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Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Friday, March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025
Written by Cheyenne

Friday, March 28, 2025 – 45th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 12 p.m.

SENATE CALENDAR

Scheduled Committee Meetings

10 a.m.: Transportation and Infrastructure (451M)

SB 553: Relating to offense of driving above speed limit on controlled access highway or interstate highway
SCR 5: US Marine Corps Sergeant Robert Milford Payne Memorial Bridge
SCR 6: US Army Major Jerome Lee Workman Memorial Bridge
Com. Sub. for SCR 8: US Army E6 Dennis Charles Hurley Memorial Bridge
Com. Sub. for SCR 9: Becker Brothers, Eugene and Kermit Becker Memorial Bridge
SCR 16: US Army SPC Johnny Long Memorial Bridge
Com. Sub. for SCR 17: US Marine Corps PVT Arlie Haught Memorial Bridge
Com. Sub. for HCR 8: PFC Lester E. Maynard Memorial Bridge
Com. Sub. for HCR 9: Robert S. Pomeroy Memorial Bridge
Com. Sub. for HCR 10: USMC PFC Robert Thomas Taylor Memorial Road
Com. Sub. for HCR 27: BG Edmund “Frank” Roleff, WVNG Memorial Road
Com. Sub. for HCR 28: Frank Lee Maddy Memorial Road.
Com. Sub. for HCR 31: U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Quewanncoii “Que” Stephens, Sr. Memorial Bridge
Com. Sub. for HCR 78: Urging the Commissioner of Highways to prioritize completion of I-73, the King Coal Highway

11 a.m.: Energy, Industry and Mining (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 883: Providing director of WV Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training discretion and authority in certain appointments
Originating Bill 1: Modifying diesel-powered equipment regulations for underground coal mines
Originating Bill 2: Modifying authority of the local conservation district regarding dam control inspections

2 p.m.: Government Organization (208W)

Originating Bill 1: Relating to zoning ordinance and definition of use of property

2 p.m.: Education (451M)

SB 470: Creating WV Athletic Freedom Act
SB 804: Relating to WV Secondary School Activities Commission Reform Act

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

SB 158: Modifying eligibility requirements for serving as member of State Board of Education
SB 848: Enacting bank protections for eligible adults from financial exploitation
SB 827: Updating requirements for parole hearings and notifications
SB 828: Clarifying requirements for persons employed by Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation include contracted vendor staff
SB 745: Strengthening and reforming lobbying requirements

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

SB 677: Increasing fees charged by Commissioner of Securities for each offering
Com. Sub. for SB 701: Classifying forestry equipment for levy purposes
Com. Sub. for SB 730: Establishing Forest Carbon Registry

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

Committee Action on Bills from Thursday, March 27, 2025

Government Organization

Com. Sub. for SB 593: Relating to electronic voting and preserving voting data
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 916: Creating Agritourism Modernization Act
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 890: Relating to auctioneers
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 921: Creating WV Medical Services Oversight and Support Act
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 892: Relating to property valuation
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

SB 837: Eliminating WV Office of Equal Opportunity
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 790: Increasing oversight and regulatory authority of PSC over public service districts
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 626: Relating to qualifications of regional airport authority members
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 801: Creating WV Public Waterway Access Act
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Originating Bill 1: Relating to zoning ordinance and definition of use of property
Bill laid over to Friday’s meeting

Originating Bill 2: Relating to prohibitions pursuant to the WV Water Pollution Control Act
Originating bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Education

SB 197: Limiting requirements for issuance of professional teaching certificate
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 765: Establishing Troops to Teachers Program
Committee substitute for the committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 914: Relating to testing and attendance requirements for private, parochial, and church schools
Bill laid over

Eng. HB 2516: To repeal antiquated and inoperative portions of code
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 3192: To repeal obsolete, conflicting or inoperative provisions of code that pertain to higher education
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Economic Development

Com. Sub. for SB 869: Creating Corridor H Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 907: Relating to high impact development projects
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 908: Requiring Department of Economic Development to establish WV Produced or Manufactured Program
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Health and Human Resources

Com. Sub. for SB 810: Clarifying requirements for administration of anesthesia and chronic pain practice by certain licensed nurses
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 886: Relating to Foster Child Bill of Rights
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 517: Requiring medical professionals to report injuries and side effects from vaccines to Bureau for Public Health
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 904: Clarifying duties and responsibilities of Secretary of Department of Health, Commissioner of Bureau for Public Health, and State Health Officer
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 873: Providing for process to address homeless population
Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 632: Prohibiting surprise billing of ground emergency medical services by nonparticipating providers
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 925: Creating needs-based assessment for EMS
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Judiciary

Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 531: Defining assault and battery on sports officials
Committee substitute for the committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 875: Relating to container labeling of nonintoxicating beer and nonintoxicating craft beer
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 85: Prohibiting use or sale of abortifacients
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 722: Creating WV Short Line Railroad Modernization Act
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 724: Relating to taxation
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 748: Creating Safer Communities Act
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Originating SJR 1: Relating to Homestead Exemption
Originating Joint Resolution reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it be adopted

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Thursday, March 27, 2025 (151 – 142 Senate; 9 House)

Committee times and agendas are subject to change. Follow @WVSenClerk on X 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:https://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Member Press Release

This Week in the House of Delegates

March 28, 2025
Written by Cheyenne

For the week ending March 28, 2025

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Members of the House of Delegates began meeting twice a day this week as the legislative deadline for bills to pass from the House of Delegates to the Senate draws near.

The House overwhelmingly voted Tuesday to pass Senate Bill 199, which was more than a year in the making. The measure would address student behavior intervention and teacher safety. It would establish guidelines for the re-entry of a student who has been excluded from the classroom or school bus for disorderly conduct. A behavioral plan, developed by a school counselor, school social worker or school psychologist, would need to be developed before the student could return. It also would require the counselor or social worker to participate in a conference and implement a behavioral plan before a student who had been excluded twice in one semester could be readmitted.

Delegates spent a great deal of time on the floor this week discussing foster care and child welfare. House Bill 2027, which passed the full House by a vote of 97-2, would change the process for the state to remove a child from a foster home. It would specify that a child who has been in a suitable placement for more than 15 consecutive months, or 50 percent of the child’s life, cannot be removed unless it is in the child’s best interest.

House Bill 2880 had only one vote against its passage. It would assign a “Parent Resource Navigator” through the Court Improvement Program or Public Defender Services to serve as part of the Bureau for Children and Families’ multidisciplinary team. This individual would be charged with helping parents trying to be unified or reunified with their children work through the legal system.

House Bill 2377, which unanimously passed the House Thursday, would bring more transparency to fatalities and near fatalities of children involved in the child welfare system while still maintaining necessary confidentiality. It would update child welfare data reporting and create a Critical Incident Review Team to review both fatalities and near fatalities involving children in the child welfare system. It would allow the Foster Care Ombudsman to access relevant reports and would require reports to be retained for at least one year.

House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, addressed the House at the end of Wednesday’s floor session, reminding them the incremental changes they had voted on that day ultimately result in systematic reforms.

“It may not have seemed that way to those outside the body, outside the building, but we took up questions today of how we address — how society addresses — some of the most vulnerable people in our charge,” Hanshaw said. “We took up a discussion about foster care and young people who are our responsibility. We talked about issues of criminal justice reform, how one gets a black mark expunged from one’s record to enter the workforce and rejoin society as a productive member. We talked about issues of criminal justice. This was a big day.”

Speaker Hanshaw also noted the oversized emphasis that often becomes put on the Legislature when crises occur.

“You know, not every problem — not every problem — can be solved by the government. Not every problem can be solved by a law, not every problem can be solved by a judge, not every problem can be solved by the governor,” he said. “We had, on the discussion of our first bill today, what I believe to be a very meaningful conversation about what the role is of families in society and how we as the government relate to those who are just simply trying to keep a family together.

“And I think it’s important to note that we have children in foster care in West Virginia. We have a foster care problem that wasn’t created by the government, that wasn’t created by the courts, that wasn’t created by the Legislature, that wasn’t created by DHHR. It was created because men and women chose to prioritize drugs and substance abuse and other things over their children.”

Hanshaw reminded the Delegates to “continually reflect on the fact that the very best we can do is our best.”

“Our goal today, for the next period of time we have together, for this legislative session and always, needs to be to contribute as well as we can contribute in the society to allow men and women of West Virginia, families of West Virginia, citizens of West Virginia, to solve our own problems and continue to create an environment in which that’s possible.”

The 60-day, regular legislative session ends at midnight April 12.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Thursday, March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025
Written by Cheyenne

Thursday, March 27, 2025 – 44th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

SR 41: Designating March 27, 2025, as Local Food and Farm Day

THIRD READING

Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 505: Ensuring Reliable and Affordable Electricity Act
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 529: Relating generally to liability insurance coverage for Board of Education
Eng. Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 570: Requiring economic impact statements for certain legislative rules
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 820: Whistleblower Protection Fund Act
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 823: Clarifying and separating duties between Division of Emergency Management and DEP
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 825: Permitting higher education institutions enter agreements with non-profit organizations for economic development and job creation
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 829: Modifying classes of state of preparedness declared by Governor or Legislature
Eng. SB 839: Requiring Division of Labor establish separate rules for residential or commercial plumbing
Eng. SB 856: Removing certain reporting requirements to Joint Committee on Government and Finance
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 861: Updating references to reflect consolidation of Information Services and Communications Division into Office of Technology
Eng. SB 862: Repealing antiquated language related to Voluntary Gilding Dome Check-Off Program
Eng. SB 863: Removing reference to Information Services and Communications Division
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 864: Clarifying inference of criminal intent in burglary prosecution
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 871: Removing persons who perform drywall services from definition of “contractor” in Contractor Licensing Act
Eng. SB 876: Terminating certain requirements for Tax Commissioner to submit reports, publish information, and provide notice

SECOND READING

Com. Sub. for SB 225: Expanding powers of National Park Service law-enforcement officers
Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 506: Relating to enhanced pay for certain teachers
Com. Sub. for SB 576: Authorizing fixed odds racing in horse and dog racing (original similar to HB 3418)
Com. Sub. for SB 690: Authorizing county commissions to increase compensation of elected county officials
Com. Sub. for SB 707: Providing increase in salary to WV Birth-to-Three contracted therapists and employees
Com. Sub. for SB 708: Providing state mine inspectors with raise
Com. Sub. for SB 763: Creating Public Electrical Savings Act
Com. Sub. for SB 833: Excluding pharmaceutical medication from prior authorization gold card process
Com. Sub. for SB 844: Exempting non-native quail and partridge from game farm requirement if owned for agricultural purposes
Com. Sub. for SB 850: Creating Protecting Shareholders Act
SB 866: Requiring WV Board of Education to promulgate legislative rule in consultation with WV Board of Physical Therapy
Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 874: Permitting current home confinement officers to participate in Emergency Medical Services Retirement System
Com. Sub. for SB 934: Relating to low-proof spirit alcohol products
Eng. HB 2387: To repeal the class A1 Pistol stamp for hunting
Eng. HB 2402: Relating to providing access to medical records; providing access to a minor’s medical record – (com. amend. pending)
Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2411: To provide and change graduation requirements and change duties relating to academic content standards

FIRST READING

Com. Sub. for SB 739: Relating to recovery residences

Scheduled Committee Meetings

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 593: Relating to electronic voting and preserving voting data
Com. Sub. for SB 916: Creating Agritourism Modernization Act
SB 917: Limiting civil liability for academic medical centers and teaching hospitals affiliated with medical and dental schools
Com. Sub. for SB 890: Relating to auctioneers
SB 921: Creating WV Medical Services Oversight and Support Act
SB 892: Relating to property valuation
SB 837: Eliminating WV Office of Equal Opportunity
SB 790: Increasing oversight and regulatory authority of PSC over public service districts
SB 626: Relating to qualifications of regional airport authority members
SB 801: Creating WV Public Waterway Access Act
Originating Bill 1: Relating to zoning ordinance and definition of use of property
Originating Bill 2: Relating to prohibitions pursuant to the WV Water Pollution Control Act

9:30 a.m.: Education (451M)

SB 197: Limiting requirements for issuance of professional teaching certificate
SB 765: Establishing Troops to Teachers Program
SB 912: Relating to student growth assessment program
SB 914: Relating to testing and attendance requirements for private, parochial, and church schools
HB 2516: To repeal antiquated and inoperative portions of code.
HB 3192: To repeal obsolete, conflicting or inoperative provisions of code that pertain to higher education

1 p.m.: Economic Development (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 869: Creating Corridor H Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority
Com. Sub. for SB 907: Relating to high impact development projects
Com. Sub. for SB 908: Requiring Department of Economic Development to establish WV Produced or Manufactured Program

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

SB 810: Clarifying requirements for administration of anesthesia and chronic pain practice by certain licensed nurses
SB 886: Relating to Foster Child Bill of Rights
SB 517: Requiring medical professionals to report injuries and side effects from vaccines to Bureau for Public Health
SB 904: Clarifying duties and responsibilities of Secretary of Department of Health, Commissioner of Bureau for Public Health, and State Health Officer
SB 873: Providing for process to address homeless population
SB 632: Prohibiting surprise billing of ground emergency medical services by nonparticipating providers
SB 925: Creating needs-based assessment for EMS

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 745: Strengthening and reforming lobbying requirements
SB 531: Defining assault and battery on sports officials
SB 875: Relating to container labeling of nonintoxicating beer and nonintoxicating craft beer
SB 85: Prohibiting use or sale of abortifacients

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

SB 722: Creating WV Short Line Railroad Modernization Act
SB 724: Relating to taxation
SB 748: Creating Safer Communities Act
Originating SJR 1: Relating to Homestead Exemption

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

Senate Bill to be Introduced Thursday, March 27, 2025

SB 938: Expiring funds from Department of Administration [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel; Finance)

Committee Action on Bills from Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Natural Resources

Com. Sub. for SB 801: Creating WV Public Waterway Access Act
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Government Organization

Eng. HB 2387: To repeal the class A1 Pistol stamp for hunting
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Select Committee on Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health

Com. Sub. for SB 739: Relating to recovery residences
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

Originating Bill 1: Relating to testing for individuals in drug treatment
Originating bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Agriculture

Com. Sub. for SB 805: Relating to land use associations
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Government Organization

Com. Sub. for SB 844: Exempting non-native quail and partridge from game farm requirement if owned for agricultural purposes
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Banking and Insurance

Com. Sub. for SB 850: Creating Protecting Investors Act
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 878: Reallocating portion of fire insurance and casualty premium tax to Municipal Pensions Security Fund in certain circumstances
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Judiciary

SB 728: Relating generally to transfer on death deed
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 761: Creating Joel Archer Substance Abuse Intervention Act
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 727: Directing study of child welfare system be conducted by independent third party
Motion to report the bill to the full Senate failed; bill not reported

Com. Sub. for SB 663: Creating Fair Access to Financial Services Act
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Finance

Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 506: Relating to enhanced pay for teachers
Committee substitute for the committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 708: Providing state mine inspectors with raise
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 576: Authorizing fixed odds racing in horse and dog racing
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 874: Permitting current home confinement officers to participate in Emergency Medical Services Retirement System
Committee substitute for the committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Judiciary Subcommittee for SB 745, Strengthening and reforming lobbying requirements

Subcommittee reported the committee substitute, as amended, to the full committee with the recommendation that section 5 (relating to grassroots activity) be introduced as a study resolution

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Wednesday, March 26, 2025 (136 – 127 Senate; 9 House)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Wednesday, March 26, 2025 (21 – 16 Senate; 5 House)

SB 8: Providing additional sites and devices for newborn safe surrender (Signed, 03-26)
SB 138: Enhancing penalties for fleeing officer (Signed, 03-24)
SB 240: Updating crime of sexual extortion (Signed, 03-24)
SB 283: Expanding grade levels of personal finance course requirements needed for graduation (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 291: Extending time frame for pharmacies to register from annually to biennially (Signed, 03-24)
SB 358: Authorizing Department of Transportation to promulgate legislative rules (Signed, 03-20)
SB 336: Authorizing Department of Homeland Security to promulgate legislative rules (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 369: Authorizing miscellaneous boards and agencies to promulgate legislative rules (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 443: Authorizing Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board of Examiners to conduct criminal background checks for licensing (Signed, 03-24)
SB 456: Defining “men” and “women” (Signed, 03-12)
SB 462: Permitting Board of Occupational Therapy to require criminal history record checks (Signed, 03-24)
SB 486: Clarifying eligibility requirements to vote in WV elections (Signed, 03-26)
SB 487: Removing ineligible voters from active voter rolls (Signed, 03-25)
SB 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (Signed, 03-18)
SB 492: Removing outdated provisions governing political committees (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 621: Authorizing digital court records (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2053: Relating to including the United States Space Force in the definition armed forces (Signed, 03-21)
HB 2222: Relating to authorizing certain agencies of the Department of Administration to promulgate legislative rules (Signed, 03-26)
HB 2354: Banning certain products from food in West Virginia (Signed, 03-24)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Wednesday, March 26, 2025 (10 – 5 Senate; 5 House)

SCR 1: Adopting Joint Rules of Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 01-08)
SCR 2: Authorizing payment of joint expenses (Adopted, 01-08)
SCR 4: Amending Joint Rules of Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 02-12)
SCR 15: Opposing China’s use of UN Resolution 2758 against Taiwan (Adopted, 03-19)
SCR 20: Recognizing and commending NCSL on its 50th anniversary (Adopted, 03-18)
HCR 1: Raising a Joint Assembly to open and publish election returns (Adopted, 01-08)
HCR 2: Extending an invitation to His Excellency, the Governor, to deliver an address to the Legislature and raising a Joint Assembly therefor (Adopted, 01-08)
HCR 3: Providing for an adjournment of the Legislature until February 12, 2025 (Adopted, 01-08)
HCR 4: Raising a Joint Assembly to hear remarks of the Governor (Adopted, 01-12)
HCR 49: Resolution relating to use of industrial sites and the potential impacts on downstream facilities (Adopted, 03-03)

Bills Signed by the Governor as of Wednesday, March 26, 2025 (16 – 11 Senate; 5 House)

SB 8: Providing additional sites and devices for newborn safe surrender (Signed, 03-26)
SB 138: Enhancing penalties for fleeing officer (Signed, 03-24)
SB 240: Updating crime of sexual extortion (Signed, 03-24)
SB 291: Extending time frame for pharmacies to register from annually to biennially (Signed, 03-24)
SB 358: Authorizing Department of Transportation to promulgate legislative rules (Signed, 03-20)
SB 443: Authorizing Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board of Examiners to conduct criminal background checks for licensing (Signed, 03-24)
SB 456: Defining “men” and “women” (Signed, 03-12)
SB 462: Permitting Board of Occupational Therapy to require criminal history record checks (Signed, 03-24)
SB 486: Clarifying eligibility requirements to vote in WV elections (Signed, 03-26)
SB 487: Removing ineligible voters from active voter rolls (Signed, 03-25)
SB 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (Signed, 03-18)
HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2053: Relating to including the United States Space Force in the definition armed forces (Signed, 03-21)
HB 2222: Relating to authorizing certain agencies of the Department of Administration to promulgate legislative rules (Signed, 03-26)
HB 2354: Banning certain products from food in West Virginia (Signed, 03-24)

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

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Wednesday, March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025
Written by Cheyenne

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 – 43rd Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

THIRD READING

Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 10: Exempting certain meat processes from consumers sales and service tax (original similar to HB 2146)
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 35: Permitting campus police officers to participate in Deputy Sheriffs Retirement System
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 54: Requiring age-appropriate instruction on Holocaust in public schools
Eng. SB 249: Expanding employment and training requirements necessary for SNAP benefits
Eng. SB 292: Allowing doula services be covered by Medicaid and PEIA
Eng. Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 464: Creating license plate for recipients of Medal of Valor
Eng. Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 474: Ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs (original similar to HB 2005)
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 526: Creating Pharmacist Prescribing Authority Act
Eng. Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 587: Relating generally to government contracting
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 617: Discouraging gang activity
Eng. Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 646: Increasing non-traditional instruction days for WV teachers
Eng. Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 652: Expanding cardiac arrest provisions to be applicable to elementary schools
Eng. SB 655: Providing limited immunity for mental health providers who are involved in mental hygiene checks (original similar to HB 3093)
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 705: Allowing Board of Education to promulgate rules for submission to Legislature
Eng. SB 725: Relating to unlawful expenditures by local fiscal bodies
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 899: Protecting coal and gas minerals from carbon capture practices

SECOND READING

Com. Sub. for SB 505: Ensuring Reliable and Affordable Electricity Act
Com. Sub. for SB 529: Relating generally to liability insurance coverage for Board of Education
Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 570: Requiring economic impact statements for certain legislative rules
Com. Sub. for SB 690: Authorizing county commissions to increase compensation of elected county officials
Com. Sub. for SB 763: Creating Public Electrical Savings Act
Com. Sub. for SB 820: Whistleblower Protection Fund Act
Com. Sub. for SB 823: Clarifying and separating duties between Division of Emergency Management and DEP
Com. Sub. for SB 825: Permitting higher education institutions enter agreements with non-profit organizations for economic development and job creation
Com. Sub. for SB 829: Modifying classes of state of preparedness declared by Governor or Legislature
SB 839: Requiring Division of Labor establish separate rules for residential or commercial plumbing
SB 856: Removing certain reporting requirements to Joint Committee on Government and Finance
Com. Sub. for SB 861: Updating references to reflect consolidation of Information Services and Communications Division into Office of Technology
SB 862: Repealing antiquated language related to Voluntary Gilding Dome Check-Off Program
SB 863: Removing reference to Information Services and Communications Division
Com. Sub. for SB 864: Clarifying inference of criminal intent in burglary prosecution
Com. Sub. for SB 871: Removing persons who perform drywall services from definition of “contractor” in Contractor Licensing Act
SB 876: Terminating certain requirements for Tax Commissioner to submit reports, publish information, and provide notice
Eng. HB 2402: Relating to providing access to medical records; providing access to a minor’s medical record – (com. amend. pending)
Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2411: To provide and change graduation requirements and change duties relating to academic content standards

FIRST READING

Com. Sub. for SB 225: Expanding powers of National Park Service law-enforcement officers
SB 866: Requiring WV Board of Education to promulgate legislative rule in consultation with WV Board of Physical Therapy

Scheduled Committee Meetings

9:30 a.m.: Natural Resources (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 801: Creating WV Public Waterway Access Act
Eng. HB 2387: To repeal the class A1 Pistol stamp for hunting

1 p.m.: Select Committee on Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health (451M)

SB 739: Relating to recovery residences

2 p.m.: Agriculture (208W)

Com. Sub. SB 805: Relating to land use associations
SB 844: Exempting coturnix quail from game farm requirement if they are owned for agricultural purposes

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

Com. Sub. for SB 850: Creating Protecting Investors Act
SB 878: Reallocating portion of fire insurance and casualty premium tax to Municipal Pensions Security Fund in certain circumstances

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

SB 728: Relating generally to transfer on death deed
Com. Sub. for SB 761: Creating Joel Archer Substance Abuse Intervention Act
SB 727: Directing study of child welfare system be conducted by independent third party
SB 85: Prohibiting use or sale of abortifacients

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

Com. Sub. for SB 506: Relating to enhanced pay for teachers
Com. Sub. for SB 708: Providing state mine inspectors with raise
SB 576: Authorizing fixed odds racing in horse and dog racing
Com. Sub. for SB 874: Permitting current home confinement officers to participate in Emergency Medical Services Retirement System

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

Senate Resolutions to be Introduced Wednesday, March 26, 2025

SR 41: Designating March 27, 2025, as Local Food and Farm Day (Thorne, Hamilton)

Committee Action on Bills from Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Government Organization

Com. Sub. for SB 690: Authorizing county commissions to increase compensation of elected county officials
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 871: Removing persons who perform drywall services from within the definition of “contractor” in Contractor Licensing Act
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 862: Repealing antiquated language related to Voluntary Gilding Dome Check-Off Program
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 863: Removing reference to Information Services and Communications Division
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 876: Terminating certain requirements for Tax Commissioner to submit reports, publish information, and provide notice
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 861: Updating references to reflect consolidation of Information Services and Communications Division into Office of Technology
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 856: Removing certain reporting requirements to Joint Committee on Government and Finance
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 823: Clarifying and separating duties between Division of Emergency Management and DEP
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 829: Modifying classes of state of preparedness declared by Governor or Legislature
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Education

SB 89: Creating alternative high-risk population public charter schools
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

SB 881: Modifying authority of certain higher education entities to sell and transfer property
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Government Organization

Com. Sub. for SB 529: Relating generally to liability insurance coverage for Board of Education
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

SB 866: Requiring WV Board of Education to promulgate legislative rule in consultation with WV Board of Physical Therapy
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 911: Relating to adjunct teaching permits
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Pensions

SB 872: Allowing certain contracted counsel for executive agencies to purchase years of service in PERS
Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Economic Development

Com. Sub. for SB 825: Permitting higher education institutions enter agreements with non-profit organizations for economic development and job creation
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 834: Relating to tax credit for qualified rehabilitated buildings investment
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Health and Human Resources

SB 252: Requiring coverage of home blood pressure monitoring devices for certain Medicaid recipients
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 821: Requiring child protective services workers to wear body-worn cameras
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 822: Requiring Department of Human Services use mobile technology to assist in certain investigations
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

SB 865: Relating to best interests of child standard
Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

Com. Sub. for SB 887: Creating intermediate conservatorship or guardianship process prior to individual being involuntarily committed
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

Com. Sub. for SB 905: Requiring PEIA and other health insurance providers to provide payment parity for certain services
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

SB 913: Relating to brain injury screening training
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 922: Streamlining and enhancing early childhood education and child care services in WV
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Judiciary

Com. Sub. for SB 225: Expanding powers of National Park Service law-enforcement officers
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 745: Strengthening and reforming lobbying requirements
Bill referred to subcommittee; Senators Helton (R-Fayette), Garcia (D-Marion), Taylor (R-Taylor), Deeds (R-Greenbrier), and Rose (R-Monongalia) appointed

Finance

SB 891: Creating State Central Legal Advertising website
Motion to report the bill to the full Senate failed

Com. Sub. for SB 934: Relating to low-proof spirit alcohol products
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 707: Providing increase in salary to WV Birth-to-Three contracted therapists and employees
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 833: Excluding pharmaceutical medication from prior authorization gold card process
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Tuesday, March 25, 2025 (120 – 111 Senate; 9 House)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Tuesday, March 25, 2025 (20 – 15 Senate; 5 House)

SB 8: Providing additional sites and devices for newborn safe surrender (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 138: Enhancing penalties for fleeing officer (Signed, 03-24)
SB 240: Updating crime of sexual extortion (Signed, 03-24)
SB 291: Extending time frame for pharmacies to register from annually to biennially (Signed, 03-24)
SB 358: Authorizing Department of Transportation to promulgate legislative rules (Signed, 03-20)
SB 336: Authorizing Department of Homeland Security to promulgate legislative rules (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 369: Authorizing miscellaneous boards and agencies to promulgate legislative rules (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 443: Authorizing Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board of Examiners to conduct criminal background checks for licensing (Signed, 03-24)
SB 456: Defining “men” and “women” (Signed, 03-12)
SB 462: Permitting Board of Occupational Therapy to require criminal history record checks (Signed, 03-24)
SB 486: Clarifying eligibility requirements to vote in WV elections (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 487: Removing ineligible voters from active voter rolls (Signed, 03-25)
SB 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (Signed, 03-18)
SB 492: Removing outdated provisions governing political committees (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 621: Authorizing digital court records (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2053: Relating to including the United States Space Force in the definition armed forces (Signed, 03-21)
HB 2222: Relating to authorizing certain agencies of the Department of Administration to promulgate legislative rules (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 2354: Banning certain products from food in West Virginia (Signed, 03-24)

Bills Signed by the Governor as of Tuesday, March 25, 2025 (13 – 9 Senate; 4 House)

SB 138: Enhancing penalties for fleeing officer (Signed, 03-24)
SB 240: Updating crime of sexual extortion (Signed, 03-24)
SB 291: Extending time frame for pharmacies to register from annually to biennially (Signed, 03-24)
SB 358: Authorizing Department of Transportation to promulgate legislative rules (Signed, 03-20)
SB 443: Authorizing Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board of Examiners to conduct criminal background checks for licensing (Signed, 03-24)
SB 456: Defining “men” and “women” (Signed, 03-12)
SB 462: Permitting Board of Occupational Therapy to require criminal history record checks (Signed, 03-24)
SB 487: Removing ineligible voters from active voter rolls (Signed, 03-25)
SB 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (Signed, 03-18)
HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2053: Relating to including the United States Space Force in the definition armed forces (Signed, 03-21)
HB 2354: Banning certain products from food in West Virginia (Signed, 03-24)

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

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Tuesday, March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025
Written by Cheyenne

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 – 42nd Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

SCR 21: Requesting study of sexual assault crime rates in WV

THIRD READING

Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 128: Preventing courts from ordering services at higher rate than Medicaid
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 595: Creating Mountain Bike Responsibility Act
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 721: Authorizing use of unmanned aerial vehicles to track certain mortally wounded wild animals
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 800: Relating to insurance holding company systems
Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2158: Relating to removal of a sunset clause for the West Virginia spay and neuter program – (Com. title amend. pending)

SECOND READING

Com. Sub. for SB 10: Exempting certain meat processes from consumers sales and service tax (original similar to HB 2146)
Com. Sub. for SB 35: Permitting campus police officers to participate in Deputy Sheriffs Retirement System
Com. Sub. for SB 54: Requiring age-appropriate instruction on Holocaust in public schools
SB 249: Expanding employment and training requirements necessary for SNAP benefits
SB 292: Allowing doula services be covered by Medicaid and PEIA
Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 464: Creating license plate for recipients of Medal of Valor
Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 474: Ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs (original similar to HB 2005)
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 526: Creating Pharmacist Prescribing Authority Act – (Com. amend. pending)
Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 587: Relating generally to government contracting
Com. Sub. for SB 617: Discouraging gang activity
Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 646: Increasing non-traditional instruction days for WV teachers
Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 652: Expanding cardiac arrest provisions to be applicable to elementary schools
SB 655: Providing limited immunity for mental health providers who are involved in mental hygiene checks (original similar to HB 3093)
Com. Sub. for SB 705: Allowing Board of Education to promulgate rules for submission to Legislature
SB 725: Relating to unlawful expenditures by local fiscal bodies
Com. Sub. for SB 864: Clarifying inference of criminal intent in burglary prosecution
Com. Sub. for SB 899: Protecting coal and gas minerals from carbon capture practices
Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2382: Camping ban on certain public property – (Com. amend. pending)
Eng. HB 2402: Relating to providing access to medical records; providing access to a minor’s medical record – (Com. amend. pending)
Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2411: To provide and change graduation requirements and change duties relating to academic content standards

FIRST READING

Com. Sub. for SB 505: Ensuring Reliable and Affordable Electricity Act

Scheduled Committee Meetings

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 690: Authorizing county commissions to increase compensation of elected county officials
Com. Sub. for SB 871: Removing persons who perform drywall services from within the definition of “contractor” in Contractor Licensing Act
SB 862: Repealing antiquated language related to Voluntary Gilding Dome Check-Off Program
SB 863: Removing reference to Information Services and Communications Division
SB 876: Terminating certain requirements for Tax Commissioner to submit reports, publish information, and provide notice
Com. Sub. for SB 861: Updating references to reflect consolidation of Information Services and Communications Division into Office of Technology
SB 856: Removing certain reporting requirements to Joint Committee on Government and Finance
Com. Sub. for SB 823: Clarifying and separating duties between Division of Emergency Management and DEP
Com. Sub. for SB 829: Modifying classes of state of preparedness declared by Governor or Legislature

9:30 a.m.: Education (451M)

SB 261: Reorganizing School Building Authority as School Maintenance Authority
SB 89: Creating alternative high-risk population public charter schools
SB 881: Modifying authority of certain higher education entities to sell and transfer property
SB 529: Relating generally to liability insurance coverage for Board of Education
SB 866: Requiring WV Board of Education to promulgate legislative rule in consultation with WV Board of Physical Therapy
SB 911: Relating to adjunct teaching permits

1 p.m.: Economic Development (208W)

SB 825: Permitting higher education institutions enter agreements with non-profit organizations for economic development and job creation

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

SB 252: Requiring coverage of home blood pressure monitoring devices for certain Medicaid recipients
SB 821: Requiring child protective services workers to wear body-worn cameras
SB 822: Requiring Department of Human Services use mobile technology to assist in certain investigations
SB 865: Relating to best interests of child standard
SB 887: Creating intermediate conservatorship or guardianship process prior to individual being involuntarily committed
SB 905: Requiring PEIA and other health insurance providers to provide payment parity for certain services
SB 913: Relating to brain injury screening training
SB 922: Streamlining and enhancing early childhood education and child care services in WV

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

SB 225: Expanding powers of National Park Service law-enforcement officers
SB 472: Requiring transparency from Department of Human Services
SB 745: Strengthening and reforming lobbying requirements

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

SB 891: Creating State Central Legal Advertising website
SB 934: Relating to low-proof spirit alcohol products
Com. Sub. for SB 707: Providing increase in salary to WV Birth-to-Three contracted therapists and employees
SB 833: Excluding pharmaceutical medication from prior authorization gold card process

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Tuesday, March 25, 2025

SB 935: Supplementing and amending appropriations to Department of Homeland Security [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel; Finance)
SB 936: Supplementing and amending appropriations to Department of Arts, Culture, and History [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel; Finance)
SB 937: Supplementing and amending appropriations to Department of Economic Development [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel; Finance)

Committee Action on Bills from Monday, March 24, 2025

Government Organization

Com. Sub. for SB 810: Clarifying requirements for administration of anesthesia
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 820: Whistleblower Protection Fund Act
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 802: Establishing absent voter ballot tracking system to display status of early ballots and absent voter ballots to voters
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. SB 570: Requiring economic impact statements for certain legislative rules
Committee substitute for the committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 839: Requiring Division of Labor establish separate rules for residential or commercial plumbing
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Originating SCR 1: Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study incentives to promote location of beverage container recycling and redemption centers in West Virginia
Originating concurrent resolution reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it be adopted

Education

Com. Sub. for SB 755: Establishing WV Secondary School Athletic Trainer and Career Technical Education Program Act
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

SB 261: Reorganizing School Building Authority as School Maintenance Authority
Bill laid over to a future meeting

SB 89: Creating alternative high-risk population public charter schools
Bill laid over to a future meeting

Committee on Rules (219M – Senate President’s Conference Room)

Com. Sub. for SB 526: Creating Pharmacist Prescribing Authority Act
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Transportation and Infrastructure

SB 722: Creating WV Short Line Railroad Modernization Act
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

SB 792: Requiring drivers to observe same safety requirements regarding railroad crossing when on-track equipment is present
Bill laid over to a future meeting

Com. Sub. for SB 794: Designating certain roads as permitting high clearance 4×4 vehicles only
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

SB 807: Exempting automobiles 25 years or older from personal property taxes
Bill laid over to a future meeting

Energy, Industry and Mining

Com. Sub. for SB 505: Ensuring Reliable and Affordable Electricity Act
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Government Organization

Com. Sub. for SB 730: Establishing Forest Carbon Registry
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 763: Creating Public Electrical Savings Act
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 899: Protecting coal and gas minerals from carbon capture practices
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Pensions

Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 589: Providing pay increases to members of judiciary
Committee substitute for the committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 874: Permitting current home confinement officers to participate in Emergency Medical Services Retirement Plan
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Judiciary

Com. Sub for SB 617: Discouraging gang activity
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 864: Clarifying inference of criminal intent in burglary prosecution
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Finance

Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 464: Creating license plate for recipients of Medal of Valor
Committee substitute for the committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 585: Relating to Cohen Craddock Student Athlete Safety Act
Committee substitute for the committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 646: Increasing non-traditional instruction days for WV teachers
Committee substitute for the committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 652: Expanding cardiac arrest provisions to be applicable to elementary schools
Committee substitute for the committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 840: Relating to nonresident income tax for natural resources royalty payments received from lessees
Bill not taken up

SB 725: Relating to unlawful expenditures by local fiscal bodies
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 474: Ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs
Committee substitute for the committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 439: Relating to taxation of wind power projects
Bill not taken up

SB 577: Clarifying prohibited practices by manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch when providing new motor vehicle to dealer
Bill not taken up

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Monday, March 24, 2025 (116 – 107 Senate; 9 House)(108 – 101 Senate; 7 House)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Monday, March 24, 2025 (10 – 5 Senate; 5 House)

SCR 1: Adopting Joint Rules of Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 01-08)
SCR 2: Authorizing payment of joint expenses (Adopted, 01-08)
SCR 4: Amending Joint Rules of Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 02-12)
SCR 15: Opposing China’s use of UN Resolution 2758 against Taiwan (Adopted, 03-19)
SCR 20: Recognizing and commending NCSL on its 50th anniversary (Adopted, 03-18)
HCR 1: Raising a Joint Assembly to open and publish election returns (Adopted, 01-08)
HCR 2: Extending an invitation to His Excellency, the Governor, to deliver an address to the Legislature and raising a Joint Assembly therefor (Adopted, 01-08)
HCR 3: Providing for an adjournment of the Legislature until February 12, 2025 (Adopted, 01-08)
HCR 4: Raising a Joint Assembly to hear remarks of the Governor (Adopted, 01-12)
HCR 49: Resolution relating to use of industrial sites and the potential impacts on downstream facilities (Adopted, 03-03)

Bills Signed by the Governor as of Monday, March 24, 2025 (12 – 8 Senate; 4 House)

SB 138: Enhancing penalties for fleeing officer (Signed, 03-24)
SB 240: Updating crime of sexual extortion (Signed, 03-24)
SB 291: Extending time frame for pharmacies to register from annually to biennially (Signed, 03-24)
SB 358: Authorizing Department of Transportation to promulgate legislative rules (Signed, 03-20)
SB 443: Authorizing Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board of Examiners to conduct criminal background checks for licensing (Signed, 03-24)
SB 456: Defining “men” and “women” (Signed, 03-12)
SB 462: Permitting Board of Occupational Therapy to require criminal history record checks (Signed, 03-24)
SB 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (Signed, 03-18)
HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2053: Relating to including the United States Space Force in the definition armed forces (Signed, 03-21)
HB 2354: Banning certain products from food in West Virginia (Signed, 03-24)

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

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Monday, March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025
Written by Cheyenne

Monday, March 24, 2025 – 41st Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

THIRD READING

Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 1: Requiring utility work and road paving coordination
Eng. SB 100: Allowing members of State Police retirement system to use accrued leave as credit toward retirement
Eng. SB 105: Updating retirement eligibility for certain sheriffs (original similar to SB 192)
Eng. SB 579: Relating to Home Rule Reform
Eng. SB 743: Adjusting percentage of tax retained by clerk of county commission for certain purposes
Eng. SB 747: Relating to Real Estate License Act (original similar to HB 2010)
Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2129: Creating the Parents Bill of Rights.
Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2331: Relating to authorizing certain agencies of the Department of Commerce to promulgate legislative rules

SECOND READING

Com. Sub. for SB 128: Preventing courts from ordering services at higher rate than Medicaid
Com. Sub. for SB 595: Creating Mountain Bike Responsibility Act
Com. Sub. for SB 721: Authorizing use of unmanned aerial vehicles to track certain mortally wounded wild animals
Com. Sub. for SB 800: Relating to insurance holding company systems
Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2158: Relating to removal of a sunset clause for the West Virginia spay and neuter program – (Com. amend. and title amend. pending)

FIRST READING

Com. Sub. for SB 54: Requiring age-appropriate instruction on Holocaust in public schools
Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 587: Relating generally to government contracting
SB 655: Providing for immunity for mental health providers who are involved in mental hygiene checks (original similar to HB 3093)
Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2382: Camping ban on certain public property. (Com. amend. pending)
Eng. HB 2402: Relating to providing access to medical records; providing access to a minor’s medical record – (Com. amend. pending)
Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2411: To provide and change graduation requirements and change duties relating to academic content standards

Scheduled Committee Meetings

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization (208W)

Com. Sub. For SB 810: Clarifying requirements for administration of anesthesia
Com. Sub. For SB 820: Whistleblower Protection Fund Act
Com. Sub. For SB 802: Establishing absent voter ballot tracking system to display status of early ballots and absent voter ballots to voters
Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. SB 570: Requiring economic impact statements for certain legislative rules
SB 839: Requiring Division of Labor establish separate rules for residential or commercial plumbing
SB 855: Relating to incentive program to promote beverage container recycling

9:30 a.m.: Education (451M)

SB 755: Establishing WV Secondary School Athletic Trainer and Career Technical Education Program Act
SB 261: Reorganizing School Building Authority as School Maintenance Authority
SB 89: Creating alternative high-risk population public charter schools

10:50 a.m.: Committee on Rules (219M – Senate President’s Conference Room)

1 p.m.: Workforce (208W)

Presentations

Tim Thomas, General Manager, Mountain Transit Authority
Paula Smith, Executive Director, TriRiver Transit Authority

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

SB 722: Creating WV Short Line Railroad Modernization Act
SB 792: Requiring drivers to observe same safety requirements regarding railroad crossing when on-track equipment is present
Com. Sub. for SB 794: Designating certain roads as permitting high clearance 4×4 vehicles only
SB 807: Exempting automobiles 25 years or older from personal property taxes

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

Com. Sub. for SB 505: Ensuring Reliable and Affordable Electricity Act
Com. Sub. for SB 730: Establishing Forest Carbon Registry
Com. Sub. for SB 763: Creating Public Electrical Savings Act

2 p.m.: Pensions (451M)

Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 589: Providing pay increases to members of judiciary
SB 874: Permitting current home confinement officers to participate in Emergency Medical Services Retirement Plan

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

Com. Sub for SB 617: Discouraging gang activity
HB 2123: Modifying the criminal penalties imposed on a parent, guardian or custodian for child abuse
Com. Sub. for SB 761: Creating Joel Archer Substance Abuse Intervention Act

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

Com. Sub. for SB 464: Creating license plate for recipients of Medal of Valor
Com. Sub. for SB 585: Relating to Cohen Craddock Student Athlete Safety Act
Com. Sub. for SB 646: Increasing non-traditional instruction days for WV teachers
SB 840: Relating to nonresident income tax for natural resources royalty payments received from lessees
SB 725: Relating to unlawful expenditures by local fiscal bodies
Com. Sub. for SB 474: Ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs
Com. Sub. for SB 439: Relating to taxation of wind power projects
SB 577: Clarifying prohibited practices by manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch when providing new motor vehicle to dealer

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Monday, March 24, 2025

SB 881: Modifying authority of certain higher education entities to sell and transfer property (Woodrum, Oliverio; Education then Government Organization)
SB 882: Relating to utilities (Phillips, Hart; Energy, Industry and Mining then Finance)
SB 883: Providing director of WV Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training discretion and authority in certain appointments (Phillips; Energy, Industry and Mining)
SB 884: Relating to liability for injury or damage resulting from intoxication (Grady; Judiciary)
SB 885: Creating Tax Expenditure Limitation Act (Willis, Rose; Finance)
SB 886: Relating to foster child bill of rights (Chapman; Health and Human Resources)
SB 887: Creating intermediate conservatorship or guardianship process prior to individual being involuntarily committed (Chapman; Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
SB 888: Relating to testing for individuals in drug treatment (Takubo; Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
SB 889: Creating Sustaining Opportunities for Academics in Rural Schools Act (Rucker; Education then Finance)
SB 890: Relating to agency changes to auctioneers (FN) (Thorne; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 891: Creating State Central Legal Advertising website (Helton, Barrett, Roberts; Finance)
SB 892: Relating to property valuation (Woodrum; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 893: Establishing offense of assault upon service animal (Weld; Judiciary)
SB 894: Relating to King Coal Highway Economic Advisory Board Act (Hart, Rose; Economic Development then Finance)
SB 895: Relating generally to jurisdiction of Public Service Commission (Hart, Smith, Rose; Judiciary)
SB 896: Relating to Community School Protection Act (Hart; Education then Finance)
SB 897: Creating Community Schools Support Act (Hart; Education then Finance)
SB 898: Allowing DOH to contract for snow removal on secondary roads in Monongalia and Preston counties (FN) (Oliverio, Rose; Transportation and Infrastructure then Finance)
SB 899: Protecting coal and gas minerals from carbon capture practices (Rose, Smith, Azinger, Hart, Martin, Thorne, Willis; Energy, Industry and Mining)
SB 900: Limiting sale of vape products in WV (Stuart; Judiciary then Health and Human Resources)
SB 901: Maynard Requiring Department of Health to report positive Alpha Gal tests to CDC (Health and Human Resources)
SB 902: Securing WV baseload coal generation and ratepayer protection (Helton; Energy, Industry and Mining then Finance)
SB 903: Relating to Tobacco Products Excise Tax Act (FN) (Takubo; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 904: Clarifying duties and responsibilities of Secretary of Department of Health, Commissioner of Bureau for Public Health, and State Health Officer (Deeds; Health and Human Resources)
SB 905: Requiring Public Employees Insurance Agency and other health insurance providers to provide payment parity for same services provided by behavioral health, mental health, and medical and surgical health care providers (Chapman; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 906: Creating Community Schools Funding Formula Revision Act (Hart; Education then Finance)
SB 907: Relating to High Impact Development Projects (Jeffries; Economic Development)
SB 908: Requiring the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development to establish a WV Produced or Manufactured Program (Stuart; Economic Development)
SB 909: Relating to Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain mental health diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (Takubo; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 910: Increasing fee under Uniform Securities from 20 percent to 30 percent (Smith; Finance)
SB 911: Relating to adjunct teaching permits (Grady; Education)
SB 912: Relating to student growth assessment program (Grady; Education)
SB 913: Relating to brain injury screening training (Chapman; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 914: Relating to testing and attendance requirements for private, parochial, and church schools (Roberts, Rucker; Education)
SB 915: Providing at least one counselor for every 250 students in public schools and public charter schools (Roberts; Education then Finance)
SB 916: Creating Agro-Tourism Modernization Act. (FN) (Rucker; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 917: Creating limitation of civil liability for academic medical centers and teaching hospitals affiliated with medical and dental schools (Rucker; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 918: Establishing non-denominational chapel within WV State Capitol building (FN) (Maynard; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 919: Requiring CPS workers to record, via audio, all interactions during CPS visits (Maynard; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 920: Establishing Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission (Maynard; Natural Resources then Finance)
SB 921: Creating the West Virginia Emergency Medical Services Oversight and Support Act (FN) (Maynard; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 922: Relating to streamlining and enhancing early childhood education and childcare services in WV (FN) (Maynard; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 923: Creating the West Virginia Litter Control and Environmental Cleanup Act (FN) (Maynard; Natural Resources then Finance)
SB 924: Creating West Virginia Country Roads Mapping and Marketing (Maynard; Transportation and Infrastructure then Finance)
SB 925: Creating needs based assessment for EMS (Maynard; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 926: Requiring WV Department of Education to include optional Firefighter One Class as part of curriculum in grades 9 through 12 (Maynard; Education)
SB 927: Providing county boards of education option to obtain professional or other liability insurance coverage from other insurance carriers licensed in WV (Azinger; Banking and Insurance then Finance)
SB 928: Clarifying restrictions of lawful carry of deadly weapons surrounding State Capitol Complex grounds (Maynard; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 929: Restoring Private Schools Act (Hart, Roberts, Rose; Education)
SB 930: Creating WV constitutional Schools Act (Hart; Education then Finance)
SB 931: Relating to King Coal Highway Economic Advisory Board (FN) (Hart; Economic Development then Finance)
SB 932: Combining Legislative Auditor with State Auditor (Chapman; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 933: Reducing regulatory burdens on small entrepreneurs, independent contractors, and sole proprietors while updating outdated revenue thresholds (FN) (Queen; Finance)
SB 934: Relating to Low Proof Spirits (Queen; Judiciary)
SCR 21: Requesting study of sexual assault crime rates in WV (Deeds)

* (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, March 21, 2025 (108 – 101 Senate; 7 House)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Friday, March 21, 2025 (17 – 12 Senate; 5 House)

SB 8: Providing additional sites and devices for newborn safe surrender (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 138: Enhancing penalties for fleeing officer (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 240: Updating crime of sexual extortion (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 291: Extending time frame for pharmacies to register from annually to biennially (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 358: Authorizing Department of Transportation to promulgate legislative rules (Signed, 03-20)
SB 336: Authorizing Department of Homeland Security to promulgate legislative rules (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 443: Authorizing Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board of Examiners to conduct criminal background checks for licensing (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 456: Defining “men” and “women” (Signed, 03-12)
SB 462: Permitting Board of Occupational Therapy to require criminal history record checks (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 486: Clarifying eligibility requirements to vote in WV elections (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 487: Removing ineligible voters from active voter rolls (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (Signed, 03-18)
HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2053: Relating to including the United States Space Force in the definition armed forces (Signed, 03-21)
HB 2222: Relating to authorizing certain agencies of the Department of Administration to promulgate legislative rules (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 2354: Banning certain products from food in West Virginia (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Friday, March 21, 2025 (10 – 5 Senate; 5 House)

SCR 1: Adopting Joint Rules of Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 01-08)
SCR 2: Authorizing payment of joint expenses (Adopted, 01-08)
SCR 4: Amending Joint Rules of Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 02-12)
SCR 15: Opposing China’s use of UN Resolution 2758 against Taiwan (Adopted, 03-19)
SCR 20: Recognizing and commending NCSL on its 50th anniversary (Adopted, 03-18)
HCR 1: Raising a Joint Assembly to open and publish election returns (Adopted, 01-08)
HCR 2: Extending an invitation to His Excellency, the Governor, to deliver an address to the Legislature and raising a Joint Assembly therefor (Adopted, 01-08)
HCR 3: Providing for an adjournment of the Legislature until February 12, 2025 (Adopted, 01-08)
HCR 4: Raising a Joint Assembly to hear remarks of the Governor (Adopted, 01-12)
HCR 49: Resolution relating to use of industrial sites and the potential impacts on downstream facilities (Adopted, 03-03)

Bills Signed by the Governor as of Friday, March 21, 2025 (5 – 3 Senate; 2 House)

SB 358: Authorizing Department of Transportation to promulgate legislative rules (Signed, 03-20)
SB 456: Defining “men” and “women” (Signed, 03-12)
SB 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (Signed, 03-18)
HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2053: Relating to including the United States Space Force in the definition armed forces (Signed, 03-21)

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

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Member Press Release

This Week in the House of Delegates

March 22, 2025
Written by Cheyenne

For the week ending March 21, 2025

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Members of the House of Delegates voted this week to pass several education-related bills to the Senate for debate as the legislative deadline for bills to pass from one Chamber to the other approaches.

House Bill 2802, which passed the House by a vote of 98-0 Tuesday, was inspired by a successful local partnership between law enforcement and schools. It would allow law enforcement officers to substitute as many as eight of their required 16 hours of annual in-service training for hours served on-site in a school safety program.

“The thought is that officers would spend time in schools within their jurisdiction or immediately surrounding their jurisdiction, knowing that in the event of a school shooting every officer from anywhere close to that area is going to be responding to the school,” said HB2802 Lead Sponsor Delegate Jonathan Pinson, R-Mason. “If officers have had the opportunity to take eight of their 16 hours of in-service training inside a local school somewhere, they know where the cafeteria is, so if they get a call that a school shooter is in the cafeteria, that institutional knowledge will already be present; they’re not trying to figure out where the classrooms are, they’re not trying to figure out where certain facilities are.”

Pinson said he began working nearly four months ago with the state’s Law Enforcement Professional Standards (LEPS) Subcommittee of the Governor’s Committee on Crime, Delinquency and Corrections, which is responsible for law enforcement officers’ training and certification. The program is being modeled after the Shield Program in Jackson County, which is in Pinson’s district.

“Ultimately, they agreed this is an excellent idea,” he said, noting the bill was needed to allow the LEPS Subcommittee to set the parameters of a program and the subcommittee had already voted to create this one-to-one exchange for training hours. “I believe the LEPS Committee will go into further detail as to what they expect of these officers when they report to the schools for eight hours rather than reporting to in-service for eight hours.

“The thought being that those officers are out of their vehicle, they’re in the school, they’re around the school, they’re checking doors, they’re talking with students.”

Pinson said the Shield Program has allowed officers to develop relationships with teachers and students, which has led to several crimes against children being stopped or solved.

“It has also increased the unpredictability,” he said. “If someone wants to do harm to a school, they don’t know if that’s a day there may be an officer or two officers fulfilling their one-to-one exchange time.”

House Bill 2164, which would allow public and private schools to employ school safety officers, passed the House by a unanimous vote last week. The bill requires the state Division of Protective Services to establish standards for school safety officers, allowing them to carry firearms, requiring background checks and information sharing with the Division of Protective Services as well as annual training. House Bill 3166, which would allow each county board of education to establish standardized school safety mapping data and require the data be shared with relevant state and local agencies, also passed the House without a single vote against it this week.

House Bill 3024, unofficially called the guaranteed course transfer bill, passed the House unanimously. It would establish a framework to ensure students have a seamless road among high schools, career and technical education centers, community and technical colleges as well as baccalaureate institutions for post-secondary credits to guarantee transfer in a uniform way.

A bill to prohibit most cellphone use in schools passed the full House by a near-unanimous vote. House Bill 2003 would require the West Virginia Board of Education to establish rules for implementing the ban while allowing accommodations for students with disabilities, medical needs or Individualized Education Programs (IEP).

“I do believe there are a lot of distractions in the classroom, not only cell phones but also behavior. That’s why we had bills on discipline and behavior that came up,” said House Education Committee Chairman Delegate Joe Ellington, R-Mercer. “As far as devices, there are opportunities for devices to be used during the instructional day. We do have exceptions built into that.”

The 60-day, regular legislative session ends at midnight April 12.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Friday, March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025
Written by Cheyenne

Friday, March 21, 2025 – 38th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

SR 39: Designating March as Kidney Disease Awareness Month
SR 40: Designating March 21, 2025, as WV Arts Day

THIRD READING

Eng. SB 75: Changing distribution of income from excess lottery fund
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 76: Increasing WV Natural Resources Police Officer Retirement System accrued benefit for certain members
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 601: Relating to fees and charges for municipality-provided fire services
Eng. SB 615: Eliminating accelerated tax payment requirements (original similar to HB 2012)
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 683: Relating to land sales by Auditor
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 710: Relating to the practice of teledentistry (original similar to HB 3196)
Eng. SB 733: Relating to membership composition of Legislative Oversight Commission on Department of Transportation Accountability
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 746: Allowing State Board of Education to delegate its Medicaid provider status to public charter schools
Eng. Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for HB 2441: To make those who fail drug test ineligible for unemployment

SECOND READING

Com. Sub. for SB 1: Requiring utility work and road paving coordination
SB 100: Allowing members of State Police retirement system to use accrued leave as credit toward retirement
SB 105: Updating retirement eligibility for certain sheriffs (original similar to SB 192)
Com. Sub. for SB 578: Relating to pet food packages
SB 579: Relating to Home Rule Reform
SB 743: Adjusting percentage of tax retained by clerk of county commission for certain purposes
SB 747: Relating to Real Estate License Act (original similar to HB 2010)
Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2129: Creating the Parents Bill of Rights. – (Com. amend. pending)
Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2331: Relating to authorizing certain agencies of the Department of Commerce to promulgate legislative rules – (Com. amend. pending)

FIRST READING

Com. Sub. for SB 128: Preventing courts from ordering services at higher rate than Medicaid
Com. Sub. for SB 595: Creating Mountain Bike Responsibility Act
Com. Sub. for SB 721: Authorizing use of unmanned aerial vehicles to track certain mortally wounded wild animals
Com. Sub. for SB 800: Relating to insurance holding company systems
Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2158: Relating to removal of a sunset clause for the West Virginia spay and neuter program – (Com. amend. and title amend. pending)

Scheduled Committee Meetings

There are no committee meetings scheduled for Friday, March 21, 2025.

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Friday, March 21, 2025

SB 859: Levying user fee on cigarettes to support EMS (FN) (Takubo; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 860: Funding Tobacco Use Cessation Initiative (Takubo; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 861: Updating references to reflect consolidation of Information Services and Communications Division into Office of Technology (Rucker; Government Organization)
SB 862: Repealing antiquated language related to Voluntary Gilding Dome Check-Off Program (Rucker; Government Organization)
SB 863: Removing reference to Information Services and Communications Division (Rucker; Government Organization)
SB 864: Clarifying inference of criminal intent in burglary prosecution (Deeds, Fuller, Hamilton, Morris, Phillips, Queen, Thorne; Judiciary)
SB 865: Relating to best interests of child standard (Chapman; Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
SB 866: Requiring WV Board of Education to promulgate legislative rule in consultation with WV Board of Physical Therapy (Grady; Health and Human Resources)
SB 867: Prohibiting payment to residential substance use disorder treatment facilities that do not meet certain requirements (Helton; Health and Human Resources)
SB 868: Removing requirement of inspections and inspection stickers for non-commercial motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, pole trailers, or any combination thereof (Stuart; Finance)
SB 869: Creating Corridor H Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority (FN) (Economic Development then Finance)
SB 870: Relating to fees imposed by municipalities (Rucker; Government Organization)
SB 871: Removing persons who perform drywall services from within the definition of “contractor” in Contractor Licensing Act (Rucker; Government Organization)
SB 872: Allowing certain contracted counsel for executive agencies to purchase years of service in Public Employees Retirement System (FN) (Oliverio; Pensions then Finance)
SB 873: Providing for process to address homeless population (Maynard; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 874: Permitting current home confinement officers to participate in Emergency Medical Services Retirement System (Barrett; Pensions then Finance)
SB 875: Relating to container labeling of nonintoxicating beer and nonintoxicating craft beer (Garcia; Judiciary)
SB 876: Terminating certain requirements for Tax Commissioner to submit reports, publish information, and provide notice (Rucker; Government Organization)
SB 877: Requiring resolution passed by Legislature to include language to be included on official ballots (Rucker; Judiciary)
SB 878: Reallocating portion of fire insurance and casualty premium tax to Municipal Pensions Security Fund in certain circumstances (Oliverio; Banking and Insurance then Finance)
SB 879: Requiring public high school students submit FAFSA prior to graduation (Grady; Education)
SB 880: Relating to powers and duties of Commissioner of Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation regarding Stevens Correctional Center (FN) (Maynard; Judiciary then Finance)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Thursday, March 20, 2025

9 a.m.: Military

Com. Sub. for SB 765: Establishing Troops to Teachers Program
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Education

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization

Com. Sub. for SB 569: Relating to homeowners’ bill of rights
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 587: Relating generally to government contracting
Committee substitute for the committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 593: Relating to electronic voting and preserving voting data
Bill laid over to a future meeting

Com. Sub. for SB 810: Clarifying requirements for administration of anesthesia
Bill laid over to a future meeting

9:30 a.m.: Education

Com. Sub. for SB 737: Creating WV Farm Equipment Repair Pilot Program
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 54: Requiring age-appropriate instruction on Holocaust in public schools
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 695: Requiring higher education institutions to accept Classic Learning Test
Bill laid over to a future meeting

Com. Sub. for SB 755: Establishing WV Secondary School Athletic Trainer and Career Technical Education Program Act
Bill laid over to a future meeting

Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2411: To provide and change graduation requirements and change duties relating to academic content standards
Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

1 p.m.: Economic Development

Com. Sub. for SB 626: Allowing members of regional airport boards to be residents of area in which airport is located
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Government Organization

1 p.m.: Health and Human Resources

Com. Sub. for SB 718: Relating to hospital transparency
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 817: Regulating private alternative adolescent residential or outdoor programs
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

Eng. HB 2402: Relating to providing access to medical records; providing access to a minor’s medical record
Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 811: Creating Child Care Subsidy Pilot Program
Bill not taken up

3 p.m.: Judiciary

Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2382: Camping ban on certain public property
Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 655: Providing for immunity for mental health providers who are involved in mental hygiene checks
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 705: Allowing Board of Education to promulgate rules for submission to Legislature
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Thursday, March 20, 2025 (99 – 93 Senate; 6 House)

Senate Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Thursday, March 20, 2025 (7)

SCR 1: Adopting Joint Rules of Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 01-08)
SCR 2: Authorizing payment of joint expenses (Adopted, 01-08)
SCR 3: US Army Warrant Officer Joseph Rose III Memorial Bridge (House Energy and Public Works)
SCR 4: Amending Joint Rules of Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 02-12)
SCR 15: Opposing China’s use of UN Resolution 2758 against Taiwan (Adopted, 03-19)
SCR 18: Recognizing intent to create WV Coal Renaissance Act (House Energy and Public Works)
SCR 20: Recognizing and commending NCSL on its 50th anniversary (Adopted, 03-18)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Thursday, March 20, 2025 (17 – 12 Senate; 5 House)

SB 8: Providing additional sites and devices for newborn safe surrender (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 138: Enhancing penalties for fleeing officer (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 240: Updating crime of sexual extortion (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 291: Extending time frame for pharmacies to register from annually to biennially (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 358: Authorizing Department of Transportation to promulgate legislative rules (Signed, 03-20)
SB 336: Authorizing Department of Homeland Security to promulgate legislative rules (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 443: Authorizing Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board of Examiners to conduct criminal background checks for licensing (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 456: Defining “men” and “women” (Signed, 03-12)
SB 462: Permitting Board of Occupational Therapy to require criminal history record checks (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 486: Clarifying eligibility requirements to vote in WV elections (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 487: Removing ineligible voters from active voter rolls (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (Signed, 03-18)
HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2053: Relating to including the United States Space Force in the definition armed forces (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 2222: Relating to authorizing certain agencies of the Department of Administration to promulgate legislative rules (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 2354: Banning certain products from food in West Virginia (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Thursday, March 20, 2025 (10 – 5 Senate; 5 House)

SCR 1: Adopting Joint Rules of Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 01-08)
SCR 2: Authorizing payment of joint expenses (Adopted, 01-08)
SCR 4: Amending Joint Rules of Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 02-12)
SCR 15: Opposing China’s use of UN Resolution 2758 against Taiwan (Adopted, 03-19)
SCR 20: Recognizing and commending NCSL on its 50th anniversary (Adopted, 03-18)
HCR 1: Raising a Joint Assembly to open and publish election returns (Adopted, 01-08)
HCR 2: Extending an invitation to His Excellency, the Governor, to deliver an address to the Legislature and raising a Joint Assembly therefor (Adopted, 01-08)
HCR 3: Providing for an adjournment of the Legislature until February 12, 2025 (Adopted, 01-08)
HCR 4: Raising a Joint Assembly to hear remarks of the Governor (Adopted, 01-12)
HCR 49: Resolution relating to use of industrial sites and the potential impacts on downstream facilities (Adopted, 03-03)

Bills Signed by the Governor as of Thursday, March 20, 2025 (5 – 3 Senate; 2 House)

SB 358: Authorizing Department of Transportation to promulgate legislative rules (Signed, 03-20)
SB 456: Defining “men” and “women” (Signed, 03-12)
SB 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (Signed, 03-18)
HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)

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

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Thursday, March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025
Written by Cheyenne

Thursday, March 20, 2025 – 37th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

SR 37: Recognizing Energy Council on its 50th anniversary
SR 38: Designating March 20, 2025, as Mingo County Day

THIRD READING

Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 450: Establishing WV Guardian Program
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 731: Terminating Design Build Board
Eng. SB 734: Repealing section creating A. James Manchin Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 736: Relating to publication of registered lobbyist information
Eng. SB 738: Terminating Employee Suggestion Award Board

SECOND READING

SB 75: Changing distribution of income from excess lottery fund
Com. Sub. for SB 76: Increasing WV Natural Resources Police Officer Retirement System accrued benefit for certain members
Com. Sub. for SB 601: Relating to fees and charges for municipality-provided fire services
SB 615: Eliminating accelerated tax payment requirements (original similar to HB 2012)
Com. Sub. for SB 683: Relating to land sales by Auditor
Com. Sub. for SB 710: Relating to the practice of teledentistry (original similar to HB 3196)
SB 733: Relating to membership composition of Legislative Oversight Commission on Department of Transportation Accountability
Com. Sub. for SB 746: Allowing State Board of Education to delegate its Medicaid provider status to public charter schools
Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2129: Creating the Parents Bill of Rights – (Com. amend. pending)
Eng. Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for HB 2441: To make those who fail drug test ineligible for unemployment

FIRST READING

Com. Sub. for SB 1: Requiring utility work and road paving coordination
SB 100: Allowing members of State Police retirement system to use accrued leave as credit toward retirement
SB 105: Updating retirement eligibility for certain sheriffs (original similar to SB192)
Com. Sub. for SB 578: Relating to pet food packages
SB 579: Relating to Home Rule Reform
SB 743: Adjusting percentage of tax retained by clerk of county commission for certain purposes
SB 747: Relating to Real Estate License Act (original similar to HB 2010)
Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2331: Relating to authorizing certain agencies of the Department of Commerce to promulgate legislative rules – (Com. amend. pending)

Scheduled Committee Meetings

9 a.m.: Military (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 765: Establishing Troops to Teachers Program

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 569: Relating to homeowners’ bill of rights
Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 587: Relating generally to government contracting
SB 593: Relating to electronic voting and preserving voting data
Com. Sub. for SB 810: Clarifying requirements for administration of anesthesia

9:30 a.m.: Education (451M)

SB 737: Creating WV Farm Equipment Repair Pilot Program
SB 54: Requiring age-appropriate instruction on Holocaust in public schools
SB 695: Requiring higher education institutions to accept Classic Learning Test
SB 755: Establishing WV Secondary School Athletic Trainer and Career Technical Education Program Act
HB 2411: To provide and change graduation requirements and change duties relating to academic content standards

1 p.m.: Economic Development (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 626: Allowing members of regional airport boards to be residents of area in which airport is located.

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

Presentation: Deb Harris, Manager, Jobs and Hope WV
SB 718: Relating to hospital transparency
SB 817: Regulating private alternative adolescent residential or outdoor programs
HB 2402: Relating to providing access to medical records; providing access to a minor’s medical record
SB 811: Creating Child Care Subsidy Pilot Program

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

HB 2382: Camping ban on certain public property
SB 655: Providing for immunity for mental health providers who are involved in mental hygiene checks
SB 705: Allowing Board of Education to promulgate rules for submission to Legislature

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

Budget Presentation: West Virginia Department of Health
Budget Presentation: West Virginia Department of Human Services

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Thursday, March 20, 2025

SB 821: Requiring child protective services workers to wear body-worn cameras (Chapman; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 822: Requiring Department of Human Services use mobile technology to assist in certain investigations (Chapman; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 823: Clarifying and separating duties between Division of Emergency Management and DEP (Rucker; Government Organization)
SB 824: Amending procedures for regulation of scope of practice for occupations and professions (Chapman; Government Organization)
SB 825: Permitting higher education institutions enter agreements with non-profit organizations for economic development and job creation (Jeffries; Economic Development)
SB 826: Modifying survivor’s benefit payments on first responders for payment of funeral expenses (Rucker; Finance)
SB 827: Updating requirements for parole hearings and notifications (Rucker; Judiciary)
SB 828: Clarifying requirements for persons employed by Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation include contracted vendor staff (Rucker; Judiciary)
SB 829: Modifying classes of state of preparedness declared by Governor or Legislature (Rucker; Government Organization)
SB 830: Eliminating short-term loans provided to released inmates for costs related to reintegration (Rucker; Workforce)
SB 831: Establishing Troops-to-Teachers Program (Weld; Education)
SB 832: Providing for administration of cost-sharing calculations (Chapman; Finance)
SB 833: Excluding pharmaceutical medication from prior authorization gold card process (Chapman; Finance)
SB 834: Relating to tax credit for qualified rehabilitated buildings investment (Weld; Economic Development then Finance)
SB 835: Decreasing service period for notice of tax lien sales (FN) (Azinger; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 836: Modifying requirements for payment of property taxes by co-owners or other interested parties (Azinger; Judiciary)
SB 837: Eliminating WV Office of Equal Opportunity (Rucker; Government Organization)
SB 838: Prohibiting law enforcement from placing surveillance cameras on private property (Thorne; Judiciary)
SB 839: Requiring Division of Labor establish separate rules for residential or commercial plumbing (FN) (Clements; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 840: Relating to nonresident income tax for natural resources royalty payments received from lessees (FN) (Clements; Finance)
SB 841: Prohibiting state entities from promoting or engaging in any activity related to sexual orientation or gender transitioning (Maynard, Azinger, Bartlett, Charnock, Deeds, Fuller, Grady, Helton, Martin, Roberts, Rose, Rucker, Tarr, Taylor, Thorne, Willis; Judiciary)
SB 842: Establishing Fueling Modern Life Act (FN) (Hart; Natural Resources then Finance)
SB 843: Allowing Board of Education to prohibit individuals on sex offender registry from being on school property (FN) (Clements; Judiciary then Finance)
SB 844: Exempting coturnix quail from game farm requirement if they are owned for agricultural purposes (Rucker; Agriculture)
SB 845: Relating to National Guard Servicemember’s Medical Readiness Act (Willis; Judiciary then Finance)
SB 846: Relating to heating, ventilation, and air-condition technicians employed by State Board of Education or county boards of education (Morris; Government Organization)
SB 847: Eliminating provisions limiting number of investigators in criminal investigation division of Tax Division (FN) (Stuart; Finance)
SB 848: Enacting bank protections for eligible adults from financial exploitation (Willis; Judiciary)
SB 849: Providing enhanced pay for State Police (Willis; Finance)
SB 850: Creating Protecting Investors Act (Willis; Banking and Insurance)
SB 851: Creating Child Protection Investigations Reform Act (FN) (Rose, Chapman, Helton, Maynard, Rucker, Willis; Judiciary then Finance)
SB 852: Relating to regulation of pharmacy benefit managers (FN) (Takubo; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 853: Clarifying terms of registration for tax abandoned land auctions and sales held by auditor (Jeffries, Clements, Deeds, Fuller, Hamilton, Helton, Queen, Roberts, Rose, Takubo, Tarr, Willis; Government Organization)
SB 854: Creating Academic Quality in Public Education Act (Roberts, Rucker; Education)
SB 855: Relating to incentive program to promote beverage container recycling (FN) (Rucker; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 856: Removing certain reporting requirements to Joint Committee on Government and Finance (Rucker; Government Organization)
SB 857: Establishing economic incentives for data centers to locate within state (FN) (Helton; Economic Development then Finance)
SB 858: Relating to controlled substance schedules and to clean-up errors identified in code sections (Rucker; Judiciary)
SR 39: Designating March as Kidney Disease Awareness Month (Chapman)
SR 40: Designating March 21, 2025, as WV Arts Day (Smith)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Wednesday, March 19, 2025

9:30 a.m.: Select Committee on Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health

Com. Sub. for SB 761: Creating Joel Archer Substance Abuse Intervention Act
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

1 p.m.: Natural Resources

Com. Sub. for SB 721: Providing penalties for damages resulting to farm property and critical infrastructure from use of drones
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

2 p.m.: Agriculture

SB 751: Prohibiting manufacture, sale, or distribution of cultivated meat products
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2158: Relating to removal of a sunset clause for the West Virginia spay and neuter program
Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Government Organization

2 p.m.: Banking and Insurance

Com. Sub. for SB 6: Exempting life insurance cash value from Medicaid eligibility calculations
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

SB 776: Creating Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

Com. Sub. for SB 800: Relating to insurance holding company systems
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

3 p.m.: Judiciary

SJR 13: Constitutional Officer Term Limit Amendment
Joint Resolution reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it be adopted; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 128: Preventing courts from ordering services at higher rate than Medicaid
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 595: Mountain Bike Responsibility Act
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

3 p.m.: Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 10: Exempting certain meat processes from consumers sales and service tax
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 35: Permitting campus police officers to participate in Deputy Sheriff’s Retirement System
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 292: Allowing doula services be covered by Medicaid and PEIA
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 249: Expanding employment and training requirements necessary for SNAP benefits
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Wednesday, March 19, 2025 (94 – 88 Senate; 6 House)

Senate Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Wednesday, March 19, 2025 (7)

SCR 1: Adopting Joint Rules of Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 01-08)
SCR 2: Authorizing payment of joint expenses (Adopted, 01-08)
SCR 3: US Army Warrant Officer Joseph Rose III Memorial Bridge (Pending House introduction)
SCR 4: Amending Joint Rules of Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 02-12)
SCR 15: Opposing China’s use of UN Resolution 2758 against Taiwan (Adopted, 03-19)
SCR 18: Recognizing intent to create WV Coal Renaissance Act (House Energy and Public Works)
SCR 20: Recognizing and commending NCSL on its 50th anniversary (Adopted, 03-18)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Wednesday, March 19, 2025 (16 – 11 Senate; 5 House)

SB 8: Providing additional sites and devices for newborn safe surrender (Completed legislation; awaiting action by Governor)
SB 138: Enhancing penalties for fleeing officer (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 240: Updating crime of sexual extortion (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 291: Extending time frame for pharmacies to register from annually to biennially (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 358: Authorizing Department of Transportation to promulgate legislative rules (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 443: Authorizing Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board of Examiners to conduct criminal background checks for licensing (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 456: Defining “men” and “women” (Signed, 03-12)
SB 462: Permitting Board of Occupational Therapy to require criminal history record checks (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 486: Clarifying eligibility requirements to vote in WV elections (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 487: Removing ineligible voters from active voter rolls (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (Signed, 03-18)
HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2053: Relating to including the United States Space Force in the definition armed forces (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 2222: Relating to authorizing certain agencies of the Department of Administration to promulgate legislative rules (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 2354: Banning certain products from food in West Virginia (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Wednesday, March 19, 2025 (10 – 5 Senate; 5 House)

SCR 1: Adopting Joint Rules of Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 01-08)
SCR 2: Authorizing payment of joint expenses (Adopted, 01-08)
SCR 4: Amending Joint Rules of Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 02-12)
SCR 15: Opposing China’s use of UN Resolution 2758 against Taiwan (Adopted, 03-19)
SCR 20: Recognizing and commending NCSL on its 50th anniversary (Adopted, 03-18)
HCR 1: Raising a Joint Assembly to open and publish election returns (Adopted, 01-08)
HCR 2: Extending an invitation to His Excellency, the Governor, to deliver an address to the Legislature and raising a Joint Assembly therefor (Adopted, 01-08)
HCR 3: Providing for an adjournment of the Legislature until February 12, 2025 (Adopted, 01-08)
HCR 4: Raising a Joint Assembly to hear remarks of the Governor (Adopted, 01-12)
HCR 49: Resolution relating to use of industrial sites and the potential impacts on downstream facilities (Adopted, 03-03)

Bills Signed by the Governor as of Wednesday, March 19, 2025 (4 – 2 Senate; 2 House)

SB 456: Defining “men” and “women” (Signed, 03-12)
SB 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (Signed, 03-18)
HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)

Committee times and agendas are subject to change. Follow @WVSenClerk on X 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:https://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Wednesday, March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025
Written by Cheyenne

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 – 36th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Com. Sub. for SCR 3: US Army Warrant Officer Joseph Rose III Memorial Bridge
SR 35: Recognizing WV Mothers and Babies Support Program for its outstanding achievements
SR 36: Recognizing 100th anniversary of WV State Fair

THIRD READING

Eng. Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 37: Allowing certain Teachers Retirement System members to exchange unused leave for monetary compensation
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 83: Allowing Foster Care Ombudsman access to child protective records
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 538: Allowing certain entities to purchase qualifying tax-delinquent properties before they are offered at public auction (original similar to HB 3332)
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 547: Creating Charter Schools Startup Fund
Eng. SB 598: Permitting judges to refer parents to prosecuting attorney for making certain false allegations in child custody proceedings
Eng. SB 621: Authorizing digital court records (original similar to HB 3271)
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 719: Relating to age at which minor can consent to certain medical decisions and services

SECOND READING

Com. Sub. for SB 450: Establishing WV Guardian Program
Com. Sub. for SB 731: Terminating Design Build Board
SB 734: Repealing section creating A. James Manchin Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan
Com. Sub. for SB 736: Relating to publication of registered lobbyist information
SB 738: Terminating Employee Suggestion Award Board

FIRST READING

SB 75: Changing distribution of income from excess lottery fund
Com. Sub. for SB 76: Increasing WV Natural Resources Police Officer Retirement System accrued benefit for certain members
Com. Sub. for SB 601: Relating to fees and charges for municipality-provided fire services
SB 615: Eliminating accelerated tax payment requirements (original similar to HB 2012)
Com. Sub. for SB 683: Relating to land sales by Auditor
Com. Sub. for SB 710: Relating to the practice of teledentistry (original similar to HB 3196)
SB 733: Relating to membership composition of Legislative Oversight Commission on Department of Transportation Accountability
Com. Sub. for SB 746: Allowing State Board of Education to delegate its Medicaid provider status to public charter schools
Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2129: Creating the Parents Bill of Rights – (Com. amend. pending)
Eng. Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for HB 2441: To make those who fail drug test ineligible for unemployment

Scheduled Committee Meetings

9:30 a.m.: Select Committee on Substance Abuse Prevention and Mental Health (451M)

SB 761: Creating Joel Archer Substance Abuse Intervention Act
HB 2437: Clarification of penalties for offenses involving Fentanyl

1 p.m.: Natural Resources (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 721: Providing penalties for damages resulting to farm property and critical infrastructure from use of drones

2 p.m.: Agriculture (208W)

SB 751: Prohibiting manufacture, sale, or distribution of cultivated meat products.
Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2158: Relating to removal of a sunset clause for the West Virginia spay and neuter program

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

Com. Sub. for SB 6: Exempting life insurance cash value from Medicaid eligibility calculations
SB 776: Creating Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act
Com. Sub. for SB 800: Relating to insurance holding company systems

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

SJR 13: Constitutional Officer Term Limit Amendment
SB 128: Preventing courts from ordering services at higher rate than Medicaid
SB 595: Mountain Bike Responsibility Act
SB 705: Allowing Board of Education to promulgate rules for submission to Legislature

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

Com. Sub. for SB 10: Exempting certain meat processes from consumers sales and service tax
Com. Sub. for SB 35: Permitting campus police officers to participate in Deputy Sheriff’s Retirement System
SB 292: Allowing doula services be covered by Medicaid and PEIA
SB 249: Expanding employment and training requirements necessary for SNAP benefits

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Wednesday, March 19, 2025

SB 803: Relating to data centers (Phillips, Hart, Rose; Economic Development)
SB 804: Relating to WV Secondary School Activities Commission Reform Act (Taylor, Smith, Azinger, Bartlett, Chapman, Charnock, Deeds, Fuller, Grady, Hart, Helton, Jeffries, Martin, Maynard, Morris, Roberts, Rose, Rucker, Stuart, Thorne, Weld, Willis; Education)
SB 805: Relating to land use associations (Rucker, Deeds; Agriculture then Government Organization)
SB 806: Reorganizing several provisions of bail statutes (Deeds, Azinger, Bartlett, Fuller, Hamilton, Thorne; Judiciary)
SB 807: Exempting automobiles 25 years or older from personal property taxes (Oliverio, Azinger, Charnock, Garcia, Phillips; Transportation and Infrastructure then Finance)
SB 808: Establishing Justice Reinvestment Task Force (Weld; Government Organization)
SB 809: Modifying managed timberland certification requirements (Morris; Natural Resources)
SB 810: Clarifying requirements for administration of anesthesia (Rucker; Government Organization)
SB 811: Creating Child Care Subsidy Pilot Program (Chapman; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 812: Establishing, defining, and creating criminal penalties for terrorist acts and groups (Willis; Judiciary)
SB 813: Extending time frame for Department of Human Services to identify relatives and fictive kin (Chapman; Judiciary)
SB 814: Allowing county commissions to establish fees for municipality-provided fire services (FN) (Martin; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 815: Permitting access to funding for public water utilities subject to PSC’s jurisdiction (FN) (Phillips; Finance)
SB 816: Prohibiting sales of unauthorized vape products (Stuart; Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
SB 817: Regulating private alternative adolescent residential or outdoor programs (Chapman; Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
SB 818: Power Generation and Consumption Act of 2025 [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel; Economic Development then Finance)
SB 819: Requiring heart health program in grades three through six (FN) (Rucker; Education then Finance)
SB 820: Whistleblower Protection Fund Act (Helton; Government Organization then Finance)
SR 37: Recognizing Energy Council on its 50th anniversary (Phillips, Barrett, Charnock, Hart, Queen, Rose, Stuart, Woodrum)
SR 38: Designating March 20, 2025, as Mingo County Day (Maynard)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Tuesday, March 18, 2025

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization

SB 747: Relating to Real Estate License Act
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

SB 743: Adjusting percentage of tax retained by clerk of county commission for certain purposes
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 1: Requiring utility work and road paving coordination
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

9:30 a.m.: Education

SB 531: Defining assault and battery on sports officials
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

Com. Sub. for SB 506: Relating to enhanced pay for teachers
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 737: Creating WV Farm Equipment Repair Pilot Program
Bill laid over to a future meeting

SB 54: Requiring age-appropriate instruction on Holocaust in public schools
Bill laid over to a future meeting

SB 695: Requiring higher education institutions to accept Classic Learning Test
Bill laid over to a future meeting

1 p.m.: Health and Human Resources

Com. Sub. for SB 221: Authorizing child or child care tax credit
Bill not taken up

Com. Sub. for SB 697: Creating Caregiver Tax Credit Act
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 702: Relating to payment rates for child care services
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

SB 472: Requiring transparency from Department of Human Services
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

3 p.m.: Judiciary

SB 579: Relating to Home Rule Reform
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 128: Preventing courts from ordering services at higher rate than Medicaid
Bill laid over to a future meeting

Com. Sub. for HB 2331: Commerce Bundle – Includes SB 411, Rules Governing the Certification, Recertification and Training of EMT-Miners and the Certification of EMT-M Instructors; SB 412, Transporting and Selling Wildlife Parts and Pelts; SB 413, Boating Rule; SB 414, Special Boating Rule; SB 415, Public Use of Campgrounds in West Virginia State Parks, State Forests, and State Rail Trails under the Division of Natural Resources; SB 416, Special Projects and Grants for West Virginia State Parks, State Forests, and State Rail Trails under the Division of Natural Resources; SB 417, Prohibitions when Hunting and Trapping; SB 418, General Hunting; SB 419, Special Waterfowl Hunting; SB 420, Special Fishing Rule; SB 421, Catching and Selling Baitfish; SB 422, Falconry
Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

3 p.m.: Finance

SB 100: Allowing members of State Police retirement system to use accrued leave as credit toward retirement
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 105: Updating retirement eligibility for certain sheriffs
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 578: Relating to pet food packages
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Tuesday, March 18, 2025 (87 – 81 Senate; 6 House)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Tuesday, March 18, 2025 (13 – 9 Senate; 4 House)

SB 138: Enhancing penalties for fleeing officer (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 240: Updating crime of sexual extortion (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 291: Extending time frame for pharmacies to register from annually to biennially (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 358: Authorizing Department of Transportation to promulgate legislative rules (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 443: Authorizing Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board of Examiners to conduct criminal background checks for licensing (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 456: Defining “men” and “women” (Signed, 03-12)
SB 462: Permitting Board of Occupational Therapy to require criminal history record checks (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 487: Removing ineligible voters from active voter rolls (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (Signed, 03-18)
HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2053: Relating to including the United States Space Force in the definition armed forces (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 2354: Banning certain products from food in West Virginia (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Tuesday, March 18, 2025 (9 – 4 Senate; 5 House)

SCR 1: Adopting Joint Rules of Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 01-08)
SCR 2: Authorizing payment of joint expenses (Adopted, 01-08)
SCR 4: Amending Joint Rules of Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 02-12)
SCR 20: Recognizing and commending NCSL on its 50th anniversary (Adopted, 03-18)
HCR 1: Raising a Joint Assembly to open and publish election returns (Adopted, 01-08)
HCR 2: Extending an invitation to His Excellency, the Governor, to deliver an address to the Legislature and raising a Joint Assembly therefor (Adopted, 01-08)
HCR 3: Providing for an adjournment of the Legislature until February 12, 2025 (Adopted, 01-08)
HCR 4: Raising a Joint Assembly to hear remarks of the Governor (Adopted, 01-12)
HCR 49: Resolution relating to use of industrial sites and the potential impacts on downstream facilities (Adopted, 03-03)

Bills Signed by the Governor as of Tuesday, March 18, 2025 (4 – 2 Senate; 2 House)

SB 456: Defining “men” and “women” (Signed, 03-12)
SB 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (Signed, 03-18)
HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)
HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Signed, 02-24)

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

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999