Historical Rules
In 1998 the Administrative Law Division converted all paper
copies of rules to images indexed to a database. Today, staff can
locate in minutes a historical rule -- that is, a rule which is no longer in
effect. This information is often needed in court cases, when the
outcome may depend on the rule in effect at the time of an event involved in
a legal action.
Staff Assistance by Telephone or E-Mail
The most efficient way to locate a historical rule may be
to call the Administrative
Law Division at 558-6000, or write the division at adlaw@wvsos.com
and explain what you are seeking. Staff
members are knowledgeable about rule-making agencies and can often locate
the information immediately. Once the information is located, you
have several options for ordering.
Online Assistance Request
If you have the detailed information about the rule
already, you may prefer to submit your request through the
Online
Service Order Center to simplify ordering.
Warning: History is Messy!
Searching for historical rules can be
complicated. Agencies' names have changed. Boards have been
split and merged again under a different name. Responsibilities have moved
from one agency to another to another and back again. For example, a
rule now in the Department of Energy might have been in the Department of
Natural Resources twenty years ago. Tracking the history of a
rule on a particular subject can take time. You can make it easier
by gathering all the details you can in advance. Be sure to specify
the date which is important to you, and provide as much information as
possible about the agency and subject matter of the rule.
Research
The Secretary of State's Office is often asked to locate
extensive historical information for those doing research. While we
do not have sufficient staff to perform historical research, researchers
are most welcome to come to the office to review historical records and
locate the information they need.
