News

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – 35th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

• SR 33: Designating March 18, 2025, as WV Homeschool Day
• SR 34: Expressing support for President Feliz Tshisekedi and citizens of Democratic Republic of Congo

THIRD READING

• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 548: Creating Safety and Violence Education for Students Act
• Eng. Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 586: Relating to requirements for filling vacancies in certain elected federal, state, and county offices
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 686: Relating to WV commercial feed law
• Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2222: Relating to authorizing certain agencies of the Department of Administration to promulgate legislative rules

SECOND READING

• Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 37: Allowing certain Teachers Retirement System members to exchange unused leave for monetary compensation
• Com. Sub. for SB 83: Allowing Foster Care Ombudsman access to child protective records
• Com. Sub. for SB 450: Establishing WV Guardian Program
• 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)
• Com. Sub. for SB 547: Creating Charter Schools Startup Fund
• SB 598: Permitting judges to refer parents to prosecuting attorney for making certain false allegations in child custody proceedings
• SB 621: Authorizing digital court records (original similar to HB 3271)
• Com. Sub. for SB 719: Relating to age at which minor can consent to certain medical decisions and services
• 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

There are no bills on First Reading for Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Scheduled Committee Meetings

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

• SB 747: Relating to Real Estate License Act
• SB 743: Adjusting percentage of tax retained by clerk of county commission for certain purposes
• SB 1: Requiring utility work and road paving coordination

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

• SB 531: Defining assault and battery on sports officials
• SB 506: Relating to enhanced pay for teachers
• 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

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

• SB 221: Authorizing child or child care tax credit
• SB 697: Creating Caregiver Tax Credit Act
• SB 702: Relating to payment rates for child care services
• SB 472: Requiring transparency from Department of Human Services

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

• SB 579: Relating to Home Rule Reform
• SB 128: Preventing courts from ordering services at higher rate than Medicaid
• 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

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

• 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
• SB 578: Relating to pet food packages

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Tuesday, March 18, 2025

• SB 796: Establishing legal voter identification standards (Bartlett, Azinger, Charnock, Roberts, Rucker; Judiciary)
• SB 797: Relating to Public Water System Supply Commission (Hart; Government Organization)
• SB 798: Exempting new hires and promoted employees within certain state agencies from classified civil service system [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel; Government Organization)
• SB 799: Permitting Auditor to hire private auctioneer to conduct annual auction of land sales (Smith; Government Organization then Finance)
• SB 800: Relating to insurance holding company systems (Azinger; Banking and Insurance)
• SB 801: Creating WV Public Waterway Access Act (Woodrum; Natural Resources then Government Organization)
• SB 802: Establishing absent voter ballot tracking system to display status of early ballots and absent voter ballots to voters (Woodrum; Government Organization then Judiciary)
• SJR 15: Honorably Discharged Veteran’s Property Tax Exemption Amendment (FN) (Charnock; Judiciary then Finance)
• SR 35: Recognizing WV Mothers and Babies Support Program for its outstanding achievements (Rucker)
• SR 36: Recognizing 100th anniversary of WV State Fair (Deeds)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Monday, March 17, 2025

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization

• SCR 15: Opposing China’s use of UN Resolution 2758 against Taiwan
• Concurrent resolution reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it be adopted

• Com. Sub. for SB 601: Relating to fees and charges for municipality-provided fire services
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• Com. Sub. for SB 683: Relating to land sales by Auditor
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• Com. Sub. for SB 746: Allowing State Board of Education to delegate its Medicaid provider status to public charter schools
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

1 p.m.: Workforce

• Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2441: To make those who fail drug test ineligible for unemployment
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

1 p.m.: Transportation and Infrastructure

• Com. Sub. for SB 274: Prohibiting parking fee for accessible parking space bearing international symbol of access
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

• Com. Sub. for SB 298: Relating to roadable aircraft on WV highways
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

• Com. Sub. for SB 681: Providing internet service providers be considered telecommunications utility by PSC
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

• SB 733: Relating to membership composition of Legislative Oversight Commission on Department of Transportation Accountability
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• Com. Sub. for SCR 3: US Army Warrant Officer Joseph Rose III Memorial Bridge
• Committee substitute for the resolution reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it be adopted

2 p.m.: Energy, Industry and Mining

• Com. Sub. for SB 678: Establishing Coal Based Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

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

• Eng. HB 2942: Administration of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Design-Build Pilot Program
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

• Eng. HB 2943: Administration of the West Virginia Hazardous Waste Management Act
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

2 p.m.: Pensions

• Com. Sub. for SB 191: Modifying retirement and disability benefits for dependents of certain State Police retirees
• Bill laid over to a future meeting

3 p.m.: Judiciary

• SB 605: Requiring certain public or private entities that own, lease, or oversee water or electric supply utility to implement utility continuity rate credit program
• Bill referred to subcommittee; Senators Garcia, Hart, Bartlett, Tarr, and Weld appointed

• Strike and Insert for the Com. Sub. for HB 2129: Creating the Parents Bill of Rights
• Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

3 p.m.: Finance

• Com. Sub. for SB 589: Providing pay increases to members of judiciary
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate without recommendation; referred to Pensions

• Com. Sub. for SB 76: Increasing WV Natural Resources Police Officer Retirement System accrued benefit for certain members
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• Com. Sub. for SB 75: Changing distribution of income from excess lottery fund
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• SB 615: Eliminating accelerated tax payment requirements
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• Com. Sub. for SB 710: Relating to the practice of teledentistry
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Monday, March 17, 2025 (83 – 78 Senate; 5 House)

Senate Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Monday, March 17, 2025 (5)

• 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 18: Recognizing intent to create WV Coal Renaissance Act (Pending House introduction)
• SCR 20: Recognizing and commending NCSL on its 50th anniversary (Pending House introduction)

Action on House Resolutions in the Senate as of Monday, March 17, 2025 (1)

• HCR 49: Resolution relating to use of industrial sites and the potential impacts on downstream facilities (Adopted, 03-03)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Monday, March 17, 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 (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 (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 Monday, March 17, 2025 (8 – 3 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)
• 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 17, 2025 (3 – 1 Senate; 2 House)

• SB 456: Defining “men” and “women” (Signed, 03-12)
• 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

Monday, March 17, 2025 – 34th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

• SCR 18: Recognizing intent to create WV Coal Renaissance Act
• SCR 19: US Army ST4 Gregory Kent Stephens Memorial Bridge
• SCR 20: Recognizing and commending NCSL on its 50th anniversary
• SR 32: Designating March 17, 2025, as Domestic Violence Awareness Day

THIRD READING

• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 102: Modifying form of certain deeds
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 449: Permitting compressed air and rimfire shooting teams in public schools
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 526: Creating Pharmacist Prescribing Authority Act

SECOND READING

• Com. Sub. for SB 220: Authorizing child sexual abuse and sexual violence prevention program and in-service training in child sexual abuse prevention
• Com. Sub. for SB 548: Creating Safety and Violence Education for Students Act
• Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 586: Relating to requirements for filling vacancies in certain elected federal, state, and county offices
• Com. Sub. for SB 686: Relating to WV commercial feed law
• Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2222: Relating to authorizing certain agencies of the Department of Administration to promulgate legislative rules

FIRST READING

• Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 37: Allowing certain Teachers Retirement System members to exchange unused leave for monetary compensation
• Com. Sub. for SB 83: Allowing Foster Care Ombudsman access to child protective records
• Com. Sub. for SB 450: Establishing WV Guardian Program
• 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)
• Com. Sub. for SB 547: Creating Charter Schools Startup Fund
• SB 598: Permitting judges to refer parents to prosecuting attorney for making certain false allegations in child custody proceedings
• SB 621: Authorizing digital court records (original similar to HB 3271)
• Com. Sub. for SB 719: Relating to age at which minor can consent to certain medical decisions and services
• 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

Scheduled Committee Meetings

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

• SCR 15: Opposing China’s use of UN Resolution 2758 against Taiwan
• Com. Sub. for SB 601: Relating to fees and charges for municipality-provided fire services
• Com. Sub. for SB 683: Relating to land sales by Auditor
• Com. Sub. for SB 746: Allowing State Board of Education to delegate its Medicaid provider status to public charter schools

1 p.m.: Workforce (208W)

• Com. Sub. for SB 600: Creating Securing Worker Privacy and Right to Know Act
• Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2441: To make those who fail drug test ineligible for unemployment
• Presentation: Dr. Josh Baker, President, Mountwest Community and Technology College

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

• Com. Sub. for SB 274: Prohibiting parking fee for accessible parking space bearing international symbol of access
• Com. Sub. for SB 298: Relating to roadable aircraft on WV highways
• Com. Sub. for SB 681: Providing internet service providers be considered telecommunications utility by PSC
• Com. Sub. for SB 711: Removing prohibition against establishing additional trail systems within state parks and state forests
• SB 733: Relating to membership composition of Legislative Oversight Commission on Department of Transportation Accountability
• Com. Sub. for SCR 3: US Army Warrant Officer Joseph Rose III Memorial Bridge

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

• Com. Sub. for SB 678: Establishing Coal Based Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act
• Com. Sub. for SB 708: Providing state mine inspectors with raise
• Eng. HB 2942: Administration of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Design-Build Pilot Program
• Eng. HB 2943: Administration of the West Virginia Hazardous Waste Management Act

2 p.m.: Pensions (451M)

• Com. Sub. for SB 191: Modifying retirement and disability benefits for dependents of certain State Police retirees.

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

• SB 605: Requiring certain public or private entities that own, lease, or oversee water or electric supply utility to implement utility continuity rate credit program
• SB 745: Strengthening and reforming lobbying requirements
• Strike and Insert for the Com. Sub. for HB 2129: Creating the Parents Bill of Rights

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

• Com. Sub. for SB 589: Providing pay increases to members of judiciary
• Com. Sub. for SB 76: Increasing WV Natural Resources Police Officer Retirement System accrued benefit for certain members
• SB 75: Changing distribution of income from excess lottery fund
• SB 615: Eliminating accelerated tax payment requirements
• Com. Sub. for SB 710: Relating to the practice of teledentistry

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Monday, March 17, 2025

• SB 762: Creating Support for Neglected Schools Act (Hart, Helton, Phillips)
• SB 763: Creating Public Electrical Savings Act (Hart, Smith, Helton, Phillips, Rose)
• SB 764: Creating Community School Parent Choice Act (Hart, Fuller, Helton)
• SB 765: Establishing Troops to Teachers Program (Willis)
• SB 766: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Human Services [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 767: Supplemental appropriation to Bureau for Medical Services [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 768: Supplemental appropriation to Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 769: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Administration, Office of Secretary [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 770: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Art, Culture, and History [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 771: Supplemental appropriation to State Board of Education [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 772: Decreasing appropriation to Department of Health Facilities [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 773: Adding new item of appropriation to State Board of Education [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 774: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Health, WV Birth to Three Fund [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 775: Expiring funds from WV Economic Development Authority [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 776: Creating Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 777: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Veterans’ Assistance Fund [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 778: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Human Services [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 779: Supplementing, amending, and increasing appropriation to DMV [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 780: Supplemental appropriation to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 781: Decreasing appropriation to Economic Development Authority and increasing appropriation to Department of Human Services [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 782: Supplemental appropriation to Dietitians Licensure Board Fund [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 783: Supplemental appropriation to Public Defender Services [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 784: Supplemental appropriation to Division of General Services [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 785: Supplemental appropriation to Fire Commission, Fire Marshal Fees [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 786: Supplemental appropriation to State Board of Education, State Department of Education [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 787: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Health [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 788: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Human Services [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 789: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Commerce [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 790: Increasing oversight and regulatory authority of PSC over public service districts (FN) (Maynard)
• SB 791: Supplemental appropriation to Bureau of Public Health, Office of Maternal, Child, and Family Health [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel)
• SB 792: Requiring drivers to observe same safety requirements regarding railroad crossing when on-track equipment is present (Maynard)
• SB 793: Creating reporting requirements for use of state-owned aircraft (FN) (Maynard)
• SB 794: Designating certain roads as permitting high clearance 4×4 vehicles only (Maynard)
• SB 795: Relating generally to traffic safety (Maynard)
• SR 33: Designating March 18, 2025, as WV Homeschool Day (Rucker)
• SR 34: Expressing support for President Feliz Tshisekedi and citizens of Democratic Republic of Congo (Roberts)

* (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 14, 2025 (81 – 76 Senate; 5 House)

Senate Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Friday, March 14, 2025 (3)

• 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)

Action on House Resolutions in the Senate as of Friday, March 14, 2025 (1)

• HCR 49: Resolution relating to use of industrial sites and the potential impacts on downstream facilities (Adopted, 03-03)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Friday, March 14, 2025 (12 – 8 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 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (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 (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 14, 2025 (8 – 3 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)
• 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 14, 2025 (3 – 1 Senate; 2 House)

• SB 456: Defining “men” and “women” (Signed, 03-12)
• 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

Friday, March 14, 2025 – 31st Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

• SR 28: Designating March 14, 2025, as West Virginia State University Day
• SR 29: Designating March 14, 2025, as WV American Academy of Pediatrics Child Health Advocacy Day
• SR 30: Recognizing 80th anniversary of Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
• SR 31: Designating March 14, 2025, as Suicide Prevention Awareness Day

THIRD READING

• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 592: Relating generally to aboveground storage tanks
• Eng. SB 712: Relating to retirement provisions of systems managed by CPRB (original similar to HB 3180)
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 715: Relating to personally identifiable information of member, retirant, beneficiary, or alternate payee of retirement system (original similar to HB 3183)
• Eng. SB 716: Relating to failure to pay required contributions and interest payments for certain retirees who transfer between retirement systems (original similar to HB 3193)
• Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2042: Relating to allowing a guardian ad litem to request the appointment of a court appointed special advocate – (Com. title amend. pending)

SECOND READING

• Com. Sub. for SB 102: Modifying form of certain deeds
• Com. Sub. for SB 220: Authorizing child sexual abuse and sexual violence prevention program and in-service training in child sexual abuse prevention
• Com. Sub. for SB 449: Permitting compressed air and rimfire shooting teams in public schools
• Com. Sub. for SB 526: Creating Pharmacist Prescribing Authority Act
• Com. Sub. for SB 548: Creating Safety and Violence Education for Students Act

FIRST READING

• Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 586: Relating to requirements for filling vacancies in certain elected federal, state, and county offices
• Com. Sub. for SB 686: Relating to WV commercial feed law
• Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2222: Relating to authorizing certain agencies of the Department of Administration to promulgate legislative rules

Scheduled Committee Meetings

There are no committee meetings scheduled for Friday, March 14, 2025.

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Friday, March 14, 2025

• SB 755: Establishing WV Secondary School Athletic Trainer and Career Technical Education Program Act (Fuller, Deeds, Hamilton, Morris; Education then Finance)
• SB 756: Supplemental appropriation to DNR, Wildlife Resources [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel; Finance)
• SB 757: Creating private cause of action for deprivation of right granted by state constitution or by state law (Garcia, Helton, Rose, Rucker, Taylor, Woelfel; Judiciary then Finance)
• SB 758: Creating Vape and Smoke Shop Location and Operating Requirements Act (Taylor, Stuart; Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
• SB 759: Relating to having no requirement for immunization (Chapman; Health and Human Resources)
• SB 760: Modifying rate of tax due on licensee’s adjusted gross receipts (FN) (Chapman; Finance)
• SB 761: Creating Joel Archer Substance Abuse Intervention Act (Stuart; Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health then Judiciary)
• SCR 19: US Army ST4 Gregory Kent Stephens Memorial Bridge (Phillips, Stuart)
• SCR 20: Recognizing and commending NCSL on its 50th anniversary (Smith)
• SR 32: Designating March 17, 2025, as Domestic Violence Awareness Day (Weld)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Thursday, March 13, 2025

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization

• Com. Sub. for SB 538: Allowing certain entities to purchase qualifying tax-delinquent properties before they are offered at public auction
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• Com. Sub. for SB 731: Repealing article creating Design Build Procurement Act
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• SB 734: Repealing section creating A. James Manchin Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• Com. Sub. for SB 736: Relating to publication of registered lobbyist information
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• SB 738: Terminating Employee Suggestion Award Board
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

9:30 a.m.: Education

• Com. Sub. for SB 477: Requiring ambulance at middle school or high school football game
• Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

• Com. Sub. for SB 516: Providing extra state aid to school districts for students enrolled in extremely remote schools
• Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

• SB 531: Defining assault and battery on sports officials
• Bill laid over to a future meeting

• SB 631: Relating to eligibility for WV Invests Grant Program
• Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

12:30 p.m.: Energy, Industry and Mining

• SCR 18: Recognizing intent to create WV Coal Renaissance Act
• Resolution reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• SB 505: Ensuring Reliable and Affordable Electricity Act
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

1 p.m.: Economic Development

• SB 570: Requiring economic impact statements for certain legislative rules
• Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Government Organization

• Com. Sub. for SB 639: Creating WV Small Business Appreciation and Acknowledgement Act
• Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

1 p.m.: Health and Human Resources

• Com. Sub. for SB 83: Allowing Foster Care Ombudsman access to child protective records
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• SB 594: Relating to right to try individualized treatments
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

• Com. Sub. for SB 719: Relating to age at which minor can consent to certain medical decisions and services
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

3 p.m.: Judiciary

• SB 598: Permitting judges to refer parents to prosecuting attorney for making certain false allegations in child custody proceedings
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• SB 621: Authorizing digital court records
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

3 p.m.: Finance

• Com. Sub. for SB 547: Creating Charter Schools Startup Fund
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 37: Allowing certain Teachers Retirement System members to exchange unused leave for monetary compensation
• Committee substitute for the committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• Com. Sub. for SB 450: Establishing WV Guardian Program
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Subcommittee for HB 2129, Creating the Parents Bill of Rights

• Subcommittee will report recommended changes to the full Judiciary committee

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Thursday, March 13, 2025 (76 – 72 Senate; 4 House)

Senate Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Thursday, March 13, 2025 (3)

• 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)

Action on House Resolutions in the Senate as of Thursday, March 13, 2025 (1)

• HCR 49: Resolution relating to use of industrial sites and the potential impacts on downstream facilities (Adopted, 03-03)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Thursday, March 13, 2025 (8 – 5 Senate; 3 House)

• 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 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (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 (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Thursday, March 13, 2025 (8 – 3 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)
• 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 13, 2025 (3 – 1 Senate; 2 House)

• SB 456: Defining “men” and “women” (Signed, 03-12)
• 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

For the week ending March 14, 2025

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Members of the House of Delegates voted on many pieces of legislation this week, sending some to the Senate for debate and several others completed the legislative process this week.

“We knew by consciously deciding this year to spend more time learning about issues and talking about potential solutions the natural result would be fewer bills brought to the House floor for a vote and I believe that’s a good thing,” said House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay. “I’ve been excited to shift the mindset and the narrative away from assuming the goal here is to pass as many bills as possible because often what is necessary to fix a problem in this state is not a new line of Code.”

Hanshaw gave as an example the issue of dilapidated buildings and structures, something every town throughout West Virginia struggles to manage. He said that with roughly 50 different proposals on how the state could or should address it, each looking only from a narrow perspective in a specific portion of the state, it would be a disservice to look with blinders at each individual bill one at a time.

“We have probably 50 different proposals on that, and it’s incumbent upon us as the Legislature to really examine how we want to deal with that issue as a state,” he said. “There are many other problems that truly are not ours to solve, but these are the types of decisions we should be making here as a body to solve what problems we can.

“I’m proud of our members for showing up to the 60-day session ready to listen and talk rather than just perform a rapid-fire sorting of bills that come from any number of sources.”

Hanshaw pointed out the House has passed 63 bills, including two that completed the legislative process this week after unanimous votes in the House of Delegates.

Senate Bill 138 would create enhanced criminal penalties for a person repeatedly convicted of fleeing an officer, and those repeat offenses would play into sentencing. Senate Bill 240 would update definitions included under the state’s criminal code as it relates to the extortion of sexual conduct and would criminalize the practice of threatening blackmail under the threat of disclosing private images without consent. Those two measures now go to the Executive for action.

The House Health and Human Resources Committee this week advanced several measures related to foster care. House Bill 2503 would revamp the foster care clothing allowance program by establishing what is considered an adequate wardrobe and approved necessities for children removed from their homes. It also would provide reloadable purchasing cards for more flexible purchasing online or at any store that accepts an electronic payment transaction. House Bill 2934 would require the Department of Human Services to prioritize housing applications, such as HUD or any government-assisted housing, for children who have turned 18 and transitioning from foster care. House Bill 2377 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 report and would require reports to be retained for at least one year.

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

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

Thursday, March 13, 2025 – 30th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

• SR 24: Designating March 13, 2025, as Tucker County Day
• SR 25: Designating March 13, 2025, as Wear Red Day
• SR 26: Recognizing March 13, 2025, as National K9 Veterans Day
• SR 27: Congratulating Taylor County Middle school football team for winning 2024 Mid-8 Championship

THIRD READING

• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 658: Prohibiting certain persons from receiving compensation for advising or assisting with veterans’ benefits
• Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2053: Relating to including the United States Space Force in the definition armed forces

SECOND READING

• Com. Sub. for SB 526: Creating Pharmacist Prescribing Authority Act
• Com. Sub. for SB 592: Relating generally to aboveground storage tanks
• SB 712: Relating to retirement provisions of systems managed by CPRB (original similar to HB 3180)
• Com. Sub. for SB 715: Relating to personally identifiable information of member, retirant, beneficiary, or alternate payee of retirement system (original similar to HB 3183)
• SB 716: Relating to failure to pay required contributions and interest payments for certain retirees who transfer between retirement systems (original similar to HB 3193)
• Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2042: Relating to allowing a guardian ad litem to request the appointment of a court appointed special advocate – (Com. amend. and title amend. pending)

FIRST READING

• Com. Sub. for SB 102: Modifying form of certain deeds
• Com. Sub. for SB 220: Authorizing child sexual abuse and sexual violence prevention program and in-service training in child sexual abuse prevention
• Com. Sub. for SB 449: Permitting compressed air and rimfire shooting teams in public schools
• Com. Sub. for SB 548: Creating Safety and Violence Education for Students Act

Scheduled Committee Meetings

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

• Com. Sub. for SB 538: Allowing certain entities to purchase qualifying tax-delinquent properties before they are offered at public auction
• Com. Sub. for SB 731: Repealing article creating Design Build Procurement Act
• 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 744: Repealing Central Nonprofit Coordinating Agency and Committee for Purchase of Commodities and Services from Handicapped
• SB 738: Terminating Employee Suggestion Award Board
• Com. Sub. for SB 601: Relating to fees and charges for municipality-provided fire services

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

• SB 477: Requiring ambulance at middle school or high school football game
• SB 516: Providing extra state aid to school districts for students enrolled in extremely remote schools
• SB 531: Defining assault and battery on sports officials
• SB 631: Relating to eligibility for WV Invests Grant Program

12:30 p.m.: Energy, Industry and Mining (208W)

• SCR 18: Recognizing intent to create WV Coal Renaissance Act
• SB 505: Ensuring Reliable and Affordable Electricity Act

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

• SB 570: Requiring economic impact statements for certain legislative rules
• Com. Sub. for SB 639: Creating WV Small Business Appreciation and Acknowledgement Act

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

• SB 83: Allowing Foster Care Ombudsman access to child protective records
• SB 594: Relating to right to try individualized treatments
• SB 719: Relating to age at which minor can consent to certain medical decisions and services

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

• SB 598: Permitting judges to refer parents to prosecuting attorney for making certain false allegations in child custody proceedings
• SB 619: Authorizing judge or chief judge to fill prospective vacancy in office of magistrate
• SB 621: Authorizing digital court records

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

• SB 547: Creating Charter Schools Startup Fund
• Com. Sub. for SB 37: Allowing certain Teachers Retirement System members to exchange unused leave for monetary compensation
• Com. Sub. for SB 450: Establishing WV Guardian Program

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Thursday, March 13, 2025

• SB 746: Allowing State Board of Education to delegate its Medicaid provider status to public charter schools (Rucker; Government Organization)
• SB 747: Relating to Real Estate License Act [By Request of the Executive] (Smith, Woelfel; Government Organization then Finance)
• SB 748: Creating Safer Communities Act (Helton, Clements; Finance)
• SB 749: Relating generally to public charter schools (Rucker; Education)
• SB 750: Eliminating appointment process for PSC commission members (FN) (Woelfel; Government Organization then Finance)
• SB 751: Prohibiting manufacture, sale, or distribution of cultivated meat products (Hart; Agriculture then Judiciary)
• SB 752: Establishing resident and nonresident wildlife viewing stamps (FN) (Maynard; Natural Resources then Finance)
• SB 753: Relating to dog racing requirements (Rose, Roberts, Charnock; Judiciary)
• SB 754: Creating Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act (Maynard; Natural Resources then Judiciary)
• SR 28: Designating March 14, 2025, as West Virginia State University Day (Rose)
• SR 29: Designating March 14, 2025, as WV American Academy of Pediatrics Child Health Advocacy Day (Takubo)
• SR 30: Recognizing 80th anniversary of Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation (Queen)
• SR 31: Designating March 14, 2025, as Suicide Prevention Awareness Day (Weld)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Wednesday, March 12, 2025

9:30 a.m.: Natural Resources

• Com. Sub. for SB 21: Assessing wildlife impact fee on wind power projects
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

• Com. Sub. for SB 701: Classifying forestry equipment for levy purposes
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

1 p.m.: Select Committee on Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health

• Com. Sub. for SB 723: Relating to clinical inpatient medical treatment centers for substance use disorder
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

• Com. Sub. for SB 726: Relating to office-based, medication-assisted treatment programs and opioid treatment programs
• Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

2 p.m.: Agriculture

• Com. Sub. for SB 295: Clarifying non-agricultural status of solar farms
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

• Com. Sub. for SB 618: Relating generally to certain farmland tax exemptions and appraisals
• Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

• Com. Sub. for SB 686: Relating to WV commercial feed law
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

2 p.m.: Banking and Insurance

• Com. Sub. for SB 663: Creating Transparency in Financial Services Act
• Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

3 p.m.: Judiciary

• Com. Sub. for HB 2222: Relating to authorizing certain agencies of the Department of Administration to promulgate legislative rules – Includes SB 301, Department of Administration rule relating to general administration of records management and preservation; SB 302, Department of Administration rule relating to retention and disposal scheduling; SB 303, Department of Administration rule relating to management of records maintained by Records Center; SB 304, Department of Administration rule relating to exemptions from management services provided by Fleet Management Division; SB 305, Department of Administration rule relating to financial services reporting; SB 306, Information Services and Communications Division rule relating to plan of operation; SB 307, Information Services and Communications Division rule relating to telecommunications payments by spending units; SB 308, Office of Technology rule relating to plan of operation; SB 309, Office of Technology rule relating to telecommunications payments made by state spending units; SB 310, Public Defender Services rule relating to payment of fees and reimbursement of expenses for court-appointed attorneys
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• SB 473: Limiting medical monitoring damages
• Bill tabled

• Com. Sub. for HB 2129: Creating the Parents Bill of Rights
• Bill referred to subcommittee; Senators Chapman, Weld, Willis, Deeds, Garcia, Charnock appointed

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Wednesday, March 12, 2025 (74 – 71 Senate; 3 House)

Senate Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Wednesday, March 12, 2025 (3)

• 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)

Action on House Resolutions in the Senate as of Wednesday, March 12, 2025 (1)

• HCR 49: Resolution relating to use of industrial sites and the potential impacts on downstream facilities (Adopted, 03-03)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Wednesday, March 12, 2025 (5 – 3 Senate; 2 House)

• SB 358: Authorizing Department of Transportation to promulgate legislative rules (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
• SB 456: Defining “men” and “women” (Signed, 03-12)
• SB 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (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)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Wednesday, March 12, 2025 (8 – 3 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)
• 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 12, 2025 (3 – 1 Senate; 2 House)

• SB 456: Defining “men” and “women” (Signed, 03-12)
• 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

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 – 29th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

• SCR 18: Recognizing intent to create WV Coal Renaissance Act
• SR 21: Designating March 12, 2025, as WV Tourism Day
• SR 22: Recognizing 175th anniversary of Wheeling Hospital
• SR 23: Memorializing life of Janie Lou White

THIRD READING

• Eng. SB 280: Displaying official US motto in public schools
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 500: Transferring audits of volunteer fire departments to Legislative Auditor
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 521: Requiring party affiliations be listed for all candidates
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 532: Making ad valorem taxes on property payable only to county in which property is located
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 606: Relating to notification of breast density
• Eng. SB 649: Supplementing and amending appropriations to Department of Health, Office of Inspector General
• Eng. SB 650: Relating to full-time interventionists

SECOND READING

• Com. Sub. for SB 658: Prohibiting certain persons from receiving compensation for advising or assisting with veterans’ benefits
• Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2053: Relating to including the United States Space Force in the definition armed forces

FIRST READING

• Com. Sub. for SB 526: Creating Pharmacist Prescribing Authority Act
• Com. Sub. for SB 592: Relating generally to aboveground storage tanks
• SB 712: Relating to retirement provisions of systems managed by CPRB (original similar to HB 3180)
• Com. Sub. for SB 715: Relating to personally identifiable information of member, retirant, beneficiary, or alternate payee of retirement system (original similar to HB 3183)
• SB 716: Relating to failure to pay required contributions and interest payments for certain retirees who transfer between retirement systems (original similar to HB 3193)
• Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2042: Relating to allowing a guardian ad litem to request the appointment of a court appointed special advocate – (Com. amend. and title amend. pending)

Scheduled Committee Meetings

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

• Com. Sub. for SB 21: Assessing wildlife impact fee on wind power projects
• Com. Sub. for SB 701: Classifying forestry equipment for levy purposes

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

• Presentation: Emily Birckhead, Executive Director, WV Alliance of Recovery Residences
• SB 723: Relating to clinical inpatient medical treatment centers for substance use disorder
• SB 726: Relating to office-based, medication-assisted treatment programs and opioid treatment programs

2 p.m.: Agriculture (208W)

• Com. Sub. for SB 295: Clarifying non-agricultural status of solar farms
• Com. Sub. for SB 618: Relating generally to certain farmland tax exemptions and appraisals
• Com. Sub. for SB 686: Relating to WV commercial feed law

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

• Com. Sub. for SB 663: Creating Transparency in Financial Services Act
• Com. Sub. for SB 665: Ensuring that survivor of merger, reorganization, purchase, or assumption of liabilities of bank chartered by WV is insured by FDIC

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

• Com. Sub. for HB 2222: Relating to authorizing certain agencies of the Department of Administration to promulgate legislative rules
• Includes: SB 301, Department of Administration rule relating to general administration of records management and preservation; SB 302, Department of Administration rule relating to retention and disposal scheduling; SB 303, Department of Administration rule relating to management of records maintained by Records Center; SB 304, Department of Administration rule relating to exemptions from management services provided by Fleet Management Division; SB 305, Department of Administration rule relating to financial services reporting; SB 306, Information Services and Communications Division rule relating to plan of operation; SB 307, Information Services and Communications Division rule relating to telecommunications payments by spending units; SB 308, Office of Technology rule relating to plan of operation; SB 309, Office of Technology rule relating to telecommunications payments made by state spending units; SB 310, Public Defender Services rule relating to payment of fees and reimbursement of expenses for court-appointed attorneys

• SB 473: Limiting medical monitoring damages
• Com. Sub. for HB 2129: Creating the Parents Bill of Rights

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 Wednesday, March 12, 2025

• SB 739: Relating to recovery residences (Helton; Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health then Judiciary)
• SB 740: Establishing Stop Squatters Act (Hamilton, Azinger, Bartlett, Charnock, Deeds, Fuller, Hart, Helton, Jeffries, Martin, Maynard, Morris, Oliverio, Phillips, Queen, Roberts, Rose, Takubo, Tarr, Taylor, Thorne, Willis, Woodrum; Judiciary)
• SB 741: Authorizing State Auditor to conduct fairness hearings (Azinger, Oliverio, Morris; Banking and Insurance)
• SB 742: Relating generally to jurisdiction in magistrate courts (Azinger, Oliverio, Morris, Charnock; Judiciary)
• SB 743: Adjusting percentage of tax retained by clerk of county commission for certain purposes (FN) (Jeffries, Grady, Helton, Tarr; Government Organization then Finance)
• SB 744: Relating to purchase of commodities and services from handicapped (Rucker; Government Organization)
• SB 745: Strengthening and reforming lobbying requirements (Stuart; Judiciary)
• SR 24: Designating March 13, 2025, as Tucker County Day (Smith)
• SR 25: Designating March 13, 2025, as Wear Red Day (Grady)
• SR 26: Recognizing March 13, 2025, as National K9 Veterans Day (Weld, Smith)
• SR 27: Congratulating Taylor County Middle school football team for winning 2024 Mid-8 Championship (Taylor)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Tuesday, March 11, 2025

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization

• SB 538: Allowing certain entities to purchase qualifying tax-delinquent properties before they are offered at public auction
• Bill laid over to a future meeting

• SB 709: Repealing provisions of code that exempt Department of Transportation, Tax Division, and Bureau of Social Services from Division of Personnel
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

• SB 577: Clarifying prohibited practices by manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch when providing new motor vehicle to dealer
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

• Com. Sub. for SB 546: Authorizing county commissions to levy additional excise tax on transferring real property to fund local economic development
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

9:30 a.m.: Education

• Com. Sub. for SB 220: Authorizing child sexual abuse and sexual violence prevention program and in-service training in child sexual abuse prevention
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

• Com. Sub. for SB 449: Permitting compressed air and rimfire shooting teams in public schools
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• Com. Sub. for SB 548: Creating Safety and Violence Education for Students Act
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

1 p.m.: Health and Human Resources

• Com. Sub. forSB 614: Authorizing over-the-counter sale of ivermectin
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

• Com. Sub. forSB 297: Requiring coverage for certain pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders in certain circumstances
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

• Com. Sub. forSB 689: State Sovereignty Act of 2025
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

• Com. Sub. forSB 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; second reference to Finance

3 p.m.: Judiciary

• Com. Sub. forSB 586: Relating to requirements for filling vacancies in certain elected federal, state, and county offices
• Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Tuesday, March 11, 2025 (67 – 64 Senate; 3 House)

Senate Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Tuesday, March 11, 2025 (3)

• 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)
• Com. Sub. forSB 102: Modifying form of certain deeds
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
• SB 456: Defining “men” and “women” (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
• SB 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (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)
• 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)
• 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)
• 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)
• Com. Sub. forSB 543: Clarifying oversight by Attorney General of political subdivision’s hiring of private attorney under contingency fee or contract to sue
• Motion to report committee substitute to the full Senate rejected; bill not reported
• Com. Sub. forSJR 6: Elimination of Business Inventory Tax Amendment
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it be adopted; second reference to Finance

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 – 28th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

THIRD READING

• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 196: Lauren’s Law (original similar to HB 2613)
• Eng. SB 257: Providing protection for property owner when someone visiting private cemetery causes damage to property
• Eng. SB 501: Relating to loan form
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 522: Clarifying procedure for administrative dissolution of limited liability companies by Secretary of State
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 525: Clarifying procedure for administrative dissolution of nonprofit corporations by Secretary of State
• Eng. SB 561: Relating to Uniform Special Deposits Act (original similar to HB 2745)

SECOND READING

• SB 280: Displaying official US motto in public schools
• Com. Sub. for SB 500: Transferring audits of volunteer fire departments to Legislative Auditor
• Com. Sub. for SB 521: Requiring party affiliations be listed for all candidates
• Com. Sub. for SB 532: Making ad valorem taxes on property payable only to county in which property is located
• Com. Sub. for SB 606: Relating to notification of breast density
• SB 649: Supplementing and amending appropriations to Department of Health, Office of Inspector General
• SB 650: Relating to full-time interventionists

FIRST READING

• Com. Sub. for SB 658: Prohibiting certain persons from receiving compensation for advising or assisting with veterans’ benefits
• Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2053: Relating to including the United States Space Force in the definition armed forces

Scheduled Committee Meetings

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

• SB 538: Allowing certain entities to purchase qualifying tax-delinquent properties before they are offered at public auction
• SB 709: Repealing provisions of code that exempt Department of Transportation, Tax Division, and Bureau of Social Services from Division of Personnel
• SB 577: Clarifying prohibited practices by manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch when providing new motor vehicle to dealer
• Com. Sub. for SB 546: Authorizing county commissions to levy additional excise tax on transferring real property to fund local economic development

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

• SB 220: Authorizing child sexual abuse and sexual violence prevention program and in-service training in child sexual abuse prevention
• SB 449: Permitting compressed air and rimfire shooting teams in public schools
• SB 548: Creating Safety and Violence Education for Students Act

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

• SB 614: Authorizing over-the-counter sale of ivermectin
• SB 297: Requiring coverage for certain pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders in certain circumstances
• SB 689: State Sovereignty Act of 2025
• SB 707: Providing increase in salary to WV Birth-to-Three contracted therapists and employees

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

• SB 586: Relating to requirements for filling vacancies in certain elected federal, state, and county offices
• SB 102: Modifying form of certain deeds
• SB 543: Clarifying oversight by Attorney General of political subdivision’s hiring of private attorney under contingency fee or contract to sue
• SJR 6: Elimination of Business Inventory Tax Amendment

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

• Budget Presentation: West Virginia Department of Revenue

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Tuesday, March 11, 2025

• SB 731: Repealing article creating Design Build Procurement Act (Rucker; Government Organization)
• SB 732: Relating generally to medical cannabis (Woodrum; Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
• SB 733: Relating to membership composition of Legislative Oversight Commission on Department of Transportation Accountability (Maynard; Transportation and Infrastructure)
• SB 734: Repealing section creating A. James Manchin Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan (Rucker; Government Organization)
• SB 735: Relating to development and operation of broadband within state (FN) (Deeds, Fuller, Woodrum; Government Organization then Finance)
• SB 736: Relating to publication of registered lobbyist information (Rucker; Government Organization)
• SB 737: Creating WV Farm Equipment Repair Pilot Program (FN) (Hamilton, Deeds, Thorne, Woelfel, Woodrum; Education then Finance)
• SB 738: Terminating Employee Suggestion Award Board (Rucker; Government Organization)
• SCR 18: Recognizing intent to create WV Coal Renaissance Act (Helton, Rose, Azinger, Martin, Maynard, Phillips, Rucker, Taylor, Thorne)
• SR 21: Designating March 12, 2025, as WV Tourism Day (Smith)
• SR 22: Recognizing 175th anniversary of Wheeling Hospital (Chapman, Weld)
• SR 23: Memorializing life of Janie Lou White (Smith)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Monday, March 10, 2025

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization

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

• SB 513: Relating generally to video lottery
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

• SB 694: Protecting state and local government systems and data from foreign entities
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

1 p.m.: Workforce

• Com. Sub. for SB 263: Relating to use of criminal records as disqualification from authorization to practice particular profession
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation to do pass; second reference to Judiciary

• Com. Sub. for SB 610: Abolishing tax on overtime pay
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation to do pass; second reference to Finance

1 p.m.: Transportation and Infrastructure

• Com. Sub. for SB 67: Allowing motor vehicle racing on county or municipal roads under certain circumstances
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation to do pass; second reference to Finance

• Com. Sub. for SB 1: Requiring PSC to be clearinghouse for state road paving projects
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation to do pass; second reference to Government Organization

• Com. Sub. for SB 464: Creating license plate for recipients of Medal of Valor and their immediate family members
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation to do pass; second reference to Finance

2 p.m.: Energy, Industry and Mining

• Com. Sub. for SB 592: Relating generally to above ground storage tanks
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation to do pass

• Com. Sub. for SB 271: Natural Resources Anti-Commandeering Act
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation to do pass; second reference to Judiciary

2 p.m.: Pensions

• SB 712: Relating to retirement provisions of systems managed by CPRB
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

• Com. Sub. for SB 715: Relating to personality identifiable information of member, retirant, beneficiary, or alternate payee of retirement system
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation to do pass; second reference to Finance

• SB 716: Relating to failure to pay required contributions and interest payments for certain retirees who transfer between retirement systems
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation to do pass; second reference to Finance

3 p.m.: Judiciary

• SB 727: Directing study of child welfare system be conducted by independent third party
• Bill laid over to a future meeting

• Eng. Com. Sub. forHB 2042: Relating to allowing a guardian ad litem to request the appointment of a court appointed special advocate
• Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• Com. Sub. forSB 604: Requiring Department of Human Services to notify PSC that person is eligible for discount on utility bills
• Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation to do pass

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Monday, March 10, 2025 (61 – 58 Senate; 3 House)

Senate Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Monday, March 10, 2025 (3)

• 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)

Action on House Resolutions in the Senate as of Monday, March 10, 2025 (1)

• HCR 49: Resolution relating to use of industrial sites and the potential impacts on downstream facilities (Adopted, 03-03)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Monday, March 10, 2025 (3 – 1 Senate; 2 House)

• SB 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (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)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Monday, March 10, 2025 (8 – 3 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)
• 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 10, 2025 (2 – 2 House)

• 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

Monday, March 10, 2025 – 27th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

THIRD READING

• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 121: Updating language and increasing penalties for indecent exposure
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 155: Establishing Summer Feeding for All Program (original similar to HB 3254)
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 199: Relating to elementary behavior intervention and safety
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 325: Department of Health rule relating to general provisions of Medical Cannabis Program (original similar to HB 2245)
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 458: Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act of 2025 (original similar to HB 2001)
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 485: Exempting West Virginia Secretary of State from competitive bidding process
• Eng. SB 492: Removing outdated provisions governing political committees
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 565: Relating generally to practice of optometry (original similar to HB 2975)
• Eng. SB 612: Making rules and regulations of PSC subject to legislative rule-making review procedures
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 627: Removing prohibition against leasing state-owned pore spaces underlying lands designated as state parks

SECOND READING

• Com. Sub. for SB 196: Increasing penalties for drug possession and updating list of offenses (original similar to HB 2613)
• SB 257: Providing protection for property owner when someone visiting private cemetery causes damage to property
• SB 501: Relating to loan form
• Com. Sub. for SB 521: Requiring party affiliations be listed for all candidates
• Com. Sub. for SB 522: Clarifying procedure for administrative dissolution of limited liability companies by Secretary of State
• Com. Sub. for SB 525: Clarifying procedure for administrative dissolution of nonprofit corporations by Secretary of State
• SB 561: Relating to Uniform Special Deposits Act (original similar to HB 2745)

FIRST READING

• SB 280: Displaying official US motto in public schools
• Com. Sub. for SB 500: Transferring audits of volunteer fire departments to Legislative Auditor
• Com. Sub. for SB 532: Making ad valorem taxes on property payable only to county in which property is located
• Com. Sub. for SB 606: Relating to notification of breast density
• SB 649: Supplementing and amending appropriations to Department of Health, Office of Inspector General
• SB 650: Relating to full-time interventionists

Scheduled Committee Meetings

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

• Com. Sub. for SB 526: Creating the Pharmacist Prescribing Authority Act
• SB 513: Relating generally to video lottery
• SB 694: Protecting state and local government systems and data from foreign entities
• SB 673: Defining third-party challenges to development permits

1 p.m.: Workforce (208W)

• Com. Sub. for SB 263: Relating to use of criminal records as disqualification from authorization to practice particular profession
• SB 610: Abolishing tax on overtime pay

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

• Com. Sub. for SB 67: Allowing motor vehicle racing on county or municipal roads under certain circumstances
• Com. Sub. for SB 1: Requiring PSC to be clearinghouse for state road paving projects
• Com. Sub. for SB 464: Creating license plate for recipients of Medal of Valor and their immediate family members

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

• Com. Sub. for SB 592: Relating generally to above ground storage tanks
• SB 271: Natural Resources Anti-Commandeering Act
• SB 505: Ensuring Reliable and Affordable Electricity Act

2 p.m.: Pensions (451M)

• SB 712: Relating to retirement provisions of systems managed by CPRB
• SB 715: Relating to personality identifiable information of member, retirant, beneficiary, or alternate payee of retirement system
• SB 716: Relating to failure to pay required contributions and interest payments for certain retirees who transfer between retirement systems

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

• SB 727: Directing study of child welfare system be conducted by independent third party
• HB 2042: Relating to allowing a guardian ad litem to request the appointment of a court appointed special advocate
• SB 604: Requiring Department of Human Services to notify PSC that person is eligible for discount on utility bills

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

• Budget Presentation: Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Monday, March 10, 2025

• SB 728: Relating generally to transfer on death deed (Weld; Judiciary)
• SB 729: Setting maximum interest rate which licensed regulated consumer lenders may charge on installment loans (FN) (Azinger; Banking and Insurance then Finance)
• SB 730: Establishing Forest Carbon Registry (Tarr, Woodrum; Energy, Industry and Mining then Finance)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Friday, March 7, 2025

9 a.m.: Military

• Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2053: Relating to including the United States Space Force in the definition armed forces
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

• Com. Sub. for SB 658: Prohibiting certain persons from receiving compensation for advising or assisting with veterans’ benefits
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• SB 666: Updating definition of disabled veteran taxpayer
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Bills passed the Senate as of Friday, March 7, 2025 (51 – 48 Senate; 3 House)

Senate Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Friday, March 7, 2025 (3)

• 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)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Friday, March 7, 2025 (3 – 1 Senate; 2 House)

• SB 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (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)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Friday, March 7, 2025 (8 – 3 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)
• 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 7, 2025 (2 – 2 House)

• 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

Friday, March 7, 2025 – 24th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m.

THIRD READING

• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 22: Applying penalties for nonpayment of royalties under terms of oil and natural gas leases
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 117: Exempting certain physicians from specified traffic laws when responding to emergencies
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 267: Extending time for renewal and restoration of commercial driver’s licenses
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 503: Allowing sheriffs to appoint more than one chief deputy with consent of county commission
• Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 573: Relating to restrictions on use or sale of motor vehicles based on power source

SECOND READING

• Com. Sub. for SB 121: Updating language and increasing penalties for indecent exposure
• Com. Sub. for SB 155: Establishing Summer Feeding for All Program
• Com. Sub. for SB 196: Increasing penalties for drug possession and updating list of offenses (original similar to HB 2613)
• Com. Sub. for SB 199: Relating to elementary behavior intervention and safety
• Com. Sub. for SB 325: Department of Health rule relating to general provisions of Medical Cannabis Program (original similar to HB 2245)
• Com. Sub. for SB 458: Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act of 2025 (original similar to HB 2001)
• Com. Sub. for SB 485: Exempting West Virginia Secretary of State from competitive bidding process
• SB 492: Removing outdated provisions governing political committees
• Com. Sub. for SB 522: Clarifying procedure for administrative dissolution of limited liability companies by Secretary of State
• Com. Sub. for SB 525: Clarifying procedure for administrative dissolution of nonprofit corporations by Secretary of State
• Com. Sub. for SB 565: Relating generally to practice of optometry (original similar to HB 2975)
• SB 611: Excluding workers of ski area operators from maximum hour requirements
• SB 612: Making rules and regulations of PSC subject to legislative rule-making review procedures
• Com. Sub. for SB 627: Removing prohibition against leasing state-owned pore spaces underlying lands designated as state parks

FIRST READING

• SB 257: Providing protection for property owner when someone visiting private cemetery causes damage to property
• SB 501: Relating to loan form
• Com. Sub. for SB 521: Requiring party affiliations be listed for all candidates
• SB 561: Relating to Uniform Special Deposits Act (original similar to HB 2745)

Scheduled Committee Meetings

9 a.m.: Military (208W)

• Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 2053: Relating to including the United States Space Force in the definition armed forces
• Com. Sub. for SB 658: Prohibiting certain persons from receiving compensation for advising or assisting with veterans’ benefits
• SB 666: Updating definition of disabled veteran taxpayer

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Friday, March 7, 2025

• SB 723: Relating to clinical inpatient medical treatment centers for substance use disorder (Helton; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
• SB 724: Relating to taxation (FN) (Barrett; Finance)
• SB 725: Relating to unlawful expenditures by local fiscal bodies (Grady; Finance)
• SB 726: Relating to office-based, medication-assisted treatment programs and opioid treatment programs (Helton; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
• SB 727: Directing study of child welfare system be conducted by independent third party (FN) (Stuart; Judiciary then Finance)
• SJR 14: Homestead Exemption Increase Amendment (Barrett; 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 6, 2025

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization

• Com. Sub. for SB 500: Transferring audits of volunteer fire departments to Legislative Auditor
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• Com. Sub. for SB 20: Requiring funding for increased costs to volunteer fire departments and EMS units
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• SB 526: Creating the Pharmacist Prescribing Authority Act
• Bill laid over to a future meeting

9:30 a.m.: Education

• SB 280: Displaying official US motto in public schools
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• Com. Sub. for SB 646: Extending non-traditional instruction days for WV teachers from five to 10
• Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

• SB 650: Relating to full-time interventionists
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

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

1 p.m.: Health and Human Resources

• Com. Sub. for SB 606: Relating to notification of breast density
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

• Com. Sub. for SB 710: Relating to the practice of teledentistry
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

3 p.m.: Judiciary

• Com. Sub. for SB 474: Ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs
• Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

• Com. Sub. for SB 264: Allowing death penalty for intentionally killing law-enforcement officer or first responder in line of duty
• Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

3 p.m.: Finance

• Com. Sub. for SB 532: Making ad valorum taxes on property payable only to county in which property is located
• Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

• SB 649: Supplementing and amending appropriations to Department of Health, Office of Inspector General
• Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Bills passed the Senate

Senate Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Thursday, March 6, 2025 (3)

• 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)

Action on House Resolutions in the Senate as of Thursday, March 6, 2025 (1)

• HCR 49: Resolution relating to use of industrial sites and the potential impacts on downstream facilities (Adopted, 03-03)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Thursday, March 6, 2025 (2 – 2 House)

• 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)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Thursday, March 6, 2025 (8 – 3 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)
• 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 6, 2025 (2 – 2 House)

• 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