Skip to content Skip to main navigation Skip to footer

Member Press Release

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Tuesday, February 13, 2024 – 35th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

  • SR 34: Recognizing William Schwertfeger, decorated combat veteran of US Army, on his 100th birthday
  • SR 35: Recognizing 152nd anniversary of Glenville State University

THIRD READING

  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 577: Limiting landowner liability when land is used for certain purposes
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 578: Clarifying offense of burglary
  • Eng. SB 605: Requiring electronic funds transfer of retirement contributions by participating employers
  • Eng. SB 606: Relating to Natural Resources Police Officers Retirement System
  • Eng. SB 607: Clarifying Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System surviving spouse benefits
  • Eng. SB 658: Supplementing and amending appropriations to Department of Administration, Public Defender Services
  • Eng. HB 5153: Relating to revising, updating and streamlining the requirements governing the West Virginia Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarship.

SECOND READING

  • Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 321: Limiting municipalities’ authority to restrict purchase and storage of weapons and ammunition
  • Com. Sub. for SB 352: Modifying Unborn Child Protection Act
  • Com. Sub. for SB 370: Updating Public Employees Grievance Board procedure that certain decisions be appealed to Intermediate Court of Appeals
  • SB 530: Removing requirement for counties to draft and adopt zoning ordinances
  • Com. Sub. for SB 544: Raising threshold for bid requirement of municipal public works projects
  • SB 551: Modifying requirements related to levy of service fees
  • Com. Sub. for SB 608: Relating to Emergency Medical Services Retirement System
  • SB 609: Deputy Sheriff Retirement System Act
  • SB 620: Establishing WV Mothers and Babies Pregnancy Support Program
  • Com. Sub. for SB 628: Declaring certain claims as moral obligations of the state
  • Com. Sub. for SB 629: Requiring builders to follow State Building Code when local inspection and enforcement not provided
  • Com. Sub. for SB 632: Relating to Dangerousness Assessment Advisory Board multi-disciplinary study group
  • Com. Sub. for SB 716: Relating to child support
  • Eng. HB 4976: Providing the contact information of the Inspector General on the agencies and boards websites of the executive departments
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 5157: Relating to contingent increase of tax rate on certain eligible acute care hospitals

FIRST READING

There are no bills on First Reading for Tuesday, February13, 2024.

Scheduled Committee Meetings

10 a.m.: Government Organization (208W)

  • SB 610: Clarifying authority of Water Development Authority in certain circumstances
  • Com. Sub. for SB 631: Prohibiting municipalities from disconnecting water service for nonpayment of stormwater fees
  • SB 687: Clarifying Legislative Auditor’s scope of authority
  • SB 635: Modifying rules regarding liquidation of property
  • Com. Sub. for SB 722: Revising examination of records relating to limited video lottery

10 a.m.: Education (451M)

  • SB 292: Hunger-Free Campus Act
  • SB 515: Prohibiting public schools from requiring students to participate in sexual orientation instruction
  • HB 4832: Relating to state superintendent’s reports regarding the finances of school districts

1 p.m.: Energy, Industry and Mining (208W)

  • Eng. HB 4292: Providing for enhanced damages for non-payment of royalties due from oil, natural gas, or natural gas liquids production
  • Eng. HB 5006: Relating to the administration of the A. James Manchin Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan

1 p.m.: Health and Human Resources (451M)

  • SB 602: Cardiac Emergency Response Plan Act
  • SB 668: Increasing amount of certain controlled substances persons may purchase annually
  • SB 714: Transferring duties and licensing from Board of Osteopathic Medicine to Board of Medicine
  • HB 4756: Creating a state Alzheimer’s plan task force

2 p.m.: Workforce (208W)

  • Com. Sub. for SB 562: Expanding employment and training requirements necessary for SNAP benefits

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

  • Com. Sub. for SB 493: Relating to use of criminal records as disqualification from authorization to practice particular profession
  • SB 615: Limiting statutory and common law actions for certain electric generating facilities
  • SB 732: Requiring cooperation between law-enforcement agencies and military authorities

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

  • SB 395: Relating to valuation of industrial property and natural resources by Tax Commissioner
  • Com. Sub. for SB 444: Relating to health insurance coverage for certain emergency services
  • Com. Sub. for SB 669: Relating to county economic opportunity development districts
  • Com. Sub. for SB 512: Clarifying non-agricultural status of solar farms

** Committee times and agendas are subject to change **

Senate Bills to be Introduced Tuesday, February 13, 2024

  • SB 760: Modifying length of service for certain employees to obtain credit for retirement (Nelson; Pensions then Finance)
  • SB 761: Providing greater access to unused buildings for public charter schools (Rucker; School Choice then Education)
  • SB 762: Updating requirements for issuance of occupational licenses or other authorization to practice (Barrett; Government Organization)
  • SB 763: Exempting certain records from public release (Weld; Military)
  • SB 764: Designating certain law-enforcement officers as special Natural Resources police officers (Woodrum, Trump; Agriculture and Natural Resources)
  • SB 765: Establishing and administering DNA identification system (Takubo; Judiciary)
  • SB 766: Relieving railroad companies of liability during parades (Taylor; Judiciary)
  • SB 767: Providing for retail franchise agreements governing law, and competition restrictions (Barrett; Judiciary)
  • SB 768: Providing exception for sharing of confidential child welfare records (Trump; Judiciary)
  • SB 769: Prohibiting certain medical exams on anesthetized patients (Chapman; Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
  • SB 770: Updating definitions and requirements for Industrial Hemp Development Act (Woodrum; Government Organization)
  • SB 771: Distributing funds to volunteer fire departments in counties with excess levy or fees (Woodrum; Finance)
  • SB 772: Codifying security policy of absentee ballots (Woodrum; Government Organization)
  • SB 773: Expanding powers of National Park Service law-enforcement officers (Woodrum; Judiciary)
  • SB 774: Mountain Bike Responsibility Act (Woodrum; Outdoor Recreation then Judiciary)
  • SR 36: Recognizing February 14, 2024, as Child Care Day (Tarr)
  • SR 37: Designating February 14, 2024, as National Organ Donor Day (Takubo)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Monday, February 12, 2024

1 p.m.: Transportation and Infrastructure

  • HB 5019: Relating to surrender and return of license not required for disqualifying or downgrading a driver’s license
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Senate Concurrent Resolutions
  • SCR 21: US Army MSG James E. Jackson Jr. Memorial Road; SCR 23: US Navy LT Lewis Joseph D’Antoni Memorial Road; SCR 25: US Army SGT Wyatt K. Hinton Memorial Bridge
  • Resolutions reported to the full Senate with the recommendation they be adopted
  • Sub. for SCR 4: US Army 2LT Eston Kuhn Memorial Road; Com. Sub. for SCR 22: US Army and Marine Corps Major and Olympic Gold Medalist Cornelius Burdette Memorial Road; Com. Sub. for SCR 26: US Army PFC Clarence William (Buck) Holliday Memorial Road
  • Committee substitute for the Resolutions reported to the full Senate with the recommendation they be adopted

2 p.m.: Banking and Insurance

  • Com. Sub. for SB 375: Health Care Sharing Ministries Freedom to Share Act
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance
  • SB 613: WV Residential Mortgage Lender, Broker and Servicer Act
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • HB 4837: Clarifying the duty of banks to retain and procure records
  • Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

3 p.m.: Judiciary

  • Com. Sub. forSB 556: Relating to DNA data maintained for law-enforcement purposes
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 622: Updating time period of voting inactivity for removal from voter registration
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 623: Requiring DMV to provide images of certain individuals to Secretary of State for voter identification purposes
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 624: Cancelling voter registration records for individuals no longer WV residents
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Monday, February 12, 2024 (106 – 99 Senate; 7 House)

Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Monday, February 12, 2024 (16)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Monday, February 12, 2024 (14 – 9 Senate; 5 House)

  • SB 31: Department of Human Services rule relating to collection and exchange of data related to overdoses (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Signed, 02-02)
  • SB 300: Relating to organization of Office of Inspector General (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 318: Modifying process of when parental rights are terminated (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 428: Establishing appeals from administrative rulings are to be filed with Intermediate Court of Appeals (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 462: Updating definitions of certain terms used in Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • SB 483: Amending Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • SB 543: Relating to research and economic development agreements for state institutions of higher education (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 547: Authorizing legislative rules for Higher Education Policy Commission (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4026: Authorizing the Department of Administration to promulgate a legislative rule relating to state owned vehicles (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)
  • HB 4801: Relating generally to the banking authority of the State Treasurer’s Office (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 5332: Excepting persons previously commissioned as a notary public from requirement to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be recommissioned as a notary public (Signed, 02-07)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Monday, February 12, 2024 (5 – 3 Senate; 2 House)

  • HCR 1: Raising a Joint Assembly to hear remarks of the Governor (Adopted, 01-10)
  • HCR 13: Commemorating the life of Marilyn Kay Parsons (Adopted, 01-11)
  • SCR 16: Urging US Congress enact reforms to federal permitting policies to accelerate deployment of new energy infrastructure (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 17: Reaffirming support of WV Legislature for State of Israel and Jewish people (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 24: Recognizing First Responders Honor Board’s nominees for Medal of Valor (Adopted, 02-06)

Bills Signed by the Governor as of Monday, February 12, 2024 (6 – 3 Senate; 3 House)

  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Signed, 02-02)
  • SB 462: Updating definitions of certain terms used in Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • SB 483: Amending Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)
  • HB 5332: Excepting persons previously commissioned as a notary public from requirement to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be recommissioned as a notary public (Signed, 02-07)

Committee times and agendas are subject to change. Follow @WVSenClerk on Twitter for updates.

All Senate Committee meetings and floor sessions are available for both live streaming and to watch again in our archives. The link to the Senate’s archived video page can be found here:http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Continue reading

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Monday, February 12, 2024

Monday, February 12, 2024 – 34th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

  • SR 33: Designating February 12, 2024, as Corrections Day

THIRD READING

  • Eng. SB 351: Expanding the definition of “small arms” for purposes of taxation
  • Eng. SB 378: Prohibiting smoking in vehicle when minor 16 or under is present
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 542: Amending procedure for filling vacancies in certain county offices having more than three commissioners
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 587: Enabling State Fire Commission to propose legislative rules
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 590: Political Subdivision Labor Regulatory Limitation Act
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 614: Relating to elementary behavior intervention and safety
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 616: Modifying definition of “family or household members” as it relates to domestic violence laws

SECOND READING

  • Com. Sub. for SB 544: Raising threshold for bid requirement of municipal public works projects
  • Com. Sub. for SB 577: Limiting landowner liability when land is used for certain purposes
  • Com. Sub. for SB 578: Clarifying offense of burglary
  • SB 605: Requiring electronic funds transfer of retirement contributions by participating employers
  • SB 606: Relating to Natural Resources Police Officers Retirement System
  • SB 607: Clarifying Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System surviving spouse benefits
  • Com. Sub. for SB 608: Relating to Emergency Medical Services Retirement System
  • SB 609: Deputy Sheriff Retirement System Act
  • SB 658: Supplementing and amending appropriations to Department of Administration, Public Defender Services
  • Eng. HB 5153: Relating to revising, updating and streamlining the requirements governing the West Virginia Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarship

FIRST READING

  • Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 321: Limiting municipalities’ authority to restrict purchase and storage of weapons and ammunition
  • Com. Sub. for SB 352: Modifying Unborn Child Protection Act
  • Com. Sub. for SB 370: Updating Public Employees Grievance Board procedure that certain decisions be appealed to Intermediate Court of Appeals
  • SB 530: Removing requirement for counties to draft and adopt zoning ordinances
  • SB 551: Modifying requirements related to levy of service fees
  • SB 620: Establishing WV Mothers and Babies Pregnancy Support Program
  • Com. Sub. for SB 628: Declaring certain claims as moral obligations of the State
  • Com. Sub. for SB 629: Requiring builders to follow State Building Code when local inspection and enforcement not provided
  • Com. Sub. for SB 632: Relating to Dangerousness Assessment Advisory Board multi-disciplinary study group
  • Com. Sub. for SB 716: Relating to child support
  • Eng. HB 4976: Providing the contact information of the Inspector General on the agencies and boards websites of the executive departments
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 5157: Relating to contingent increase of tax rate on certain eligible acute care hospitals

Scheduled Committee Meetings

1 p.m.: Transportation and Infrastructure (451M)

  • Com. Sub. for SB 583: Relating to employer liability and damages in civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles
  • HB 5019: Relating to surrender and return of license not required for disqualifying or downgrading a driver’s license
  • Senate Concurrent Resolutions
  • SCR 21: US Army MSG James E. Jackson Jr. Memorial Road
  • SCR 23: US Navy LT Lewis Joseph D’Antoni Memorial Road
  • SCR 25: US Army SGT Wyatt K. Hinton Memorial Bridge
  • Sub. for SCR 4: US Army 2LT Eston Kuhn Memorial Road
  • Sub. for SCR 22: US Army and Marine Corps Major and Olympic Gold Medalist Cornelius Burdette Memorial Road
  • Sub. for SCR 26: US Army PFC Clarence William (Buck) Holliday Memorial Road

2 p.m.: Banking and Insurance (451M)

  • Com. Sub. for SB 375: Health Care Sharing Ministries Freedom to Share Act
  • SB 613: WV Residential Mortgage Lender, Broker and Servicer Act
  • HB 4837: Clarifying the duty of banks to retain and procure records

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

  • Com. Sub. forSB 556: Relating to DNA data maintained for law-enforcement purposes
  • Com. Sub. for SB 622: Updating time period of voting inactivity for removal from voter registration
  • Com. Sub. for SB 623: Requiring DMV to provide images of certain individuals to Secretary of State for voter identification purposes
  • Com. Sub. for SB 624: Cancelling voter registration records for individuals no longer WV residents

** Committee times and agendas are subject to change **

Senate Bills to be Introduced Monday, February 12, 2024

  • SB 744: Prohibiting civil rights violations based on disability, gender identity or sexual orientation (Trump; Judiciary)
  • SB 745: Limiting cost of prescription medications for senior citizens (Chapman; Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
  • SB 746: Modifying composition of Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority Board (Woodrum; Government Organization)
  • SB 747: Including corporate contributors to authorized use of certain political party funding (Woodrum; Government Organization)
  • SB 748: Providing license for certified professional midwife (Rucker; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
  • SB 749: WV Legal Tender Act (FN) (Rucker; Banking and Insurance then Finance)
  • SB 750: Establishing Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week in grades six through 12 (Caputo; Education) [By Request]
  • SB 751: Creating online charitable raffles (Barrett; Government Organization then Judiciary)
  • SB 752: Authorizing Department of Agriculture to complete certain land transfers (Hamilton; Agriculture and Natural Resources)
  • SB 753: Permitting Board of Pharmacy to promulgate certain legislative rules (Hunt, Chapman, Martin; Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
  • SB 754: Requiring car dealerships to utilize search engines to determine if buyers have valid motor vehicle insurance (Barrett; Transportation and Infrastructure)
  • SB 755: Providing safeguards for online sales of tobacco products (Barrett, Caputo; Judiciary)
  • SB 756: Increasing salary of state mine inspectors (Caputo, Chapman, Jeffries, Phillips, Plymale, Queen, Smith; Finance)
  • SB 757: Clarifying sheriff’s compensation for collection of taxes (Weld, Caputo, Martin, Queen; Government Organization)
  • SB 758: Relating to unlawful expenditures by local fiscal bodies (Grady; Government Organization then Finance)
  • SB 759: Requiring transportation companies to provide annual human trafficking awareness training to employees (Rucker, Chapman; Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
  • SR 34: Recognizing William Schwertfeger, decorated combat veteran of US Army, on his 100th birthday (Weld)
  • SR 35: Recognizing 152nd anniversary of Glenville State University (Stover)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Friday, February 9, 2024 (99 – 92 Senate; 7 House)

Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Friday, February 9, 2024 (16)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Friday, February 9, 2024 (12 – 7 Senate; 5 House)

  • SB 31: Department of Human Services rule relating to collection and exchange of data related to overdoses (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Signed, 02-02)
  • SB 300: Relating to organization of Office of Inspector General (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 318: Modifying process of when parental rights are terminated (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 462: Updating definitions of certain terms used in Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • SB 483: Amending Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • SB 543: Relating to research and economic development agreements for state institutions of higher education (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4026: Authorizing the Department of Administration to promulgate a legislative rule relating to state owned vehicles (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)
  • HB 4801: Relating generally to the banking authority of the State Treasurer’s Office (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 5332: Excepting persons previously commissioned as a notary public from requirement to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be recommissioned as a notary public (Signed, 02-07)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Friday, February 9, 2024 (5 – 3 Senate; 2 House)

  • HCR 1: Raising a Joint Assembly to hear remarks of the Governor (Adopted, 01-10)
  • HCR 13: Commemorating the life of Marilyn Kay Parsons (Adopted, 01-11)
  • SCR 16: Urging US Congress enact reforms to federal permitting policies to accelerate deployment of new energy infrastructure (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 17: Reaffirming support of WV Legislature for State of Israel and Jewish people (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 24: Recognizing First Responders Honor Board’s nominees for Medal of Valor (Adopted, 02-06)

Bills Signed by the Governor as of Friday, February 9, 2024 (6 – 3 Senate; 3 House)

  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Signed, 02-02)
  • SB 462: Updating definitions of certain terms used in Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • SB 483: Amending Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)
  • HB 5332: Excepting persons previously commissioned as a notary public from requirement to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be recommissioned as a notary public (Signed, 02-07)

Committee times and agendas are subject to change. Follow @WVSenClerk on Twitter for updates.

All Senate Committee meetings and floor sessions are available for both live streaming and to watch again in our archives. The link to the Senate’s archived video page can be found here:http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Continue reading

Member Press Release

This Week in the House of Delegates

For the week ending Feb. 9, 2024

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Members of the West Virginia House of Delegates advanced several bills this week as the 60-day regular legislative session passed the halfway point.

The House adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 24, which awarded the First Responders Honor Board’s three nominees for the Medal of Valor. The Medal of Valor is presented to firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical services personnel and other professionals who go above and beyond the call of duty in their professional capacities.

All three nominees were recognized and honored in the House Chamber Tuesday: West Virginia State Police Cpl. David S. Fry, Upshur County Department of Homeland Security/County Emergency Manager Deputy Director Derek V. Long and Upshur County Sheriff John Michael Coffman.

House Bill 5127, which would expand the state’s “Learn and Earn” program, overwhelmingly passed the House Monday. The bill, sponsored by Economic Development and Tourism Committee Chairman Gary Howell, R-Mineral, would include WVU Potomac State College in the state Community and Technical College system’s “Learn and Earn” program of paid internship opportunities.

“The employer gains a highly qualified employee and a skilled labor pool,” Howell explained. “With this arrangement, students earn valuable on-the-job training while attending school, meaning they don’t have to quit one job to go to school; they can do both.”

House Bill 5179, also known as “Jaycie’s Law,” passed the full House by a unanimous vote Wednesday. The measure would require the West Virginia Department of Education to support pregnant and parenting students so they can stay in school while taking enough time for the proper medical recovery. Excused absences for labor, delivery, prenatal and postnatal medical appointments, sick children, as well as at least eight weeks of excused absences for the mother and two weeks for the father after the birth of the child all would be required. County boards of education also would be required to provide academic support options, such as virtual schoolwork and weekly visits with a homebound instructor to ensure the students remain on track for graduation. The bill also calls for schools to refer pregnant and parenting students to pregnancy help organizations.

Also Wednesday, House members unanimously passed House Bill 4933, which would exclude dentures from the current $1,000 yearly Medicaid limit. That limit includes diagnostic, preventative and restorative dental services, which excludes cosmetic services but prevented many West Virginians from getting both upper and lower plates at the same time.

A total of 1,542 bills have been introduced in the House, and 86 of those have passed the full House. Twelve bills have completed the legislative process. The deadline for House bills to be introduced is Feb. 13. The session ends at midnight Saturday, March 9.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

Continue reading

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Friday, February 9, 2024

Friday, February 9, 2024 – 31st Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 9 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

  • SR 32: Designating February 9, 2024, as Eating Disorder Advocacy Day

THIRD READING

  • Eng. Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 441: Restricting driving in left lane of multi-lane highways in WV – (With right to amend)
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 548: Clarifying appellate jurisdiction of Intermediate Court of Appeals
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 595: Amending embalmer licensing requirements
  • Eng. SB 600: Revising criteria for receiving reenlistment or retention bonus
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 5045: Related to the administration of the West Virginia Water Pollution Control Act, and Underground Carbon Dioxide Sequestration and Storage

SECOND READING

  • SB 351: Expanding the definition of “small arms” for purposes of taxation
  • SB 378: Prohibiting smoking in vehicle when minor 16 or under is present
  • Com. Sub. for SB 542: Amending procedure for filling vacancies in certain county offices having more than three commissioners
  • Com. Sub. for SB 587: Enabling State Fire Commission to propose legislative rules
  • Com. Sub. for SB 590: Political Subdivision Labor Regulatory Limitation Act
  • Com. Sub. for SB 614: Relating to elementary behavior intervention and safety
  • Com. Sub. for SB 616: Modifying definition of “family or household members” as it relates to domestic violence laws

FIRST READING

  • Com. Sub. for SB 544: Raising threshold for bid requirement of municipal public works projects
  • Com. Sub. for SB 577: Limiting landowner liability when land is used for certain purposes
  • Com. Sub. for SB 578: Clarifying offense of burglary
  • SB 605: Requiring electronic funds transfer of retirement contributions by participating employers
  • SB 606: Relating to Natural Resources Police Officers Retirement System
  • SB 607: Clarifying Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System surviving spouse benefits
  • Com. Sub. for SB 608: Relating to Emergency Medical Services Retirement System
  • SB 609: Deputy Sheriff Retirement System Act
  • SB 658: Supplementing and amending appropriations to Department of Administration, Public Defender Services
  • Eng. HB 5153: Relating to revising, updating and streamlining the requirements governing the West Virginia Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarship

Scheduled Committee Meetings

10 a.m.: Workforce (208W)

  • Presentation: Goodwill Industries

** Committee times and agendas are subject to change **

Senate Bills to be Introduced Friday, February 9, 2024

  • SB 727: Revising process for county boards of education to hire support staff (Grady; Education)
  • SB 728: Modifying retirement and disability benefits for dependents of State Police (FN) (Deeds; Finance)
  • SB 729: Updating retirement eligibility for certain sheriffs (Deeds; Pensions then Finance)
  • SB 730: Clarifying compensation for county tax collector (Deeds; Government Organization)
  • SB 731: Clarifying amount of deputy sheriff annual salary increase Government Organization (Deeds; Government Organization)
  • SB 732: Requiring cooperation between law-enforcement agencies and military authorities (Weld; Judiciary)
  • SB 733: Authorizing replacement of Robert C. Byrd statue with statue of George Washington (Azinger, Stuart, Taylor, Woodrum; Finance)
  • SB 734: Reducing statute of limitations on actions to recover on oral and written contracts (Barrett; Judiciary)
  • SB 735: Prohibiting use or sale of abortifacients in WV (Rucker, Azinger, Chapman, Deeds, Hunt, Karnes, Martin, Maynard, Roberts, Stuart, Taylor; Judiciary)
  • SB 736: Second Look Sentencing Act (Woodrum; Judiciary)
  • SB 737: Eliminating tax exemption of state-owned real property (FN) (Smith, Rucker, Taylor; Finance)
  • SB 738: Authorizing State Fire Marshal to promulgate emergency rules relating to increased fees (Trump; Government Organization)
  • SB 739: Including certain mental health disorders in existing public health programs (Chapman; Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 740: Prohibiting digital manipulation of sexually explicit content to include minors (Grady, Weld, Trump; Judiciary)
  • SB 741: Prohibiting creation, production, distribution or possession of artificially generated child pornography (Grady, Weld, Trump; Judiciary)
  • SB 742: Updating retirement eligibility for certain sheriffs (Weld, Caputo, Stover, Martin, Queen; Pensions then Finance)
  • SB 743: Relating to Bureau for Medical Services’ medically supervised weight loss program (Takubo; Health and Human Resources)
  • SR 33: Designating February 12, 2024, as Corrections Day (Clements)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Thursday, February 8, 2024

10 a.m.: Government Organization

  • SB 530: Removing requirement for counties to draft and adopt zoning ordinances
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance
  • SB 551: Modifying requirements related to levy of service fees
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 629: Requiring builders to follow State Building Code when local inspection and enforcement not provided
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • HB 4976: Providing the contact information of the Inspector General on the agencies and boards websites of the executive departments
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

10 a.m.: Education

  • SB 568: Creating multi-tiered system for school absenteeism
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

10:45 a.m.: Rules

  • Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 321: Limiting municipalities’ authority to restrict purchase and storage of weapons and ammunition
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

1 p.m.: Health and Human Resources

  • Com Sub. for SB 352: Modifying Unborn Child Protection Act
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 575: Assisted Reproduction Act
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

3 p.m.: Judiciary

  • Com. Sub. for SB 370: Updating Public Employees Grievance Board procedure that certain decisions be appealed to Intermediate Court of Appeals
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 581: Requiring correctional facilities to provide free feminine hygiene products
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance
  • Com. Sub. for SB 632: Relating to Dangerousness Assessment Advisory Board multi-disciplinary study group
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 716: Relating to child support
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 679: Regulating certain plant-based derivatives, hemp-derived cannabinoid products, and Kratom
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

3 p.m.: Finance

  • SB 620: Establishing WV Mothers and Babies Pregnancy Support Program
  • Bill substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 628: Declaring certain claims as moral obligations of the State
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for HB 5157: Relating to contingent increase of tax rate on certain eligible acute care hospitals
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Thursday, February 8, 2024 (94 – 88 Senate; 6 House)

Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Thursday, February 8, 2024 (16)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Thursday, February 8, 2024 (10 – 5 Senate; 5 House)

  • SB 31: Department of Human Services rule relating to collection and exchange of data related to overdoses (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Signed, 02-02)
  • SB 300: Relating to organization of Office of Inspector General (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 462: Updating definitions of certain terms used in Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • SB 483: Amending Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • HB 4026: Authorizing the Department of Administration to promulgate a legislative rule relating to state owned vehicles (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)
  • HB 4801: Relating generally to the banking authority of the State Treasurer’s Office (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 5332: Excepting persons previously commissioned as a notary public from requirement to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be recommissioned as a notary public (Signed, 02-07)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Thursday, February 8, 2024 (5 – 3 Senate; 2 House)

  • HCR 1: Raising a Joint Assembly to hear remarks of the Governor (Adopted, 01-10)
  • HCR 13: Commemorating the life of Marilyn Kay Parsons (Adopted, 01-11)
  • SCR 16: Urging US Congress enact reforms to federal permitting policies to accelerate deployment of new energy infrastructure (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 17: Reaffirming support of WV Legislature for State of Israel and Jewish people (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 24: Recognizing First Responders Honor Board’s nominees for Medal of Valor (Adopted, 02-06)

Bills Signed by the Governor as of Thursday, February 8, 2024 (6 – 3 Senate; 3 House)

  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Signed, 02-02)
  • SB 462: Updating definitions of certain terms used in Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • SB 483: Amending Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)
  • HB 5332: Excepting persons previously commissioned as a notary public from requirement to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be recommissioned as a notary public (Signed, 02-07)

Committee times and agendas are subject to change. Follow @WVSenClerk on Twitter for updates.

All Senate Committee meetings and floor sessions are available for both live streaming and to watch again in our archives. The link to the Senate’s archived video page can be found here:http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Continue reading

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Thursday, February 8, 2024

Thursday, February 8, 2024 – 30th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

  • SR 29: Designating February 8, 2024, as Tucker County Day
  • SR 30: Designating February 8, 2024, as WV Hospital Day
  • SR 31: Designating February 8, 2024, as WV American Academy of Pediatrics Child Health Advocacy Day

THIRD READING

There are no bills on Third Reading for Thursday, February 8, 2024.

SECOND READING

  • Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 441: Restricting driving in left lane of multi-lane highways in WV
  • SB 546: Updating STEM scholarship program
  • Com. Sub. for SB 548: Clarifying appellate jurisdiction of Intermediate Court of Appeals
  • Com. Sub. for SB 595: Amending embalmer licensing requirements
  • Com. Sub. for SB 596: Relating to administration of WV Water Pollution Control Act and Underground Carbon Dioxide Sequestration and Storage
  • SB 600: Revising criteria for receiving reenlistment or retention bonus
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 5045: Related to the administration of the West Virginia Water Pollution Control Act, and Underground Carbon Dioxide Sequestration and Storage

FIRST READING

  • SB 351: Expanding the definition of “small arms” for purposes of taxation
  • SB 378: Prohibiting smoking in vehicle when minor 16 or under is present
  • Com. Sub. for SB 542: Amending procedure for filling vacancies in certain county offices having more than three commissioners
  • Com. Sub. for SB 587: Enabling State Fire Commission to propose legislative rules
  • Com. Sub. for SB 590: Political Subdivision Labor Regulatory Limitation Act
  • Com. Sub. for SB 614: Relating to elementary behavior intervention and safety
  • Com. Sub. for SB 616: Modifying definition of “family or household members” as it relates to domestic violence laws

Scheduled Committee Meetings

10 a.m.: Government Organization (208W)

  • SB 530: Removing requirement for counties to draft and adopt zoning ordinances
  • SB 551: Modifying requirements related to levy of service fees
  • Com. Sub. for SB 629: Requiring builders to follow State Building Code when local inspection and enforcement not provided
  • HB 4976: Providing the contact information of the Inspector General on the agencies and boards websites of the executive departments

10 a.m.: Education (451M)

  • Presentation: Minecraft in Education by Microsoft
  • SB 568: Creating multi-tiered system for school absenteeism

10:45 a.m.: Rules (219M)

1 p.m.: Energy, Industry and Mining (208W)

  • Presentation: Paul Espenan, Senior Vice President, Environmental Health and Safety, DEP – Presentation on Diversified Energy

1 p.m.: Health and Human Resources (451M)

  • Agenda TBA

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

  • SB 370: Updating Public Employees Grievance Board procedure that certain decisions be appealed to Intermediate Court of Appeals
  • Com. Sub. for SB 581: Requiring correctional facilities to provide free feminine hygiene products
  • Com. Sub. for SB 632: Relating to Dangerousness Assessment Advisory Board multi-disciplinary study group
  • Com. Sub. for SB 716: Relating to child support
  • SB 679: Regulating certain plant-based derivatives, hemp-derived cannabinoid products, and Kratom

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

  • SB 620: Establishing WV Mothers and Babies Pregnancy Support Program
  • SB 628: Declaring certain claims as moral obligations of the State
  • Com. Sub. for HB 5157: Relating to contingent increase of tax rate on certain eligible acute care hospitals

** Committee times and agendas are subject to change **

Senate Bills to be Introduced Thursday, February 8, 2024

Committee Action on Bills from Wednesday, February 7, 2024

10 a.m.: Agriculture and Natural Resources

  • SB 617: Exempting certain meat processes from consumers sales and service tax
  • Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

1 p.m.: Economic Development

  • SB 669: Relating to county economic opportunity development districts
  • Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance
  • SB 564: Modifying tax credits for certain apprenticeship training
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

2 p.m.: Pensions

  • SB 605: Requiring electronic funds transfer of retirement contributions by participating employers
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • SB 606: Relating to Natural Resources Police Officers Retirement System
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance
  • SB 607: Clarifying Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System surviving spouse benefits
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance
  • SB 608: Emergency Medical Services Retirement System Act
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance
  • SB 609: Deputy Sheriff Retirement System Act
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

3 p.m.: Judiciary

  • Com. Sub. for SB 578: Clarifying definition of burglary offense
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 577: Limiting landowner liability when land is used for recreational purposes
  • Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

3 p.m.: Finance

  • SB 658: Supplementing and amending appropriations to Department of Administration, Public Defender Services
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 (94 – 88 Senate; 6 House)

  • SB 2: Authorizing DEP to promulgate rules (House Judiciary)
  • SB 17: Department of Health rule relating to public water systems operators (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 31: Department of Human Services rule relating to collection and exchange of data related to overdoses (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 36: Authorizing Department of Homeland Security to promulgate legislative rules (House Judiciary)
  • SB 50: Authorizing Department of Revenue to promulgate legislative rules (Pending House introduction)
  • SB 60: Authorizing DOT to promulgate legislative rules (House Judiciary)
  • SB 142: Clarifying deadline to file annual report for companies authorized to do business in WV (House Government Organization)
  • SB 143: Creating WV Guardian Program (House Education)
  • SB 144: Requiring each county board to ensure that its meetings are open to public through in-person attendance and broadcast live on its website (House Judiciary)
  • SB 146: Creating adult education taskforce (House Education)
  • SB 147: Adding definition of “ammunition” for purposes of obtaining state license to carry concealed deadly weapon (House Judiciary)
  • SB 148: Establishing auto-renewal program for wildlife licenses (House Government Organization)
  • SB 149: Relating to municipalities required to be represented on county authority boards (House Political Subdivisions)
  • SB 150: Clarifying when magistrate vacancies shall be filled (House Judiciary)
  • SB 151: Clarifying terms and offense of human smuggling (House Judiciary)
  • SB 152: Displaying official US motto in public schools (House Education)
  • SB 154: Increasing penalties for drug possession and updating list of offenses (House Judiciary)
  • SB 155: Creating Violent Crime Prevention Act (House Judiciary)
  • SB 156: Requiring certain documents that contain wage records be considered confidential (House Government Organization)
  • SB 157: Requiring one-year residency within district or county to fill vacancy in Legislature (House Judiciary)
  • SB 158: Enhancing penalties for fleeing officer (House Judiciary)
  • SB 159: Prohibiting persons convicted of certain crimes against minors from holding positions on boards of education (House Judiciary)
  • SB 160: Updating language and increasing penalties for indecent exposure (House Judiciary)
  • SB 162: Establishing Summer Feeding for All Program (House Education)
  • SB 163: Establishing aggravated felony offense of reckless driving resulting in death (House Judiciary)
  • SB 164: Relating generally to trespassing (House Judiciary)
  • SB 165: Creating pilot program for recovery residences in Cabell County (House Judiciary)
  • SB 166: Updating contested elections procedures (House Judiciary)
  • SB 168: Granting municipal fire marshal authority to assist law-enforcement officer (House Political Subdivisions)
  • SB 169: Allowing physician assistants to own practice (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 170: Relating to compensable diseases of certain firefighters covered by workers’ compensation (House Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services)
  • SB 171: Prohibiting county commissions from adopting authorization that exceeds state law regarding agriculture operations (House Government Organization)
  • SB 172: Revising requirements of local school improvement councils (House Education)
  • SB 173: Modifying certain guidelines for motor vehicle dealers, distributors, wholesalers, and manufacturers (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SB 175: Updating offenses of extortion and attempted extortion (House Judiciary)
  • SB 176: Relating to permissible expenditures by Water Development Authority from Infrastructure Fund (House Finance)
  • SB 177: Protecting consumers against automatic renewals without consent (House Judiciary)
  • SB 178: Relating to dental health care service plans (House Banking and Insurance)
  • SB 179: Requiring sheriff to serve child abuse and neglect petitions (House Judiciary)
  • SB 189: Providing for substantial deference to state school superintendent’s interpretations of school laws (House Education)
  • SB 196: WV Rail Trails Program (House Government Organization)
  • SB 217: Authorizing state and subdivisions to negotiate price for construction when all bids received exceed maximum budget (House Government Organization)
  • SB 219: Relating to Uniform Controlled Substances Act (House Judiciary)
  • SB 222: Exempting WV veterans from certain fees and charges at state parks (House Agriculture and Natural Resources)
  • SB 240: Increasing fees charged by sheriff (House Government Organization)
  • SB 261: WV Veterans’ Home Loan Mortgage Program of 2024 (House Finance)
  • SB 262: Clarifying procedure for administrative dissolution of corporations by Secretary of State (House Government Organization)
  • SB 265: Increasing value at which municipal property must be sold through public auction (House Government Organization)
  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Signed, 02-02)
  • SB 280: Allowing teachers in public schools to discuss scientific theories (House Education)
  • SB 293: Creating the Glucagon for Schools Act (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 300: Relating to organization of Office of Inspector General (Senate amended House amendments and passed; pending House concurrence)
  • SB 318: Modifying process of when parental rights are terminated (H Second Reading, 02-08)
  • SB 320: Removing requirement for wineries to serve food when serving wine (House Government Organization)
  • SB 325: Relating to distribution of drugs to safety net providers and contract pharmacies (Pending House introduction)
  • SB 331: Eliminating cap on maximum amount of money in county’s financial stabilization fund (House Political Subdivisions)
  • SB 354: Relating to the WV Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority (H First Reading, 02-08)
  • SB 357: Permitting dental hygienist to perform tobacco cessation education (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 399: Creating crime of assault on a police dog (House Judiciary)
  • SB 400: Creating limited waiver from certificate of public convenience and necessity requirement for certain water or sewer services projects (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SB 402: Authorizing US Concealed Carry Association to provide concealed carry classes in WV (House Judiciary)
  • SB 426: WV Recreational Trails Development Act (House Government Organization)
  • SB 428: Establishing appeals from administrative rulings are to be filed with Intermediate Court of Appeals (H Second Reading, 02-08)
  • SB 429: WV Farm Use Vehicle Tag Placement Act (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SB 430: WV Rent-to-Own Act (House Government Organization)
  • SB 436: Prohibiting intentional motor vehicle emissions that create hazards (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SB 438: Modifying roster requirements of authorizing entities (House Government Organization)
  • SB 439: Authorizing certain 911 personnel to be members of Emergency Medical Services Retirement System under certain circumstances (House Pensions and Retirement)
  • SB 445: Reducing certification periods and renewal fees for EMS personnel (House Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services)
  • SB 451: Directing Prosecuting Attorneys Institute to make training available to certain new prosecuting attorneys (House Judiciary)
  • SB 461: Relating to county economic opportunity development districts (House Economic Development and Tourism)
  • SB 462: Updating definitions of certain terms used in Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • SB 466: Requiring State Board of Education develop Safety While Accessing Technology education program (House Education)
  • SB 474: Creating critical incident review team (House Judiciary)
  • SB 475: Relating to recovery residences (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 477: Prohibiting public disclosure of personal information on internet (House Judiciary)
  • SB 483: Amending Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • SB 487: Requiring periodic review of professional development for teachers and education staff (House Education)
  • SB 504: Relating to felony offense of sexual intercourse, intrusion, or contact with student (House Judiciary)
  • SB 507: Relating to repeal of WV EDGE (Pending House introduction)
  • SB 516: Determining venue for custodial allocation actions independent of divorce (House Judiciary)
  • SB 529: Including Salem University in PROMISE Scholarship program (Pending House introduction)
  • SB 539: Creating cold case database (House Judiciary)
  • SB 540: Updating WV coordinate systems (Pending House introduction)
  • SB 543: Relating to research and economic development agreements for state institutions of higher education (H Second Reading, 02-08)
  • SB 547: Authorizing legislative rules for Higher Education Policy Commission (Pending House introduction)
  • SB 557: Relating to compensation for firefighters required to work holidays (Pending House introduction)
  • SB 571: Creating WV Corridor H Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority (House Economic Development and Tourism)
  • HB 4026: Authorizing the Department of Administration to promulgate a legislative rule relating to state owned vehicles (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • HB 4594: Relating to extending managed care (Passed Senate; pending House concurrence to Senate amendment)
  • HB 4801: Relating generally to the banking authority of the State Treasurer’s Office (Passed Senate; pending House concurrence to Senate amendment)
  • HB 5332: Excepting persons previously commissioned as a notary public from requirement to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be recommissioned as a notary public (Signed, 02-07)

Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 (16)

  • SCR 1: US Army PFC Leon Charles Trader Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 2: US Army PFC John Henry Trail Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 5: US Army 1LT Herschel Jarrell Memorial Road (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 6: US Army SSG Orland Jackson “Tom” Meikles Memorial Road (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 8: US Army Corporal Clemon Knapp Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 12: US Army Private Raymond Lee Perkins Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 15: Chief Edward “Eddie” Keesecker Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 10: Urging WV congressional delegation support legislation authorizing county governments to sell FEMA property (House Government Organization)
  • SCR 11: US Marine Corps PFC Noel Harper Fields Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 14: US Army PFC William Gorman Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 16: Urging US Congress enact reforms to federal permitting policies to accelerate deployment of new energy infrastructure (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 17: Reaffirming support of WV Legislature for State of Israel and Jewish people (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 18: Stanley W. and Evelyn C. See Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 19: US Army PFC Henry W. Baldwin Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 20: Proclaiming fourth Saturday of November to be annually designated as Ukrainian Holodomor-Genocide Remembrance Day (House Rules)
  • SCR 24: Recognizing First Responders Honor Board’s nominees for Medal of Valor (Adopted, 02-06)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 (8 – 4 Senate; 4 House)

  • SB 31: Department of Human Services rule relating to collection and exchange of data related to overdoses (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Signed, 02-02)
  • SB 462: Updating definitions of certain terms used in Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • SB 483: Amending Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • HB 4026: Authorizing the Department of Administration to promulgate a legislative rule relating to state owned vehicles (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)
  • HB 5332: Excepting persons previously commissioned as a notary public from requirement to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be recommissioned as a notary public (Signed, 02-07)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 (5 – 3 Senate; 2 House)

  • HCR 1: Raising a Joint Assembly to hear remarks of the Governor (Adopted, 01-10)
  • HCR 13: Commemorating the life of Marilyn Kay Parsons (Adopted, 01-11)
  • SCR 16: Urging US Congress enact reforms to federal permitting policies to accelerate deployment of new energy infrastructure (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 17: Reaffirming support of WV Legislature for State of Israel and Jewish people (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 24: Recognizing First Responders Honor Board’s nominees for Medal of Valor (Adopted, 02-06)

Bills Signed by the Governor as of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 (6 – 3 Senate; 3 House)

  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Signed, 02-02)
  • SB 462: Updating definitions of certain terms used in Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • SB 483: Amending Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Signed, 02-07)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)
  • HB 5332: Excepting persons previously commissioned as a notary public from requirement to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be recommissioned as a notary public (Signed, 02-07)

Committee times and agendas are subject to change. Follow @WVSenClerk on Twitter for updates.

All Senate Committee meetings and floor sessions are available for both live streaming and to watch again in our archives. The link to the Senate’s archived video page can be found here:http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Continue reading

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Wednesday, February 7, 2024 – 29th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

THIRD READING

  • Eng. Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 325: Relating to distribution of drugs to safety net providers and contract pharmacies
  • Eng. SB 507: Relating to repeal of WV EDGE
  • Eng. SB 529: Including Salem University in PROMISE Scholarship program
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 540: Updating WV coordinate systems
  • Eng. SB 547: Authorizing legislative rules for Higher Education Policy Commission
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 557: Relating to compensation for firefighters required to work holidays
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 4801: Relating generally to the banking authority of the State Treasurer’s Office

SECOND READING

  • SB 546: Updating STEM scholarship program
  • Com. Sub. for SB 596: Relating to administration of WV Water Pollution Control Act and Underground Carbon Dioxide Sequestration and Storage

FIRST READING

  • Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 441: Restricting driving in left lane of multi-lane highways in WV
  • Com. Sub. for SB 548: Clarifying appellate jurisdiction of Intermediate Court of Appeals
  • Com. Sub. for SB 595: Amending embalmer licensing requirements
  • SB 600: Revising criteria for receiving reenlistment or retention bonus
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 5045: Related to the administration of the West Virginia Water Pollution Control Act, and Underground Carbon Dioxide Sequestration and Storage

Scheduled Committee Meetings

10 a.m.: Agriculture and Natural Resources (208W)

  • SB 617: Exempting certain meat processes from consumers sales and service tax

1 p.m.: Economic Development (451M)

  • SB 544: Raising threshold for bid requirement of municipal public works project
  • SB 669: Relating to county economic opportunity development districts
  • HB 5127: Including Potomac State College in the definition of community and technical college education program for participation in the “Learn and Earn Program”
  • SB 564: Modifying tax credits for certain apprenticeship training

2 p.m.: Outdoor Recreation (208W)

  • SB 537: Changing election to appointment of members to certain parks and recreation commissions

2 p.m.: Pensions (451M)

  • SB 605: Requiring electronic funds transfer of retirement contributions by participating employers
  • SB 606: Relating to Natural Resources Police Officers Retirement System
  • SB 607: Clarifying Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System surviving spouse benefits
  • SB 608: Emergency Medical Services Retirement System Act
  • SB 609: Deputy Sheriff Retirement System Act

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

  • SB 578: Clarifying definition of burglary offense
  • Com. Sub. for SB 577: Limiting landowner liability when land is used for recreational purposes

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

  • SB 658: Supplementing and amending appropriations to Department of Administration, Public Defender Services

** Committee times and agendas are subject to change **

Committee Action on Bills from Tuesday, February 6, 2024

10 a.m.: Government Organization

  • Com. Sub. for SB 522: Changing procedure for citations issued by county litter control officer
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary
  • Com. Sub. for SB 587: Enabling State Fire Commission to propose legislative rules
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary
  • Com. Sub. for SB 472: Requiring hotels and public lodging establishments to provide human trafficking awareness training for employees
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary
  • Com. Sub. for SB 542: Amending procedure for filling vacancies in county offices having more than three commissioners
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

10 a.m.: Education

  • Com. Sub. for SB 614: Specifying requirements for appropriate elementary behavior intervention and safety
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 568: Creating multi-tiered system for school absenteeism
  • Bill not taken up
  • SB 521: Relating generally to payment of bus aides
  • Bill not taken up
  • SB 515: Prohibiting public schools from requiring students to participate in sexual orientation instruction
  • Bill not taken up

10:45 a.m.: Rules (219M)

  • Com. Sub. for SB 306: Equipment Right to Repair Act (Hamilton Deeds)
  • Bill reported to the full Senate without recommendation; referred to Agriculture and Natural Resources

1 p.m.: Health and Human Resources

  • SB 378: Prohibiting smoking in vehicle when minor 16 or under is present
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 514: Lung Cancer Prevention and Education Act
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance
  • Com. Sub. for SB 572: Creating Forensic Pathology Recruitment Program
  • Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

3 p.m.: Judiciary

  • Com. Sub. for SB 590: Creating Local Government Labor Regulatory Limitation Act
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 616: Modifying definition of family subject to provisions of domestic violence laws
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

3 p.m.: Finance

  • SB 239: Clarifying when excess funds accumulated by boards are to be transferred to General Revenue Fund
  • Bill removed from agenda
  • SB 351: Expanding the definition of “small arms” for purposes of taxation
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Tuesday, February 6, 2024 (87 – 82 Senate; 5 House)

  • SB 2: Authorizing DEP to promulgate rules (House Judiciary)
  • SB 17: Department of Health rule relating to public water systems operators (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 31: Department of Human Services rule relating to collection and exchange of data related to overdoses (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 36: Authorizing Department of Homeland Security to promulgate legislative rules (House Judiciary)
  • SB 50: Authorizing Department of Revenue to promulgate legislative rules (Pending House introduction)
  • SB 60: Authorizing DOT to promulgate legislative rules (House Judiciary)
  • SB 142: Clarifying deadline to file annual report for companies authorized to do business in WV (House Government Organization)
  • SB 143: Creating WV Guardian Program (House Education)
  • SB 144: Requiring each county board to ensure that its meetings are open to public through in-person attendance and broadcast live on its website (House Judiciary)
  • SB 146: Creating adult education taskforce (House Education)
  • SB 147: Adding definition of “ammunition” for purposes of obtaining state license to carry concealed deadly weapon (House Judiciary)
  • SB 148: Establishing auto-renewal program for wildlife licenses (House Government Organization)
  • SB 149: Relating to municipalities required to be represented on county authority boards (House Political Subdivisions)
  • SB 150: Clarifying when magistrate vacancies shall be filled (House Judiciary)
  • SB 151: Clarifying terms and offense of human smuggling (House Judiciary)
  • SB 152: Displaying official US motto in public schools (House Education)
  • SB 154: Increasing penalties for drug possession and updating list of offenses (House Judiciary)
  • SB 155: Creating Violent Crime Prevention Act (House Judiciary)
  • SB 156: Requiring certain documents that contain wage records be considered confidential (House Government Organization)
  • SB 157: Requiring one-year residency within district or county to fill vacancy in Legislature (House Judiciary)
  • SB 158: Enhancing penalties for fleeing officer (House Judiciary)
  • SB 159: Prohibiting persons convicted of certain crimes against minors from holding positions on boards of education (House Judiciary)
  • SB 160: Updating language and increasing penalties for indecent exposure (House Judiciary)
  • SB 162: Establishing Summer Feeding for All Program (House Education)
  • SB 163: Establishing aggravated felony offense of reckless driving resulting in death (House Judiciary)
  • SB 164: Relating generally to trespassing (House Judiciary)
  • SB 165: Creating pilot program for recovery residences in Cabell County (House Judiciary)
  • SB 166: Updating contested elections procedures (House Judiciary)
  • SB 168: Granting municipal fire marshal authority to assist law-enforcement officer (House Political Subdivisions)
  • SB 169: Allowing physician assistants to own practice (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 170: Relating to compensable diseases of certain firefighters covered by workers’ compensation (House Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services)
  • SB 171: Prohibiting county commissions from adopting authorization that exceeds state law regarding agriculture operations (House Government Organization)
  • SB 172: Revising requirements of local school improvement councils (House Education)
  • SB 173: Modifying certain guidelines for motor vehicle dealers, distributors, wholesalers, and manufacturers (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SB 175: Updating offenses of extortion and attempted extortion (House Judiciary)
  • SB 176: Relating to permissible expenditures by Water Development Authority from Infrastructure Fund (House Finance)
  • SB 177: Protecting consumers against automatic renewals without consent (House Judiciary)
  • SB 178: Relating to dental health care service plans (House Banking and Insurance)
  • SB 179: Requiring sheriff to serve child abuse and neglect petitions (House Judiciary)
  • SB 189: Providing for substantial deference to state school superintendent’s interpretations of school laws (House Education)
  • SB 196: WV Rail Trails Program (House Government Organization)
  • SB 217: Authorizing state and subdivisions to negotiate price for construction when all bids received exceed maximum budget (House Government Organization)
  • SB 219: Relating to Uniform Controlled Substances Act (House Judiciary)
  • SB 222: Exempting WV veterans from certain fees and charges at state parks (House Agriculture and Natural Resources)
  • SB 240: Increasing fees charged by sheriff (House Government Organization)
  • SB 261: WV Veterans’ Home Loan Mortgage Program of 2024 (House Finance)
  • SB 262: Clarifying procedure for administrative dissolution of corporations by Secretary of State (House Government Organization)
  • SB 265: Increasing value at which municipal property must be sold through public auction (House Government Organization)
  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Signed, 02-02)
  • SB 280: Allowing teachers in public schools to discuss scientific theories (House Education)
  • SB 293: Creating the Glucagon for Schools Act (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 300: Relating to organization of Office of Inspector General (Passed House; pending Senate concurrence to House amendments)
  • SB 318: Modifying process of when parental rights are terminated (H First Reading, 02-07)
  • SB 320: Removing requirement for wineries to serve food when serving wine (House Government Organization)
  • SB 331: Eliminating cap on maximum amount of money in county’s financial stabilization fund (Pending House introduction)
  • SB 354: Relating to the WV Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority (House Economic Development and Tourism)
  • SB 357: Permitting dental hygienist to perform tobacco cessation education (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 399: Creating crime of assault on a police dog (House Judiciary)
  • SB 400: Creating limited waiver from certificate of public convenience and necessity requirement for certain water or sewer services projects (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SB 402: Authorizing US Concealed Carry Association to provide concealed carry classes in WV (House Judiciary)
  • SB 426: WV Recreational Trails Development Act (House Government Organization)
  • SB 428: Establishing appeals from administrative rulings are to be filed with Intermediate Court of Appeals (House Government Organization)
  • SB 429: WV Farm Use Vehicle Tag Placement Act (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SB 430: WV Rent-to-Own Act (House Government Organization)
  • SB 436: Prohibiting intentional motor vehicle emissions that create hazards (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SB 438: Modifying roster requirements of authorizing entities (House Government Organization)
  • SB 439: Authorizing certain 911 personnel to be members of Emergency Medical Services Retirement System under certain circumstances (House Pensions and Retirement)
  • SB 445: Reducing certification periods and renewal fees for EMS personnel (House Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services)
  • SB 451: Directing Prosecuting Attorneys Institute to make training available to certain new prosecuting attorneys (House Judiciary)
  • SB 461: Relating to county economic opportunity development districts (House Economic Development and Tourism)
  • SB 462: Updating definitions of certain terms used in Personal Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 466: Requiring State Board of Education develop Safety While Accessing Technology education program (House Education)
  • SB 474: Creating critical incident review team (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 475: Relating to recovery residences (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 477: Prohibiting public disclosure of personal information on internet (House Judiciary)
  • SB 483: Amending Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 487: Requiring periodic review of professional development for teachers and education staff (House Education)
  • SB 504: Relating to felony offense of sexual intercourse, intrusion, or contact with student (Pending House introduction)
  • SB 516: Determining venue for custodial allocation actions independent of divorce (Pending House introduction)
  • SB 539: Creating cold case database (House Judiciary)
  • SB 543: Relating to research and economic development agreements for state institutions of higher education (Pending House introduction)
  • SB 571: Creating WV Corridor H Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority (Pending House introduction)
  • HB 4026: Authorizing the Department of Administration to promulgate a legislative rule relating to state owned vehicles (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4594: Relating to extending managed care (Passed Senate; pending House concurrence to Senate amendment)
  • HB 5332: Excepting persons previously commissioned as a notary public from requirement to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be recommissioned as a notary public (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Tuesday, February 6, 2024 (16)

  • SCR 1: US Army PFC Leon Charles Trader Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 2: US Army PFC John Henry Trail Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 5: US Army 1LT Herschel Jarrell Memorial Road (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 6: US Army SSG Orland Jackson “Tom” Meikles Memorial Road (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 8: US Army Corporal Clemon Knapp Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 12: US Army Private Raymond Lee Perkins Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 15: Chief Edward “Eddie” Keesecker Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 10: Urging WV congressional delegation support legislation authorizing county governments to sell FEMA property (House Government Organization)
  • SCR 11: US Marine Corps PFC Noel Harper Fields Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 14: US Army PFC William Gorman Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 16: Urging US Congress enact reforms to federal permitting policies to accelerate deployment of new energy infrastructure (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 17: Reaffirming support of WV Legislature for State of Israel and Jewish people (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 18: Stanley W. and Evelyn C. See Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 19: US Army PFC Henry W. Baldwin Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 20: Proclaiming fourth Saturday of November to be annually designated as Ukrainian Holodomor-Genocide Remembrance Day (House Rules)
  • SCR 24: Recognizing First Responders Honor Board’s nominees for Medal of Valor (Adopted, 02-06)

Action on House Resolutions in the Senate as of Tuesday, February 6, 2024 (2)

  • HJR 21: Amending the Constitution to prohibit persons not United States citizens from voting in any election held within this state (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HCR 64: Acknowledging and supporting the State of Texas (Judiciary)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Tuesday, February 6, 2024 (8 – 4 Senate; 4 House)

  • SB 31: Department of Human Services rule relating to collection and exchange of data related to overdoses (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Signed, 02-02)
  • SB 462: Updating definitions of certain terms used in Personal Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 483: Amending Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4026: Authorizing the Department of Administration to promulgate a legislative rule relating to state owned vehicles (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)
  • HB 5332: Excepting persons previously commissioned as a notary public from requirement to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be recommissioned as a notary public (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Tuesday, February 6, 2024 (5 – 3 Senate; 2 House)

  • HCR 1: Raising a Joint Assembly to hear remarks of the Governor (Adopted, 01-10)
  • HCR 13: Commemorating the life of Marilyn Kay Parsons (Adopted, 01-11)
  • SCR 16: Urging US Congress enact reforms to federal permitting policies to accelerate deployment of new energy infrastructure (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 17: Reaffirming support of WV Legislature for State of Israel and Jewish people (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 24: Recognizing First Responders Honor Board’s nominees for Medal of Valor (Adopted, 02-06)

Bills Signed by the Governor as of Tuesday, February 6, 2024 (2 – 1 Senate; 1 House)

  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Signed, 02-02)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)

Committee times and agendas are subject to change. Follow @WVSenClerk on Twitter for updates.

All Senate Committee meetings and floor sessions are available for both live streaming and to watch again in our archives. The link to the Senate’s archived video page can be found here:http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Continue reading

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Tuesday, February 6, 2024 – 28th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

  • SCR 27: Affirming power of states to repel invasions for our nation’s security
  • SR 26: Designating February 6, 2024, as Preston County Day
  • SR 27: Recognizing Leadership Jefferson for its service, dedication, and commitment to Jefferson County
  • SR 28: Designating February 6, 2024, as Local Food and Farm Day

THIRD READING

  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 504: Relating to felony offense of sexual intercourse, intrusion, or contact with student
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 516: Determining venue for custodial allocation actions independent of divorce
  • Eng. SB 543: Relating to research and economic development agreements for state institutions of higher education
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 571: Creating WV Corridor H Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority

SECOND READING

  • Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 325: Relating to distribution of drugs to safety net providers and contract pharmacies
  • SB 507: Relating to repeal of WV EDGE
  • SB 529: Including Salem University in PROMISE Scholarship program
  • Com. Sub. for SB 540: Updating WV coordinate systems
  • SB 546: Updating STEM scholarship program
  • SB 547: Authorizing legislative rules for Higher Education Policy Commission
  • Com. Sub. for SB 557: Relating to compensation for firefighters required to work holidays
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 4801: Relating generally to the banking authority of the State Treasurer’s Office

FIRST READING

  • Com. Sub. for SB 596: Relating to administration of WV Water Pollution Control Act and Underground Carbon Dioxide Sequestration and Storage

Scheduled Committee Meetings

10 a.m.: Government Organization (208W)

  • Com. Sub. for SB 522: Changing procedure for citations issued by county litter control officer
  • Com. Sub. for SB 587: Enabling State Fire Commission to propose legislative rules
  • Com. Sub. for SB 472: Requiring hotels and public lodging establishments to provide human trafficking awareness training for employees
  • Com. Sub. for SB 542: Amending procedure for filling vacancies in county offices having more than three commissioners

10 a.m.: Education (451M)

  • SB 614: Specifying requirements for appropriate elementary behavior intervention and safety
  • SB 568: Creating multi-tiered system for school absenteeism
  • SB 521: Relating generally to payment of bus aides
  • SB 515: Prohibiting public schools from requiring students to participate in sexual orientation instruction

10:45 a.m.: Rules (219M)

1 p.m.: Energy, Industry and Mining (208W)

  • SB 389: Relating to nonferrous metal sales and transportation to secondary recycler

1 p.m.: Health and Human Resources (451M)

  • SB 378: Prohibiting smoking in vehicle when minor 16 or under is present
  • SB 514: Lung Cancer Prevention and Education Act
  • SB 572: Creating Forensic Pathology Recruitment Program

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

  • Com. Sub. for SB 590: Creating Local Government Labor Regulatory Limitation Act
  • SB 616: Modifying definition of family subject to provisions of domestic violence laws

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

  • SB 225: Establishing revocation of authority for spending by agency in support of challenge to WV law
  • SB 239: Clarifying when excess funds accumulated by boards are to be transferred to General Revenue Fund
  • SB 351: Expanding the definition of “small arms” for purposes of taxation

** Committee times and agendas are subject to change **

Committee Action on Bills from Monday, February 5, 2024

1 p.m.: Military

  • SB 554: Prohibiting certain persons from receiving compensation for advising or assisting with veteran benefits
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary
  • Com. Sub. for SB 595: Amending embalmer licensing requirements
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Government Organization
  • SB 600: Revising criteria for receiving reenlistment or retention bonus
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

2 p.m.: Agriculture and Natural Resources

  • Com. Sub. for SB 512: Clarifying non-agricultural status of solar farms
  • Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

3 p.m.: Judiciary

  • Com. Sub. for SB 441: Restricting driving in left lane of multi-lane highways in WV
  • Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 548: WV Appellate Reorganization Act
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Monday, February 5, 2024 (83 – 78 Senate; 5 House)

  • SB 2: Authorizing DEP to promulgate rules (House Judiciary)
  • SB 17: Department of Health rule relating to public water systems operators (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 31: Department of Human Services rule relating to collection and exchange of data related to overdoses (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 36: Authorizing Department of Homeland Security to promulgate legislative rules (House Judiciary)
  • SB 50: Authorizing Department of Revenue to promulgate legislative rules (Pending House introduction)
  • SB 60: Authorizing DOT to promulgate legislative rules (House Judiciary)
  • SB 142: Clarifying deadline to file annual report for companies authorized to do business in WV (House Government Organization)
  • SB 143: Creating WV Guardian Program (House Education)
  • SB 144: Requiring each county board to ensure that its meetings are open to public through in-person attendance and broadcast live on its website (House Judiciary)
  • SB 146: Creating adult education taskforce (House Education)
  • SB 147: Adding definition of “ammunition” for purposes of obtaining state license to carry concealed deadly weapon (House Judiciary)
  • SB 148: Establishing auto-renewal program for wildlife licenses (House Government Organization)
  • SB 149: Relating to municipalities required to be represented on county authority boards (House Political Subdivisions)
  • SB 150: Clarifying when magistrate vacancies shall be filled (House Judiciary)
  • SB 151: Clarifying terms and offense of human smuggling (House Judiciary)
  • SB 152: Displaying official US motto in public schools (House Education)
  • SB 154: Increasing penalties for drug possession and updating list of offenses (House Judiciary)
  • SB 155: Creating Violent Crime Prevention Act (House Judiciary)
  • SB 156: Requiring certain documents that contain wage records be considered confidential (House Government Organization)
  • SB 157: Requiring one-year residency within district or county to fill vacancy in Legislature (House Judiciary)
  • SB 158: Enhancing penalties for fleeing officer (House Judiciary)
  • SB 159: Prohibiting persons convicted of certain crimes against minors from holding positions on boards of education (House Judiciary)
  • SB 160: Updating language and increasing penalties for indecent exposure (House Judiciary)
  • SB 162: Establishing Summer Feeding for All Program (House Education)
  • SB 163: Establishing aggravated felony offense of reckless driving resulting in death (House Judiciary)
  • SB 164: Relating generally to trespassing (House Judiciary)
  • SB 165: Creating pilot program for recovery residences in Cabell County (House Judiciary)
  • SB 166: Updating contested elections procedures (House Judiciary)
  • SB 168: Granting municipal fire marshal authority to assist law-enforcement officer (House Political Subdivisions)
  • SB 169: Allowing physician assistants to own practice (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 170: Relating to compensable diseases of certain firefighters covered by workers’ compensation (House Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services)
  • SB 171: Prohibiting county commissions from adopting authorization that exceeds state law regarding agriculture operations (House Government Organization)
  • SB 172: Revising requirements of local school improvement councils (House Education)
  • SB 173: Modifying certain guidelines for motor vehicle dealers, distributors, wholesalers, and manufacturers (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SB 175: Updating offenses of extortion and attempted extortion (House Judiciary)
  • SB 176: Relating to permissible expenditures by Water Development Authority from Infrastructure Fund (House Finance)
  • SB 177: Protecting consumers against automatic renewals without consent (House Judiciary)
  • SB 178: Relating to dental health care service plans (House Banking and Insurance)
  • SB 179: Requiring sheriff to serve child abuse and neglect petitions (House Judiciary)
  • SB 189: Providing for substantial deference to state school superintendent’s interpretations of school laws (House Education)
  • SB 196: WV Rail Trails Program (House Government Organization)
  • SB 217: Authorizing state and subdivisions to negotiate price for construction when all bids received exceed maximum budget (House Government Organization)
  • SB 219: Relating to Uniform Controlled Substances Act (House Judiciary)
  • SB 222: Exempting WV veterans from certain fees and charges at state parks (House Agriculture and Natural Resources)
  • SB 240: Increasing fees charged by sheriff (House Government Organization)
  • SB 261: WV Veterans’ Home Loan Mortgage Program of 2024 (House Finance)
  • SB 262: Clarifying procedure for administrative dissolution of corporations by Secretary of State (House Government Organization)
  • SB 265: Increasing value at which municipal property must be sold through public auction (House Government Organization)
  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Signed, 02-02)
  • SB 280: Allowing teachers in public schools to discuss scientific theories (House Education)
  • SB 293: Creating the Glucagon for Schools Act (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 300: Relating to organization of Office of Inspector General (Passed House; pending Senate concurrence to House amendments)
  • SB 318: Modifying process of when parental rights are terminated (House Judiciary)
  • SB 320: Removing requirement for wineries to serve food when serving wine (House Government Organization)
  • SB 331: Eliminating cap on maximum amount of money in county’s financial stabilization fund (Pending House introduction)
  • SB 354: Relating to the WV Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority (House Economic Development and Tourism)
  • SB 357: Permitting dental hygienist to perform tobacco cessation education (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 399: Creating crime of assault on a police dog (House Judiciary)
  • SB 400: Creating limited waiver from certificate of public convenience and necessity requirement for certain water or sewer services projects (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SB 402: Authorizing US Concealed Carry Association to provide concealed carry classes in WV (House Judiciary)
  • SB 426: WV Recreational Trails Development Act (House Government Organization)
  • SB 428: Establishing appeals from administrative rulings are to be filed with Intermediate Court of Appeals (House Government Organization)
  • SB 429: WV Farm Use Vehicle Tag Placement Act (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SB 430: WV Rent-to-Own Act (House Government Organization)
  • SB 436: Prohibiting intentional motor vehicle emissions that create hazards (Pending House introduction)
  • SB 438: Modifying roster requirements of authorizing entities (House Government Organization)
  • SB 439: Authorizing certain 911 personnel to be members of Emergency Medical Services Retirement System under certain circumstances (House Pensions and Retirement)
  • SB 445: Reducing certification periods and renewal fees for EMS personnel (House Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services)
  • SB 451: Directing Prosecuting Attorneys Institute to make training available to certain new prosecuting attorneys (House Judiciary)
  • SB 461: Relating to county economic opportunity development districts (House Economic Development and Tourism)
  • SB 462: Updating definitions of certain terms used in Personal Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 466: Requiring State Board of Education develop Safety While Accessing Technology education program (Pending House introduction)
  • SB 474: Creating critical incident review team (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 475: Relating to recovery residences (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 477: Prohibiting public disclosure of personal information on internet (House Judiciary)
  • SB 483: Amending Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 487: Requiring periodic review of professional development for teachers and education staff (House Education)
  • SB 539: Creating cold case database (Pending House introduction)
  • HB 4026: Authorizing the Department of Administration to promulgate a legislative rule relating to state owned vehicles (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4594: Relating to extending managed care (Passed Senate; pending House concurrence to Senate amendment)
  • HB 5332: Excepting persons previously commissioned as a notary public from requirement to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be recommissioned as a notary public (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Monday, February 5, 2024 (15)

  • SCR 1: US Army PFC Leon Charles Trader Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 2: US Army PFC John Henry Trail Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 5: US Army 1LT Herschel Jarrell Memorial Road (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 6: US Army SSG Orland Jackson “Tom” Meikles Memorial Road (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 8: US Army Corporal Clemon Knapp Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 12: US Army Private Raymond Lee Perkins Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 15: Chief Edward “Eddie” Keesecker Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 10: Urging WV congressional delegation support legislation authorizing county governments to sell FEMA property (House Government Organization)
  • SCR 11: US Marine Corps PFC Noel Harper Fields Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 14: US Army PFC William Gorman Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 16: Urging US Congress enact reforms to federal permitting policies to accelerate deployment of new energy infrastructure (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 17: Reaffirming support of WV Legislature for State of Israel and Jewish people (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 18: Stanley W. and Evelyn C. See Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 19: US Army PFC Henry W. Baldwin Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 20: Proclaiming fourth Saturday of November to be annually designated as Ukrainian Holodomor-Genocide Remembrance Day (House Rules)

Action on House Bills in the Senate as of Monday, February 5, 2024 (55)

  • HB 4017: To modify certain election laws, early voting laws, and absentee voting laws (Judiciary)
  • HB 4026: Authorizing the Department of Administration to promulgate a legislative rule relating to state owned vehicles (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4190: Relating to the establishment of an alert system for missing cognitively impaired persons (Judiciary)
  • HB 4205: Relating to changing the process of election litigation (Judiciary)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)
  • HB 4292: Providing for enhanced damages for non-payment of royalties due from oil, natural gas, or natural gas liquids production (Energy, Industry and Mining)
  • HB 4302: Modifying the criminal penalties imposed on a parent, guardian or custodian for child abuse (Judiciary)
  • HB 4350: Relating to appointment of candidates after filing period (Government Organization)
  • HB 4376: Relating to surgical smoke evacuation (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4428: Requiring candidates to live in the state or local election district for the office for which they are seeking (Judiciary)
  • HB 4431: Permitting the cremation of unidentified remains (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4432: Relating to midlevel practitioners (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4433: Relating to exempting the acquisition and utilization of a mobile facility which performs mammography or low density computerized tomography (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4434: Relating to restrictions on use or sale of motor vehicles based on power source (Transportation and Infrastructure)
  • HB 4552: To ensure party affiliation is consistent with candidate’s voter registration (Judiciary)
  • HB 4594: Relating to extending managed care (Passed Senate; pending House concurrence to Senate amendments)
  • HB 4595: Relating to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability (Judiciary)
  • HB 4620: Removing the expiration date from the food handler card (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4666: Relating to establishing criminal penalties for human trafficking (Judiciary)
  • HB 4683: Requiring parents or guardians to participate in programs for juveniles in an out-of-home placement (Judiciary)
  • HB 4697: Add protections for WV residents who reside out of state for certain time periods from non-renewal of licenses and registration (Transportation and Infrastructure)
  • HB 4756: Creating a state Alzheimer’s plan task force (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4759: Relating to E-Verify, the federal employment authorization program (Government Organization)
  • HB 4764: Provide one trip temporary vehicle permits to be purchased and printed online (Transportation and Infrastructure)
  • HB 4766: Require Division of Highways to place signage up 30 days prior to road closure (Transportation and Infrastructure)
  • HB 4768: Relating to increasing the number of out-of-state medical students receiving in-state tuition rates who agree to practice for a specific time within West Virginia (Education)
  • HB 4769: Clarifying appropriate and inappropriate duties for school counselors while also providing the definition of a school counselor (Education)
  • HB 4776: Relating to adding elementary schools into school disciplinary measures (Education)
  • HB 4783: Relating to the practice of optometry (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4793: Relating to moonshine (Government Organization)
  • HB 4801: Relating generally to the banking authority of the State Treasurer’s Office (S Second Reading, 02-06)
  • HB 4814: Relating to extending the reporting and sunset dates of the State Advisory Council on Postsecondary Attainment Goals (Education)
  • HB 4817: Relating to updating the practice of nursing (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4830: To address the professional development of teachers (Education)
  • HB 4832: Relating to state superintendent’s reports regarding the finances of school districts (Education)
  • HB 4837: Clarifying the duty of banks to retain and procure records (Banking and Insurance)
  • HB 4838: Require county boards of education to provide long-term substitute teachers, upon hiring, with certain information (Education)
  • HB 4860: Providing that a general education teacher may not be responsible for accommodation logs (Education)
  • HB 4874: Relating to fatality and mortality review team (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4908: Relating to permitting the state agencies to contract with the West Virginia public health Institute (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4965: Mandating restitution to children of victims of negligent homicide or driving under the influence causing death (Judiciary)
  • HB 4976: Providing the contact information of the Inspector General on the agencies and boards websites of the executive departments (Government Organization)
  • HB 4998: Modifying penalties for third offense shoplifting (Judiciary)
  • HB 5006: Relating to the administration of the A. James Manchin Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 5014: Supplementing and amending appropriations to West Virginia University General Administration Fund (Finance)
  • HB 5016: Allow women to work on inmate road crews (Judiciary)
  • HB 5019: Relating to surrender and return of license not required for disqualifying or downgrading a driver’s license (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 5045: Related to the administration of the West Virginia Water Pollution Control Act, and Underground Carbon Dioxide Sequestration and Storage (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 5096: Change the requirement for posting public notices at the state and federal level for PSDs (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 5117: Relating generally to waiver of initial licensing fees for certain individuals (Government Organization)
  • HB 5127: Including Potomac State College in the definition of community and technical college education program for participation in the “Learn and Earn Program” (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 5157: Relating to contingent increase of tax rate on certain eligible acute care hospitals (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 5310: Remote Patient Outcome Improvement Act (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 5332: Excepting persons previously commissioned as a notary public from requirement to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be recommissioned as a notary public (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Action on House Resolutions in the Senate as of Monday, February 5, 2024 (1)

  • HCR 64: Acknowledging and supporting the State of Texas (Pending Senate introduction)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Monday, February 5, 2024 (8 – 4 Senate; 4 House)

  • SB 31: Department of Human Services rule relating to collection and exchange of data related to overdoses (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Signed, 02-02)
  • SB 462: Updating definitions of certain terms used in Personal Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 483: Amending Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4026: Authorizing the Department of Administration to promulgate a legislative rule relating to state owned vehicles (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)
  • HB 5332: Excepting persons previously commissioned as a notary public from requirement to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be recommissioned as a notary public (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Monday, February 5, 2024 (4 – 2 Senate; 2 House)

  • HCR 1: Raising a Joint Assembly to hear remarks of the Governor (Adopted, 01-10)
  • HCR 13: Commemorating the life of Marilyn Kay Parsons (Adopted, 01-11)
  • SCR 16: Urging US Congress enact reforms to federal permitting policies to accelerate deployment of new energy infrastructure (Adopted. 01-24)
  • SCR 17: Reaffirming support of WV Legislature for State of Israel and Jewish people (Adopted. 01-24)

Bills Signed by the Governor as of Monday, February 5, 2024 (2 – 1 Senate; 1 House)

  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Signed, 02-02)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)

Committee times and agendas are subject to change. Follow @WVSenClerk on Twitter for updates.

All Senate Committee meetings and floor sessions are available for both live streaming and to watch again in our archives. The link to the Senate’s archived video page can be found here:http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Continue reading

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Monday, February 5, 2024

Monday, February 5, 2024 – 27th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

  • SR 25: Designating February 5, 2024, as Recovery Advocacy Day

THIRD READING

  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 331: Eliminating cap on maximum amount of money in county’s financial stabilization fund
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 436: Prohibiting intentional motor vehicle emissions that create hazards
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 466: Requiring State Board of Education develop Safety While Accessing Technology education program
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 539: Creating cold case database
  • Eng. HB 4594: Relating to extending managed care

SECOND READING

  • Com. Sub. for SB 504: Relating to felony offense of sexual intercourse, intrusion, or contact with student
  • Com. Sub. for SB 516: Determining venue for custodial allocation actions independent of divorce
  • SB 543: Relating to research and economic development agreements for state institutions of higher education
  • Com. Sub. for SB 571: Creating WV Corridor H Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority

FIRST READING

  • Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 325: Relating to distribution of drugs to safety net providers and contract pharmacies
  • SB 507: Relating to repeal of WV EDGE
  • SB 529: Including Salem University in PROMISE Scholarship program
  • Com. Sub. for SB 540: Updating surveying coordinate system
  • SB 546: Updating STEM scholarship program
  • SB 547: Authorizing legislative rules for Higher Education Policy Commission
  • Com. Sub. for SB 557: Updating compensation for firefighters required to work holidays
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 4801: Relating generally to the banking authority of the State Treasurer’s Office

Scheduled Committee Meetings

1 p.m.: Military (208W)

  • SB 554: Prohibiting certain persons from receiving compensation for advising or assisting with veterans benefits
  • SB 595: Amending embalmer licensing requirements
  • SB 600: Revising criteria for receiving reenlistment or retention bonus

2 p.m.: Agriculture and Natural Resources (208W)

  • Com. Sub. for SB 512: Clarifying non-agricultural status of solar farms

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

  • Com. Sub. for SB 441: Restricting driving in left lane of multi-lane highways in WV
  • Com. Sub. for SB 548: WV Appellate Reorganization Act

** Committee times and agendas are subject to change **

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Friday, February 2, 2024 (78 – 74 Senate; 4 House)

  • SB 2: Authorizing DEP to promulgate rules (House Judiciary)
  • SB 17: Department of Health rule relating to public water systems operators (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 31: Department of Human Services rule relating to collection and exchange of data related to overdoses (H Third Reading, 02-05)
  • SB 36: Authorizing Department of Homeland Security to promulgate legislative rules (House Judiciary)
  • SB 50: Authorizing Department of Revenue to promulgate legislative rules (Pending House introduction)
  • SB 60: Authorizing DOT to promulgate legislative rules (House Judiciary)
  • SB 142: Clarifying deadline to file annual report for companies authorized to do business in WV (House Government Organization)
  • SB 143: Creating WV Guardian Program (House Education)
  • SB 144: Requiring each county board to ensure that its meetings are open to public through in-person attendance and broadcast live on its website (House Judiciary)
  • SB 146: Creating adult education taskforce (House Education)
  • SB 147: Adding definition of “ammunition” for purposes of obtaining state license to carry concealed deadly weapon (House Judiciary)
  • SB 148: Establishing auto-renewal program for wildlife licenses (House Government Organization)
  • SB 149: Relating to municipalities required to be represented on county authority boards (House Political Subdivisions)
  • SB 150: Clarifying when magistrate vacancies shall be filled (House Judiciary)
  • SB 151: Clarifying terms and offense of human smuggling (House Judiciary)
  • SB 152: Displaying official US motto in public schools (House Education)
  • SB 154: Increasing penalties for drug possession and updating list of offenses (House Judiciary)
  • SB 155: Creating Violent Crime Prevention Act (House Judiciary)
  • SB 156: Requiring certain documents that contain wage records be considered confidential (House Government Organization)
  • SB 157: Requiring one-year residency within district or county to fill vacancy in Legislature (House Judiciary)
  • SB 158: Enhancing penalties for fleeing officer (House Judiciary)
  • SB 159: Prohibiting persons convicted of certain crimes against minors from holding positions on boards of education (House Judiciary)
  • SB 160: Updating language and increasing penalties for indecent exposure (House Judiciary)
  • SB 162: Establishing Summer Feeding for All Program (House Education)
  • SB 163: Establishing aggravated felony offense of reckless driving resulting in death (House Judiciary)
  • SB 164: Relating generally to trespassing (House Judiciary)
  • SB 165: Creating pilot program for recovery residences in Cabell County (House Judiciary)
  • SB 166: Updating contested elections procedures (House Judiciary)
  • SB 168: Granting municipal fire marshal authority to assist law-enforcement officer (House Political Subdivisions)
  • SB 169: Allowing physician assistants to own practice (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 170: Relating to compensable diseases of certain firefighters covered by workers’ compensation (House Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services)
  • SB 171: Prohibiting county commissions from adopting authorization that exceeds state law regarding agriculture operations (House Government Organization)
  • SB 172: Revising requirements of local school improvement councils (House Education)
  • SB 173: Modifying certain guidelines for motor vehicle dealers, distributors, wholesalers, and manufacturers (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SB 175: Updating offenses of extortion and attempted extortion (House Judiciary)
  • SB 176: Relating to permissible expenditures by Water Development Authority from Infrastructure Fund (House Finance)
  • SB 177: Protecting consumers against automatic renewals without consent (House Judiciary)
  • SB 178: Relating to dental health care service plans (House Banking and Insurance)
  • SB 179: Requiring sheriff to serve child abuse and neglect petitions (House Judiciary)
  • SB 189: Providing for substantial deference to state school superintendent’s interpretations of school laws (House Education)
  • SB 196: WV Rail Trails Program (House Government Organization)
  • SB 217: Authorizing state and subdivisions to negotiate price for construction when all bids received exceed maximum budget (House Government Organization)
  • SB 219: Relating to Uniform Controlled Substances Act (House Judiciary)
  • SB 222: Exempting WV veterans from certain fees and charges at state parks (House Agriculture and Natural Resources)
  • SB 240: Increasing fees charged by sheriff (House Government Organization)
  • SB 261: WV Veterans’ Home Loan Mortgage Program of 2024 (House Finance)
  • SB 262: Clarifying procedure for administrative dissolution of corporations by Secretary of State (House Government Organization)
  • SB 265: Increasing value at which municipal property must be sold through public auction (House Government Organization)
  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Signed, 02-02)
  • SB 280: Allowing teachers in public schools to discuss scientific theories (House Education)
  • SB 293: Creating the Glucagon for Schools Act (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 300: Relating to organization of Office of Inspector General (H Third Reading, 02-05)
  • SB 318: Modifying process of when parental rights are terminated (House Judiciary)
  • SB 320: Removing requirement for wineries to serve food when serving wine (House Government Organization)
  • SB 354: Relating to the WV Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority (House Economic Development and Tourism)
  • SB 357: Permitting dental hygienist to perform tobacco cessation education (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 399: Creating crime of assault on a police dog (House Judiciary)
  • SB 400: Creating limited waiver from certificate of public convenience and necessity requirement for certain water or sewer services projects (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SB 402: Authorizing US Concealed Carry Association to provide concealed carry classes in WV (House Judiciary)
  • SB 426: WV Recreational Trails Development Act (House Government Organization)
  • SB 428: Establishing appeals from administrative rulings are to be filed with Intermediate Court of Appeals (House Government Organization)
  • SB 429: WV Farm Use Vehicle Tag Placement Act (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SB 430: WV Rent-to-Own Act (House Government Organization)
  • SB 438: Modifying roster requirements of authorizing entities (House Government Organization)
  • SB 439: Authorizing certain 911 personnel to be members of Emergency Medical Services Retirement System under certain circumstances (House Pensions and Retirement)
  • SB 445: Reducing certification periods and renewal fees for EMS personnel (House Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services)
  • SB 451: Directing Prosecuting Attorneys Institute to make training available to certain new prosecuting attorneys (House Judiciary)
  • SB 461: Relating to county economic opportunity development districts (House Economic Development and Tourism)
  • SB 462: Updating definitions of certain terms used in Personal Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 474: Creating critical incident review team (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 475: Relating to recovery residences (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 477: Prohibiting public disclosure of personal information on internet (House Judiciary)
  • SB 483: Amending Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 487: Requiring periodic review of professional development for teachers and education staff (House Education)
  • HB 4026: Authorizing the Department of Administration to promulgate a legislative rule relating to state owned vehicles (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 5332: Excepting persons previously commissioned as a notary public from requirement to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be recommissioned as a notary public (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Friday, February 2, 2024 (15)

  • SCR 1: US Army PFC Leon Charles Trader Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 2: US Army PFC John Henry Trail Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 5: US Army 1LT Herschel Jarrell Memorial Road (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 6: US Army SSG Orland Jackson “Tom” Meikles Memorial Road (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 8: US Army Corporal Clemon Knapp Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 12: US Army Private Raymond Lee Perkins Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 15: Chief Edward “Eddie” Keesecker Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 10: Urging WV congressional delegation support legislation authorizing county governments to sell FEMA property (House Government Organization)
  • SCR 11: US Marine Corps PFC Noel Harper Fields Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 14: US Army PFC William Gorman Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 16: Urging US Congress enact reforms to federal permitting policies to accelerate deployment of new energy infrastructure (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 17: Reaffirming support of WV Legislature for State of Israel and Jewish people (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 18: Stanley W. and Evelyn C. See Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 19: US Army PFC Henry W. Baldwin Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 20: Proclaiming fourth Saturday of November to be annually designated as Ukrainian Holodomor-Genocide Remembrance Day (House Rules)

Action on House Bills in the Senate as of Friday, February 2, 2024 (50)

  • HB 4017: To modify certain election laws, early voting laws, and absentee voting laws (Judiciary)
  • HB 4026: Authorizing the Department of Administration to promulgate a legislative rule relating to state owned vehicles (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4190: Relating to the establishment of an alert system for missing cognitively impaired persons (Judiciary)
  • HB 4205: Relating to changing the process of election litigation (Judiciary)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)
  • HB 4292: Providing for enhanced damages for non-payment of royalties due from oil, natural gas, or natural gas liquids production (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 4302: Modifying the criminal penalties imposed on a parent, guardian or custodian for child abuse (Judiciary)
  • HB 4350: Relating to appointment of candidates after filing period (Government Organization)
  • HB 4376: Relating to surgical smoke evacuation (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4428: Requiring candidates to live in the state or local election district for the office for which they are seeking (Judiciary)
  • HB 4431: Permitting the cremation of unidentified remains (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4432: Relating to midlevel practitioners (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4433: Relating to exempting the acquisition and utilization of a mobile facility which performs mammography or low density computerized tomography (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4434: Relating to restrictions on use or sale of motor vehicles based on power source (Transportation and Infrastructure)
  • HB 4552: To ensure party affiliation is consistent with candidate’s voter registration (Judiciary)
  • HB 4594: Relating to extending managed care (S Third Reading, 02-05)
  • HB 4595: Relating to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability (Judiciary)
  • HB 4620: Removing the expiration date from the food handler card (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4666: Relating to establishing criminal penalties for human trafficking (Judiciary)
  • HB 4683: Requiring parents or guardians to participate in programs for juveniles in an out-of-home placement (Judiciary)
  • HB 4697: Add protections for WV residents who reside out of state for certain time periods from non-renewal of licenses and registration (Transportation and Infrastructure)
  • HB 4756: Creating a state Alzheimer’s plan task force (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4759: Relating to E-Verify, the federal employment authorization program (Government Organization)
  • HB 4764: Provide one trip temporary vehicle permits to be purchased and printed online (Transportation and Infrastructure)
  • HB 4766: Require Division of Highways to place signage up 30 days prior to road closure (Transportation and Infrastructure)
  • HB 4768: Relating to increasing the number of out-of-state medical students receiving in-state tuition rates who agree to practice for a specific time within West Virginia (Education)
  • HB 4769: Clarifying appropriate and inappropriate duties for school counselors while also providing the definition of a school counselor (Education)
  • HB 4776: Relating to adding elementary schools into school disciplinary measures (Education)
  • HB 4783: Relating to the practice of optometry (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4793: Relating to moonshine (Government Organization)
  • HB 4801: Relating generally to the banking authority of the State Treasurer’s Office (S First Reading, 02-05)
  • HB 4814: Relating to extending the reporting and sunset dates of the State Advisory Council on Postsecondary Attainment Goals (Education)
  • HB 4817: Relating to updating the practice of nursing (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4830: To address the professional development of teachers (Education)
  • HB 4832: Relating to state superintendent’s reports regarding the finances of school districts (Education)
  • HB 4837: Clarifying the duty of banks to retain and procure records (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 4838: Require county boards of education to provide long-term substitute teachers, upon hiring, with certain information (Education)
  • HB 4860: Providing that a general education teacher may not be responsible for accommodation logs (Education)
  • HB 4874: Relating to fatality and mortality review team (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4908: Relating to permitting the state agencies to contract with the West Virginia public health Institute (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4965: Mandating restitution to children of victims of negligent homicide or driving under the influence causing death (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 4976: Providing the contact information of the Inspector General on the agencies and boards websites of the executive departments (Government Organization)
  • HB 4998: Modifying penalties for third offense shoplifting (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 5014: Supplementing and amending appropriations to West Virginia University General Administration Fund (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 5016: Allow women to work on inmate road crews (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 5096: Change the requirement for posting public notices at the state and federal level for PSDs (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 5117: Relating generally to waiver of initial licensing fees for certain individuals (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 5157: Relating to contingent increase of tax rate on certain eligible acute care hospitals (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 5332: Excepting persons previously commissioned as a notary public from requirement to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be recommissioned as a notary public (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Action on House Resolutions in the Senate as of Friday, February 2, 2024 (1)

  • HCR 64: Acknowledging and supporting the State of Texas (Pending Senate introduction)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Friday, February 2, 2024 (7 – 3 Senate; 4 House)

  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Signed, 02-02)
  • SB 462: Updating definitions of certain terms used in Personal Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 483: Amending Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4026: Authorizing the Department of Administration to promulgate a legislative rule relating to state owned vehicles (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)
  • HB 5332: Excepting persons previously commissioned as a notary public from requirement to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be recommissioned as a notary public (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Friday, February 2, 2024 (4 – 2 Senate; 2 House)

  • HCR 1: Raising a Joint Assembly to hear remarks of the Governor (Adopted, 01-10)
  • HCR 13: Commemorating the life of Marilyn Kay Parsons (Adopted, 01-11)
  • SCR 16: Urging US Congress enact reforms to federal permitting policies to accelerate deployment of new energy infrastructure (Adopted. 01-24)
  • SCR 17: Reaffirming support of WV Legislature for State of Israel and Jewish people (Adopted. 01-24)

Bills Signed by the Governor as of Friday, February 2, 2024 (2 – 1 Senate; 1 House)

  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Signed, 02-02)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)

Committee times and agendas are subject to change. Follow @WVSenClerk on Twitter for updates.

All Senate Committee meetings and floor sessions are available for both live streaming and to watch again in our archives. The link to the Senate’s archived video page can be found here:http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Continue reading

Member Press Release

This Week in the House of Delegates

For the week ending Feb. 2, 2024

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Members of the West Virginia House of Delegates voted to pass 27 bills this week as the 60-day regular legislative session approaches the halfway mark.

Nearly half a minute of applause filled the House Chamber Friday after members unanimously approved House Bill 5014. The measure would direct $2 million to the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute to expand groundbreaking research already being done in Morgantown to treat Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, drug addiction and other diseases with ultrasound.

“I want to tell you about a team of heroes we have here in West Virginia today and why this bill is important,” said House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, speaking from his desk on the House floor to explain the bill before the vote.

Hanshaw said the team has FDA clearance to extend their clinical trial to treat PTSD, specifically targeted veteran populations, and obesity, two disorders that plague West Virginians in disproportionately high amounts. He said with a one-time allocation of $2 million, RNI would begin treating West Virginians in April.

Hanshaw told members the opportunity was too substantial to wait.

“I cannot think of a better way to spend this $2 million and spend it now, as opposed to putting it somewhere else, as opposed to doing it in our budget process; we need to do it,” he said. “We need to do it now, and that’s the reason I’ve left that podium to talk about this today.

“We have an opportunity to continue leading the world — not leading the nation, not leading the state, leading the world — in delivering a groundbreaking treatment, a groundbreaking therapeutic technology that was published two weeks ago in the New England Journal of Medicine, the world’s foremost journal for academic medicine, and deliver that technology to West Virginians who suffer from conditions that deserve our attention.”

House Bill 5014, which goes now to the Senate for consideration, would devote $2 million in surplus funds that had not yet been allocated from the 2024 budget.

Delegate John Williams, D-Monongalia, represents the district where the WVU Health Sciences Center is located, and is a co-sponsor of the bill. He asked members to be mindful of the decisions that made their vote possible.

“I’m thinking of, in the 1950s, when Gov. Okey Patteson decided that we ought to have a medical school in West Virginia and it ought to be in located in Morgantown,” he said. “And that initial investment that is continued to West Virginia University’s medical school throughout the years has made this possible. It helped Dr. (Ali) Rezai come to Morgantown, and it helped us have the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, and so I would say that when we look at those past investments, I would just ask my friends to keep that in mind when we have future financial questions before us relating to West Virginia University.

“In the budget hearing this week, we learned that for every $1 that this Legislature gives to WVU, it creates about $20 more in our local economy. And when you consider that this $2 million is going to help go to an FDA trial that is going to potentially cure PTSD and cure eating disorders, it’s no doubt why that dollar stretches so far at a rate of one to 20.”

The new House Committee on Artificial Intelligence advanced its first bill this week. House Bill 5161 would create a “digital wallet” through an addition to the West Virginia Secretary of State’s one-stop business portal website where certifications and licensures could be stored.

Artificial Intelligence Committee Chairman Jarred Cannon, R-Putnam, said the measure, whose lead sponsor is Jimmy Willis, R-Brooke, would put West Virginia ahead of other states in digital initiatives.

“From software engineers to welders and beauticians, keeping track of your educational certificates and work licensures can be a big inconvenience,” Cannon said. “With this legislation, West Virginians will have an innovative and easy-to-use portal that will allow for the upload and online storage of those documents, accessible from any electronic device at any time, should they choose to do so.”

The House also returned to 100 members to start the week as Delegate David Green, R-McDowell, took the oath of office Monday to represent District 36.

A total of 1,423 bills have been introduced in the House, and 50 of those have passed the full House. The deadline for House bills to be introduced is Feb. 13. The session ends at midnight Saturday, March 9.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

Continue reading

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Friday, February 2, 2024

Friday, February 2, 2024 – 24th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 9 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

  • SCR 26: US Army PFC Clarence William (Buck) Holliday Memorial Road
  • SR 23: Designating February 2, 2024, as American Heart Association Day
  • SR 24: Recognizing February 2, 2024, as WV Home School Day

THIRD READING

  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 50: Authorizing Department of Revenue to promulgate legislative rules
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 436: Prohibiting intentional motor vehicle emissions that create hazards
  • Eng. HB 4026: Authorizing the Department of Administration to promulgate a legislative rule relating to state owned vehicles

SECOND READING

  • Com. Sub. for SB 331: Eliminating cap on maximum amount of money in county’s financial stabilization fund
  • Com. Sub. for SB 466: Requiring State Board of Education develop Safety While Accessing Technology education program
  • Com. Sub. for SB 539: Creating cold case database
  • Eng. HB 4594: Relating to extending managed care

FIRST READING

  • Com. Sub. for SB 504: Relating to felony offense of sexual intercourse, intrusion, or contact with student
  • Com. Sub. for SB 516: Determining venue for custodial allocation actions independent of divorce
  • SB 543: Relating to research and economic development agreements for state institutions of higher education
  • Com. Sub. for SB 571: Creating WV Corridor H Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority

Scheduled Committee Meetings

10 a.m.: Workforce (208W)

  • Com. Sub. SB 562: Expanding employment and training requirements necessary for SNAP Benefits

** Committee times and agendas are subject to change **

Senate Bills to be Introduced Friday, February 2, 2024

  • SB 618: Creating Carbon Exchange Program (Woodrum; Government Organization then Finance)
  • SB 619: Modifying levy rates resulting from increased valuation yield (Woodrum; Finance)
  • SB 620: Establishing WV Mothers and Babies Pregnancy Support Program (Rucker; Finance)
  • SB 621: Removing discretion of court to issue written investigation for proceedings (Azinger; Judiciary)
  • SB 622: Updating time period of voting inactivity for removal from voter registration (Tarr, Woodrum; Judiciary)
  • SB 623: Requiring DMV to provide images of certain individuals to Secretary of State for voter identification purposes (Tarr, Woodrum; Judiciary)
  • SB 624: Cancelling voter registration records for individuals no longer WV residents (Tarr, Woodrum; Judiciary)
  • SB 625: Prohibiting acceptance of illegal ballots cast in any election (Tarr, Woodrum; Judiciary)
  • SB 626: Neighborhood Assistance and Rejuvenation Compact Act (FN) (Tarr, Takubo; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
  • SB 627: Prohibiting ranked choice voting in elections (Tarr, Woodrum; Judiciary)
  • SB 628: Declaring certain claims as moral obligations of the State (Tarr, Plymale; Finance)
  • SR 25: Designating February 5, 2024, as Recovery Advocacy Day (Takubo)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Thursday, February 1, 2024

10 a.m.: Government Organization

  • Com. Sub. for SB 540: Updating surveying coordinate system
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 557: Updating compensation for firefighters required to work holidays
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 541: Facilitating creation of home-based businesses
  • Bill not taken up

10 a.m.: Education

  • SB 547: Authorizing legislative rules for Higher Education Policy Commission
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 563: Updating Center for Nursing to Office of Nursing Education and Workforce Development
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Health and Human Resources
  • SB 507: Relating to repeal of WV EDGE
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • SB 546: Updating STEM scholarship program
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • SB 529: Including Salem University in PROMISE Scholarship program
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

1 p.m.: Energy, Industry and Mining

  • Com. Sub. for SB 596: Relating to administration of WV Water Pollution Control Act and Underground Carbon Dioxide Sequestration and Storage
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

1 p.m.: Health and Human Resources

  • Com. Sub. for SB 444: Clarifying health insurance coverage for certain emergency services
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance
  • Com. Sub. for SB 453: Requiring pricing and payment transparency from pharmacy benefits managers contracting with PEIA
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; added second reference to Finance
  • Com. Sub. for HB 4595: Relating to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability
  • Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

3 p.m.: Judiciary

  • Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 325: Relating to distribution of drugs to safety net providers and contract pharmacies
  • Committee substitute for the committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Thursday, February 1, 2024 (75 – 73 Senate; 2 House)

  • SB 2: Authorizing DEP to promulgate rules (House Judiciary)
  • SB 17: Department of Health rule relating to public water systems operators (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 31: Department of Human Services rule relating to collection and exchange of data related to overdoses (H Second Reading, 02-02)
  • SB 36: Authorizing Department of Homeland Security to promulgate legislative rules (House Judiciary)
  • SB 60: Authorizing DOT to promulgate legislative rules (House Judiciary)
  • SB 142: Clarifying deadline to file annual report for companies authorized to do business in WV (House Government Organization)
  • SB 143: Creating WV Guardian Program (House Education)
  • SB 144: Requiring each county board to ensure that its meetings are open to public through in-person attendance and broadcast live on its website (House Judiciary)
  • SB 146: Creating adult education taskforce (House Education)
  • SB 147: Adding definition of “ammunition” for purposes of obtaining state license to carry concealed deadly weapon (House Judiciary)
  • SB 148: Establishing auto-renewal program for wildlife licenses (House Government Organization)
  • SB 149: Relating to municipalities required to be represented on county authority boards (House Political Subdivisions)
  • SB 150: Clarifying when magistrate vacancies shall be filled (House Judiciary)
  • SB 151: Clarifying terms and offense of human smuggling (House Judiciary)
  • SB 152: Displaying official US motto in public schools (House Education)
  • SB 154: Increasing penalties for drug possession and updating list of offenses (House Judiciary)
  • SB 155: Creating Violent Crime Prevention Act (House Judiciary)
  • SB 156: Requiring certain documents that contain wage records be considered confidential (House Government Organization)
  • SB 157: Requiring one-year residency within district or county to fill vacancy in Legislature (House Judiciary)
  • SB 158: Enhancing penalties for fleeing officer (House Judiciary)
  • SB 159: Prohibiting persons convicted of certain crimes against minors from holding positions on boards of education (House Judiciary)
  • SB 160: Updating language and increasing penalties for indecent exposure (House Judiciary)
  • SB 162: Establishing Summer Feeding for All Program (House Education)
  • SB 163: Establishing aggravated felony offense of reckless driving resulting in death (House Judiciary)
  • SB 164: Relating generally to trespassing (House Judiciary)
  • SB 165: Creating pilot program for recovery residences in Cabell County (House Judiciary)
  • SB 166: Updating contested elections procedures (House Judiciary)
  • SB 168: Granting municipal fire marshal authority to assist law-enforcement officer (House Political Subdivisions)
  • SB 169: Allowing physician assistants to own practice (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 170: Relating to compensable diseases of certain firefighters covered by workers’ compensation (House Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services)
  • SB 171: Prohibiting county commissions from adopting authorization that exceeds state law regarding agriculture operations (House Government Organization)
  • SB 172: Revising requirements of local school improvement councils (House Education)
  • SB 173: Modifying certain guidelines for motor vehicle dealers, distributors, wholesalers, and manufacturers (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SB 175: Updating offenses of extortion and attempted extortion (House Judiciary)
  • SB 176: Relating to permissible expenditures by Water Development Authority from Infrastructure Fund (House Finance)
  • SB 177: Protecting consumers against automatic renewals without consent (House Judiciary)
  • SB 178: Relating to dental health care service plans (House Banking and Insurance)
  • SB 179: Requiring sheriff to serve child abuse and neglect petitions (House Judiciary)
  • SB 189: Providing for substantial deference to state school superintendent’s interpretations of school laws (House Education)
  • SB 196: WV Rail Trails Program (House Government Organization)
  • SB 217: Authorizing state and subdivisions to negotiate price for construction when all bids received exceed maximum budget (House Government Organization)
  • SB 219: Relating to Uniform Controlled Substances Act (House Judiciary)
  • SB 222: Exempting WV veterans from certain fees and charges at state parks (House Agriculture and Natural Resources)
  • SB 240: Increasing fees charged by sheriff (House Government Organization)
  • SB 261: WV Veterans’ Home Loan Mortgage Program of 2024 (House Finance)
  • SB 262: Clarifying procedure for administrative dissolution of corporations by Secretary of State (House Government Organization)
  • SB 265: Increasing value at which municipal property must be sold through public auction (House Government Organization)
  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 280: Allowing teachers in public schools to discuss scientific theories (House Education)
  • SB 293: Creating the Glucagon for Schools Act (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 300: Relating to organization of Office of Inspector General (H Second Reading, 02-02)
  • SB 318: Modifying process of when parental rights are terminated (Pending House introduction)
  • SB 320: Removing requirement for wineries to serve food when serving wine (Pending House introduction)
  • SB 354: Relating to the WV Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority (House Economic Development and Tourism)
  • SB 357: Permitting dental hygienist to perform tobacco cessation education (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 399: Creating crime of assault on a police dog (House Judiciary)
  • SB 400: Creating limited waiver from certificate of public convenience and necessity requirement for certain water or sewer services projects (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SB 402: Authorizing US Concealed Carry Association to provide concealed carry classes in WV (House Judiciary)
  • SB 426: WV Recreational Trails Development Act (House Government Organization)
  • SB 428: Establishing appeals from administrative rulings are to be filed with Intermediate Court of Appeals (House Government Organization)
  • SB 429: WV Farm Use Vehicle Tag Placement Act (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SB 430: WV Rent-to-Own Act (House Government Organization)
  • SB 438: Modifying roster requirements of authorizing entities (House Government Organization)
  • SB 439: Authorizing certain 911 personnel to be members of Emergency Medical Services Retirement System under certain circumstances (House Pensions and Retirement)
  • SB 445: Reducing certification periods and renewal fees for EMS personnel (House Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services)
  • SB 451: Directing Prosecuting Attorneys Institute to make training available to certain new prosecuting attorneys (House Judiciary)
  • SB 461: Relating to county economic opportunity development districts (House Economic Development and Tourism)
  • SB 462: Updating definitions of certain terms used in Personal Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 474: Creating critical incident review team (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 475: Relating to recovery residences (House Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 477: Prohibiting public disclosure of personal information on internet (House Judiciary)
  • SB 483: Amending Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 487: Requiring periodic review of professional development for teachers and education staff (House Education)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Thursday, February 1, 2024 (15)

  • SCR 1: US Army PFC Leon Charles Trader Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 2: US Army PFC John Henry Trail Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 5: US Army 1LT Herschel Jarrell Memorial Road (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 6: US Army SSG Orland Jackson “Tom” Meikles Memorial Road (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 8: US Army Corporal Clemon Knapp Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 12: US Army Private Raymond Lee Perkins Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 15: Chief Edward “Eddie” Keesecker Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 10: Urging WV congressional delegation support legislation authorizing county governments to sell FEMA property (House Government Organization)
  • SCR 11: US Marine Corps PFC Noel Harper Fields Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 14: US Army PFC William Gorman Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 16: Urging US Congress enact reforms to federal permitting policies to accelerate deployment of new energy infrastructure (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 17: Reaffirming support of WV Legislature for State of Israel and Jewish people (Adopted, 01-24)
  • SCR 18: Stanley W. and Evelyn C. See Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 19: US Army PFC Henry W. Baldwin Memorial Bridge (House Technology and Infrastructure)
  • SCR 20: Proclaiming fourth Saturday of November to be annually designated as Ukrainian Holodomor-Genocide Remembrance Day (House Rules)

Action on House Bills in the Senate as of Thursday, February 1, 2024 (42)

  • HB 4017: To modify certain election laws, early voting laws, and absentee voting laws (Judiciary)
  • HB 4026: Authorizing the Department of Administration to promulgate a legislative rule relating to state owned vehicles (S Third Reading, 02-02)
  • HB 4190: Relating to the establishment of an alert system for missing cognitively impaired persons (Judiciary)
  • HB 4205: Relating to changing the process of election litigation (Judiciary)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)
  • HB 4302: Modifying the criminal penalties imposed on a parent, guardian or custodian for child abuse (Judiciary)
  • HB 4350: Relating to appointment of candidates after filing period (Government Organization)
  • HB 4376: Relating to surgical smoke evacuation (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4428: Requiring candidates to live in the state or local election district for the office for which they are seeking (Judiciary)
  • HB 4431: Permitting the cremation of unidentified remains (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4432: Relating to midlevel practitioners (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4433: Relating to exempting the acquisition and utilization of a mobile facility which performs mammography or low density computerized tomography (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4434: Relating to restrictions on use or sale of motor vehicles based on power source (Transportation and Infrastructure)
  • HB 4552: To ensure party affiliation is consistent with candidate’s voter registration (Judiciary)
  • HB 4594: Relating to extending managed care (S Second Reading, 02-02)
  • HB 4595: Relating to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4620: Removing the expiration date from the food handler card (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4666: Relating to establishing criminal penalties for human trafficking (Judiciary)
  • HB 4683: Requiring parents or guardians to participate in programs for juveniles in an out-of-home placement (Judiciary)
  • HB 4697: Add protections for WV residents who reside out of state for certain time periods from non-renewal of licenses and registration (Transportation and Infrastructure)
  • HB 4756: Creating a state Alzheimer’s plan task force (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4759: Relating to E-Verify, the federal employment authorization program (Government Organization)
  • HB 4764: Provide one trip temporary vehicle permits to be purchased and printed online (Transportation and Infrastructure)
  • HB 4766: Require Division of Highways to place signage up 30 days prior to road closure (Transportation and Infrastructure)
  • HB 4768: Relating to increasing the number of out-of-state medical students receiving in-state tuition rates who agree to practice for a specific time within West Virginia (Education)
  • HB 4769: Clarifying appropriate and inappropriate duties for school counselors while also providing the definition of a school counselor (Education)
  • HB 4776: Relating to adding elementary schools into school disciplinary measures (Education)
  • HB 4783: Relating to the practice of optometry (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4793: Relating to moonshine (Government Organization)
  • HB 4801: Relating generally to the banking authority of the State Treasurer’s Office (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 4814: Relating to extending the reporting and sunset dates of the State Advisory Council on Postsecondary Attainment Goals (Education)
  • HB 4817: Relating to updating the practice of nursing (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4830: To address the professional development of teachers (Education)
  • HB 4832: Relating to state superintendent’s reports regarding the finances of school districts (Education)
  • HB 4837: Clarifying the duty of banks to retain and procure records (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 4838: Require county boards of education to provide long-term substitute teachers, upon hiring, with certain information (Education)
  • HB 4860: Providing that a general education teacher may not be responsible for accommodation logs (Education)
  • HB 4874: Relating to fatality and mortality review team (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4908: Relating to permitting the state agencies to contract with the West Virginia public health Institute (Health and Human Resources)
  • HB 4976: Providing the contact information of the Inspector General on the agencies and boards websites of the executive departments (Government Organization)
  • HB 5332: Excepting persons previously commissioned as a notary public from requirement to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be recommissioned as a notary public (Pending Senate introduction)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Thursday, February 1, 2024 (5 – 3 Senate; 2 House)

  • SB 269: Excluding test strips from definition of drug paraphernalia (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 462: Updating definitions of certain terms used in Personal Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • SB 483: Amending Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4252: Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protective Orders Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Thursday, February 1, 2024 (4)

  • HCR 1: Raising a Joint Assembly to hear remarks of the Governor (Adopted, 01-10)
  • HCR 13: Commemorating the life of Marilyn Kay Parsons (Adopted, 01-11)
  • SCR 16: Urging US Congress enact reforms to federal permitting policies to accelerate deployment of new energy infrastructure (Adopted. 01-24)
  • SCR 17: Reaffirming support of WV Legislature for State of Israel and Jewish people (Adopted. 01-24)

Bills Signed by the Governor as of Thursday, February 1, 2024 (1 – 1 House)

  • HB 4274: Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources (Signed, 01-26)

Committee times and agendas are subject to change. Follow @WVSenClerk on Twitter for updates.

All Senate Committee meetings and floor sessions are available for both live streaming and to watch again in our archives. The link to the Senate’s archived video page can be found here:http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Continue reading