. The manual will encompass all policies related to child protective services, foster care, youth services, licensing, casework standards, and other operational or programmatic guidance utilized by the bureau. The Bureau is mandated to file this legislative rule with the Secretary of State's Office by July 1, 2026, and must also submit any subsequent amendments, supplements, and revisions to the policy manual as legislative rules.

Additionally, the bill allows the Bureau to issue internal guidance or emergency procedures to ensure child safety; however, any guidance that remains in effect for more than 180 days must be incorporated into the legislative rule process. This legislative change aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the Bureau of Social Services by formalizing its policies through the legislative rule-making process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-2-121