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WV SB886

Bill

Status

Enrolled

3/14/2026

Primary Sponsor

Bill Hamilton

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Allows private property owners to conduct prescribed burns without a burning permit during forest fire seasons (March 1-May 31 and October 1-December 31) when following procedures in the state's prescribed fire code
  • Expands the definition of "prescribed fire" to include controlled burns on private property, in addition to wildlife management areas, state forests, and federal lands
  • Requires the Division of Forestry director to propose rules establishing procedures for prescribed fire control on private property
  • Prescribed burns on private property must still comply with certification requirements, including preparation of a written prescription with landowner information, burn area description, methods, and a smoke management plan
  • Certified prescribed fire managers must directly supervise burns and notify the nearest Division of Forestry regional office 24 hours before conducting a prescribed fire

Legislative Description

Permitting prescribed fire control on private property without burning permit

Natural Resources

Last Action

Completed legislative action

3/14/2026

Committee Referrals

Government Organization2/23/2026
Natural Resources2/9/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available