HB 2896

This bill reorganizes West Virginia's regulation of radioactive materials and radiation sources by transferring authority from the Department of Health to the Department of Environmental Protection, positioning the state to become an "Agreement State" with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The legislation repeals existing radiation control statutes under the health code and creates two new comprehensive chapters under environmental law (Chapters 22-34 and 22-35) that establish a Radiation Control Act, create a Radiation Advisory Board, and provide for licensing and regulation of radioactive materials, X-ray machines, and radon testing/mitigation services. By becoming an Agreement State, West Virginia would assume regulatory authority over certain radioactive materials within its borders that are currently regulated by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission, while also establishing dedicated funding mechanisms through special revenue accounts and inspection fees to support the state's radiation control program.