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Member Press Release

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

Monday, February 24, 2025 – 13th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

THIRD READING

  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 8: Providing additional sites and devices for newborn safe surrender
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 151: Creating crime of assault on police dogs and other public safety animals
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 240: Updating crime of sexual extortion
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 270: Declaring sale and manufacture of firearms essential business during declared emergency
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 275: Removing requirement school cooks or custodians have high school diploma or equivalent
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 282: Modifying provisions for employment of retired teachers as substitutes in areas of critical need and shortage
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 283: Expanding grade levels of personal finance course requirements needed for graduation

SECOND READING

  • Com. Sub. for SB 136: Increasing penalties and parole eligibility requirements for homicide (original similar to HB 2359)
  • Com. Sub. for SB 336: Authorizing Department of Homeland Security to promulgate legislative rules (original similar to HB 2256)

FIRST READING

  • SB 92: Glucagon for Schools Act
  • SB 291: Extending time frame for pharmacies to register from annually to biennially
  • Com. Sub. for SB 358: Authorizing Department of Transportation to promulgate legislative rules (original similar to HB 2278)
  • Com. Sub. for SB 443: Authorizing Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board of Examiners to conduct criminal background checks for licensing
  • Com. Sub. for SB 462: Permitting Board of Occupational Therapy to require criminal history record checks

Scheduled Committee Meetings

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

  • SB 234: Increasing value at which municipal property must be sold through public auction
  • Com. Sub. for SB 459: Requiring county economic development committee members be state residents

1 p.m.: Workforce (208W)

  • Presentation: WV Dental Association
  • SB 427: Permitting certain teenagers to work without obtaining work permit
  • SB 534: Relating to requirements to administer polygraphs

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

  • SB 5: Authorizing Adopt-A-Road volunteer programs under jurisdiction of DOT
  • SB 67: Allowing motor vehicle racing on county or municipal roads under certain circumstances
  • SB 117: Exempting certain physicians from specified traffic laws when responding to emergencies
  • Presentation: Jacob Bumgarner, P.E., West Virginia Department of Transportation-Division of Highways
  • Sources of funding for West Virginia road infrastructure construction and maintenance; methods used to prioritize infrastructure funding and maintenance; funding levels for districts, counties; funding formulas; and maintenance and repaving/resurfacing schedules

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

  • SB 22: Applying penalties for nonpayment of royalties under terms of oil and natural gas leases
  • Com. Sub. for SB 448: Creating credit against severance tax for certain infrastructure improvements

2 p.m.: Pensions (451M)

  • Presentation: Craig Slaughter, Executive, Director, Investment Management Board
  • 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

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

  • SB 50: Requiring municipal elections to be held on same day as statewide election
  • SJR 2: Incorporating of Churches or Religious Denominations Amendment
  • Com. Sub. for SB 369: Miscellaneous Bundle
  • Includes: SB 363, Department of Agriculture rule relating to state aid for fairs and festivals; SB 364, Department of Agriculture rule relating to inspection of meat and poultry; SB 365, Department of Agriculture rule relating to licensing and other fees; SB 366, Department of Agriculture rule relating to WV manufacture-grade milk; SB 367, Department of Agriculture rule relating to employment references, employment inquiries, and background checks; SB 368, Department of Agriculture rule relating to WV fish processing; SB 369, Department of Agriculture rule relating to select plant-based derivatives and select plant-based derivative products; SB 370, Department of Agriculture rule relating to Rural Rehabilitation Program; SB 371, Department of Agriculture rule relating to raw milk; SB 372, Board of Architects rule relating to registration of architects; SB 373, Board of Architects rule relating to fees for registration of architects; SB 374, State Auditor rule relating to Local Government Purchasing Card Program; SB 375, State Auditor rule relating to private trust companies; SB 376, Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists rule relating to operation of certain salons and schools; SB 377, Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists rule relating to schedule of fees; SB 378, Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists rule relating to schedule of fines; SB 379, Board of Chiropractic Examiners rule relating to consideration of prior criminal convictions in initial licensure determinations; SB 380, Board of Dentistry rule relating to continuing education requirements; SB 381, Board of Dentistry rule relating to mobile dental facilities and portable dental units; SB 382, Election Commission rule relating to regulation of campaign finance; SB 383, Board of Funeral Service Examiners rule relating to funeral director, embalmer, apprentice, courtesy card holders, and funeral establishment requirements; SB 384, Massage Therapy Licensure Board rule relating to general provisions; SB 385, Board of Medicine rule relating to waiver of initial licensing fees for certain applicants; SB 386, Board of Occupational Therapy rule relating to fees for services rendered by board; SB 387, Board of Occupational Therapy rule relating to competency standards for advanced practice by occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants; SB 388, Board of Occupational Therapy rule relating to request for waiver of licensing fees for certain individuals; SB 389, Board of Occupational Therapy rule relating to consideration of prior criminal convictions in initial licensure determinations; SB 390, Board of Occupational Therapy rule relating to telehealth practice requirements and definitions; SB 391, Board of Osteopathic Medicine rule relating to waiver of initial licensing fees for certain applicants; SB 392, Board of Pharmacy rule relating to licensure and practice of pharmacy; SB 393, Board of Pharmacy rule relating to Uniform Controlled Substances Act; SB 394, Board of Pharmacy rule relating to regulations governing pharmacy permits; SB 395, Board of Pharmacy rule relating to application of waiver of initial licensing fees for certain individuals; SB 396, Board of Examiners of Psychologists rule relating to consideration of prior criminal convictions in initial licensures and fee waivers; SB 397, Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board rule relating to requirements for licensure and certification; SB 398, Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board rule relating to renewal of licensure or certification; SB 399, Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board rule relating to requirements for registration and renewal of appraisal management companies; SB 400, Real Estate Commission rule relating to licensing real estate brokers, associate brokers, and salespersons and conduct of brokerage business; SB 401, Real Estate Commission rule relating to application of waiver of initial licensing fees for certain individuals; SB 402, Real Estate Commission rule relating to consideration of prior criminal convictions in initial license eligibility determination; SB 403, Board of Registered Nurses rule relating to requirements for registration, licensure, and professional misconduct; SB 404, Board of Respiratory Care rule relating to criteria for licensure; SB 405, Board of Respiratory Care rule relating to consideration of prior criminal convictions in initial licensure determinations; SB 406, Board of Respiratory Care rule relating to telehealth practice requirements and definitions; SB 407, Board of Sanitarians rule relating to practice of public health sanitation; SB 408, Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology rule relating to speech-language pathology and audiology assistants; SB 409, Hope Scholarship Board rule relating to Hope Scholarship Program; SB 410, State Conservation Committee rule relating to State Conservation Committee grant program.

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

  • Budget Presentation: West Virginia Department of Commerce
  • Budget Presentation: West Virginia Department of Economic Development

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Monday, February 24, 2025

  • SB 571: Mandating use of electronic lien and title system for anyone who records more than five liens in calendar year (Phillips; Transportation and Infrastructure)
  • SB 572: Prohibiting spending authority for money used by board or commission that retains labor position (Tarr; Government Organization)
  • SB 573: Relating to restrictions on use or sale of motor vehicles based on power source (Queen, Rose, Taylor; Transportation and Infrastructure)
  • SB 574: Prohibiting diversity, equity, and inclusion policies (Helton; Judiciary)
  • SB 575: Defining community air monitoring (Tarr; Government Organization)
  • SB 576: Authorizing fixed odds racing in horse and dog racing (FN) (Barrett; Finance)
  • SB 577: Clarifying prohibited practices by manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch when providing new motor vehicle to dealer (Barrett; Government Organization then Finance)
  • SB 578: Relating to pet food packages (FN) (Grady; Agriculture then Finance)
  • SB 579: Relating to Home Rule Reform (Helton, Fuller; Judiciary)
  • SB 580: Increasing penalty for felony distribution of controlled substance classified in Schedule I or II (Helton, Fuller; Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health then Judiciary)
  • SB 581: Relating to school attendance and student participation in 4-H activities (Oliverio, Garcia, Grady, Martin, Woodrum; Education)
  • SB 582: Permitting current campus police officers to participate in WV DNR Police Officer Retirement System (FN) (Oliverio, Deeds, Fuller, Garcia, Woodrum; Pensions then Finance)
  • SB 583: Establishing economic incentives for data centers to locate within state (Helton, Smith, Fuller, Martin, Phillips, Rose, Rucker, Taylor, Willis; Economic Development then Finance)
  • SB 584: Lauren’s Law increasing penalty for delivery of certain controlled substances (Helton; Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health then Judiciary)
  • SB 585: Relating to Craddock Student Athlete Safety Act (FN) (Stuart, Grady, Helton, Jeffries, Morris, Oliverio, Phillips, Rose, Rucker, Taylor; Judiciary then Finance)
  • SB 586: Relating to requirements for filling vacancies in certain elected federal, state, and county offices (Garcia; Government Organization then Judiciary)
  • SB 587: Relating generally to government contracting (Jefferies; Workforce then Government Organization)
  • SB 588: Relating to WV Food Freedom Act (Rucker, Grady, Hart, Martin, Maynard, Rose, Tarr, Willis; Health and Human Resources)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Friday, February 21, 2025

9:30 a.m.: Military

  • SB 103: Exempting certain records from public release
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • SB 144: Relating to Military Incentive Program
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance
  • Com. Sub. for SB 149: Exempting certain military veterans and their dependents from tuition
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance
  • Com. Sub. for SB 429: Providing tax credit to certain disabled veterans for lifetime hunting, trapping, and fishing license
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Friday, February 21, 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 Bills in the Senate as of Friday, February 21, 2025 (2)

  • HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Action on House Resolutions in the Senate as of Friday, February 21, 2025 (1)

  • HCR 49: Resolution relating to use of industrial sites and the potential impacts on downstream facilities (Natural Resources)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Friday, February 21, 2025 (2 – 2 House)

  • HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Friday, February 21, 2025 (7 – 3 Senate; 4 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)

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:http://sg001-armony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

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

Friday, February 21, 2025 – 10th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m.

THIRD READING

  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 138: Enhancing penalties for fleeing officer
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 139: Relating to filling of vacancies in Legislature
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 269: Modifying requirements for public water systems or businesses having backflow preventers
  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 460: Relating to vaccine requirements (original similar to HB 2004)

SECOND READING

  • Com. Sub. for SB 8: Providing additional sites and devices for newborn safe surrender
  • Com. Sub. for SB 151: Creating crime of assault on police dogs and other public safety animals
  • Com. Sub. for SB 240: Updating crime of sexual extortion
  • Com. Sub. for SB 270: Declaring sale and manufacture of firearms essential business during declared emergency
  • Com. Sub. for SB 275: Removing requirement school cooks or custodians have high school diploma or equivalent
  • Com. Sub. for SB 282: Modifying provisions for employment of retired teachers as substitutes in areas of critical need and shortage
  • Com. Sub. for SB 283: Expanding grade levels of personal finance course requirements needed for graduation

FIRST READING

  • Com. Sub. for SB 136: Increasing penalties and parole eligibility requirements for homicide (original similar to HB 2359)
  • Com. Sub. for SB 336: Authorizing Department of Homeland Security to promulgate legislative rules (original similar to HB 2256)

Scheduled Committee Meetings

9:30 a.m.: Military (208W)

  • SB 103: Exempting certain records from public release
  • SB 144: Relating to Military Incentive Program
  • SB 149: Exempting certain military veterans and their dependents from tuition
  • Com. Sub. for SB 429: Providing tax credit to certain disabled veterans for lifetime hunting, trapping, and fishing license

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Friday, February 21, 2025

  • SB 563: Providing members of State Teachers Retirement System are absent from service while serving as officer with statewide professional teaching association (Tarr; Pensions)
  • SB 564: Prohibiting voters not affiliated with major political party from voting ballot of political party in primary election (Tarr; Government Organization then Judiciary)
  • SB 565: Relating generally to practice of optometry (Taylor, Clements, Garcia, Hamilton, Morris, Roberts, Rose, Rucker; Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 566: Providing certified law-enforcement officers tuition-free education up to highest tuition rate for public higher education in WV (Fuller, Jeffries, Maynard, Oliverio, Rose, Weld; Education then Finance)
  • SB 567: Prohibiting employment termination of employee who defends themselves from attack inside workplace (Rose; Judiciary)
  • SB 568: Preserving privilege and confidentiality of information required as part of market conduct examination by Insurance Commissioner (Azinger; Banking and Insurance)
  • SB 569: Relating to homeowners’ bill of rights (Rucker; Government Organization then Judiciary)
  • SB 570: Requiring economic impact statements for certain legislative rules (Rucker; Economic Development then Government Organization)
  • SJR 11: Sheriff’s Succession Amendment (Morris, Barrett, Deeds, Fuller, Hamilton, Martin, Rucker, Thorne, Willis; 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, February 20, 2025

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization

  • Com. Sub. For SB 71: WV Monument and Memorial Protection Act of 2025
  • Bill referred to subcommittee; Barrett (R-Berkeley), Maynard (R-Wayne), and Woelfel (D-Cabell) appointed
  • Com. Sub. For SB 443: Criminal background checks for licensing
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. For SB 462: Permitting Board of Occupational Therapy to require criminal history record checks
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

9:30 a.m.: Education

  • Com. Sub. for SB 37: Allowing Teachers Retirement System members to exchange unused leave for monetary compensation
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance
  • Com. Sub. for SB 154: Prohibiting public schools from requiring students to participate in sexual orientation instruction
  • Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary
  • Com. Sub. for SB 158: Modifying eligibility requirements for serving as member of State Board of Education
  • Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

1 p.m.: Health and Human Resources

  • SB 92: Glucagon for Schools Act
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • SB 291: Extending time frame for pharmacies to register from annually to biennially
  • Bill 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; second reference to Finance
  • Com. Sub. for SB 430: Relating to cost-sharing requirements for breast examinations
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance
  • SB 526: Creating the Pharmacist Prescribing Authority Act
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Government Organization

3 p.m.: Judiciary

  • Com. Sub. for SB 358: Department of Transportation Bundle – Includes: SB 353, DOH rule relating to construction and reconstruction of state roads; SB 354, DOH rule relating to use of state rights-of-way and adjacent areas; SB 355, DOH rule relating to transportation of hazardous wastes on roads and highways; SB 356, DOH rule relating to small wireless facilities on state rights-of-way; SB 357, DMV rule relating to actions affecting driving privileges; SB 358, DMV rule relating to disclosure of information from division files; SB 359; DMV rule relating to handicapped placards; SB 360, DMV rule relating to Safety and Treatment Program; SB 361, DMV rule relating to State Vehicle Title, Registration, and Relicensing Project of 2018; SB 362, Parkways Authority rule relating to supporting electronic toll collection and enforcement
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • SJR 8: Citizenship Requirement to Vote in WV Elections Amendment
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Thursday, February 20, 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 Bills in the Senate as of Thursday, February 20, 2025 (2)

  • HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Action on House Resolutions in the Senate as of Thursday, February 20, 2025 (1)

  • HCR 49: Resolution relating to use of industrial sites and the potential impacts on downstream facilities (Natural Resources)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Thursday, February 20, 2025 (2 – 2 House)

  • HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Thursday, February 20, 2025 (7 – 3 Senate; 4 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)

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:http://sg001-armony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

This Week in the House of Delegates

For the week ending Feb. 21, 2025

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In addition to carrying out their legislative work this week, members of the West Virginia House of Delegates joined members of the Senate to collect donations for West Virginians affected by recent flooding.

“We’ve had record-setting flood waters, three feet higher than historic records, with county-wide damage,” Delegate David Green, R-McDowell, said during the Feb. 21 floor session before requesting a moment of silence. “There was no community in McDowell County that did not feel the impact of the flood. Sadly, our greatest loss was that we have lost four community members: three in the flood itself, a couple and their 2-year-old grandchild, as well as a seasoned firefighter.”

Delegate Green said 75% of McDowell County residents were left without power or water and roadways were so heavily impacted more than half the county had been heavily restricted from accessing its only hospital.

“Many residents are currently stranded, even today with their personal access bridge or roads washed away completely,” he said. “We have residents in our county that have lost their homes and some who are living in emergency shelters throughout the county.”

Green explained that the county’s schools are on “temporary hold,” and the state superintendent is working with the county superintendent to craft a plan for students to able to finish the school year.

“We truly appreciate our service providers working very hard to help restore our services,” he said. “I’m very pleased to say, and thankful to say, that we only have 10 homes now without power. With water, we still have close to 4,000 residents without public water in addition to 2,000 residents who can’t use their wells until they’re sanitized. It’s also estimated 35% of our county is still without phone service.

“We truly say thank you. We are in need of help, but we are confident our statesmen and our nation will rally around and help, and we say thank you sincerely for the members of this body that have personally reached out and shown their care and support, we say thank you. It’s my understanding that there are supplies that are being sent and again, just a massive thank you from myself and for our constituents in McDowell County. McDowell County is resilient, we are a county that loves one another, and with each other’s help and help from our friends and neighbors across this great nation and this wonderful state, we will get through this and come back together stronger and better.”

Several bills moved through the House committee process and to the floor this week, including House Bill 2042, which would allow for a guardian ad litem to request a court-appointed special advocate for a child in neglect and abuse cases.

“The more favorable outcomes come out of these cases when CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocate) is involved,” said Delegate Adam Burkhammer, R-Lewis, the lead sponsor of the bill. “CASA is a volunteer program, so we’re not talking about adding a bunch of staff and adding a bunch of dollars to our budget; we’re looking at community involvement, the opportunity to volunteer in abuse and neglect cases, and what we’re trying to do is get an extra set of eyes on our kids and in these cases.”

A total of 794 bills have been introduced in the House, and the last day to introduce bills is March 18. The 60-day, regular legislative session ends at midnight April 12.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

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Member Press Release

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

Thursday, February 20, 2025 – 9th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

  • SR 9: Recognizing Court Appointed Special Advocates
  • SR 10: Designating February 20, 2025, as Human Resources Day at Legislature
  • SR 11: Recognizing Cottage Hill Farm as WV outstanding family-owned Hereford cattle farm for 2024

THIRD READING

  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 460: Relating to vaccine requirements

SECOND READING

  • Com. Sub. for SB 138: Enhancing penalties for fleeing officer
  • Com. Sub. for SB 139: Relating to filling of vacancies in Legislature
  • Com. Sub. for SB 269: Modifying requirements for public water systems or businesses having backflow preventers

FIRST READING

  • Com. Sub. for SB 8: Providing additional sites and devices for newborn safe surrender
  • Com. Sub. for SB 151: Creating crime of assault on police dogs and other public safety animals
  • Com. Sub. for SB 240: Updating crime of sexual extortion
  • Com. Sub. for SB 270: Declaring sale and manufacture of firearms essential business during declared emergency
  • Com. Sub. for SB 275: Removing requirement school cooks or custodians have high school diploma or equivalent
  • Com. Sub. for SB 282: Modifying provisions for employment of retired teachers as substitutes in areas of critical need and shortage
  • Com. Sub. for SB 283: Expanding grade levels of personal finance course requirements needed for graduation

Scheduled Committee Meetings

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

  • Com. Sub. For SB 71: WV Monument and Memorial Protection Act of 2025
  • Com. Sub. For SB 443: Criminal background checks for licensing
  • Com. Sub. For SB 462: Permitting Board of Occupational Therapy to require criminal history record checks

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

  • SB 37: Allowing Teachers Retirement System members to exchange unused leave for monetary compensation
  • SB 154: Prohibiting public schools from requiring students to participate in sexual orientation instruction
  • SB 158: Modifying eligibility requirements for serving as member of State Board of Education
  • SB 480: Allowing licensed substitute and full-time teachers to serve as parent volunteers without additional background check

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

  • SB 552: Relating to the Certified Business Industrial Expansion Development Program *

* pending introduction of bill during Thursday’s floor session

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

  • SB 92: Glucagon for Schools Act
  • SB 291: Extending time frame for pharmacies to register from annually to biennially
  • SB 292: Allowing doula services be covered by Medicaid and PEIA
  • SB 430: Relating to cost-sharing requirements for breast examinations
  • SB 526: Creating the Pharmacist Prescribing Authority Act

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

  • Com. Sub. for SB 358: Department of Transportation Bundle
  • Includes: SB 353, DOH rule relating to construction and reconstruction of state roads; SB 354, DOH rule relating to use of state rights-of-way and adjacent areas; SB 355, DOH rule relating to transportation of hazardous wastes on roads and highways; SB 356, DOH rule relating to small wireless facilities on state rights-of-way; SB 357, DMV rule relating to actions affecting driving privileges; SB 358, DMV rule relating to disclosure of information from division files; SB 359; DMV rule relating to handicapped placards; SB 360, DMV rule relating to Safety and Treatment Program; SB 361, DMV rule relating to State Vehicle Title, Registration, and Relicensing Project of 2018; SB 362, Parkways Authority rule relating to supporting electronic toll collection and enforcement
  • Com. Sub. for SB 31: Relating to DNA data maintained for law-enforcement purposes
  • SJR 8: Citizenship Requirement to Vote in WV Elections Amendment

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

  • Budget Presentation: West Virginia Department of Administration – Eric Householder, Cabinet Secretary
  • Budget Presentation: West Virginia Department of Agriculture – Kent Leonhardt, Commissioner
  • Budget Presentation: West Virginia Conservation Agency – Judith Lyons, Executive Director

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Thursday, February 20, 2025

  • SB 545: Relating to school nutritional programs (Barrett; Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 546: Authorizing county commissions to levy additional excise tax on transferring real property to fund local economic development (Jeffries; Government Organization then Finance)
  • SB 547: Creating Charter Schools Startup Fund (FN) (Rucker; Finance)
  • SB 548: Creating Safety and Violence Education for Students Act (Grady; Education then Finance)
  • SB 549: Eliminating income tax on qualified tipped wages (Woelfel; Finance)
  • SB 550: Relating generally to Office of State Fire Marshal (Deeds; Judiciary then Finance)
  • SB 551: Increasing penalty for murder in second degree (Weld; Judiciary)
  • SB 552: Relating to Certified Business Industrial Expansion Development Program (Jeffries; Economic Development)
  • SB 553: Relating to offense of driving above speed limit on controlled access highway or interstate highway (Garcia; Transportation and Infrastructure then Banking and Insurance)
  • SB 554: Establishing Raylee’s Law (Garcia; Education then Judiciary)
  • SB 555: Relating to public sector unions (Tarr; Government Organization)
  • SB 556: Prohibiting requirement of certain immunizations as condition of being foster parent (Tarr, Chapman; Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 557: Relating to licensing by WV Board of Medicine (Takubo; Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 558: Requiring computer science course prior to graduation (Oliverio, Boley; Education then Finance)
  • SB 559: Requiring legal actions concerning WVSSAC to be filed in Wood or Kanawha County (Oliverio, Boley, Charnock; Education)
  • SB 560: Allowing counties and municipalities to limit utility scale renewable energy facilities (Thorne; Economic Development then Finance)
  • SB 561: Relating to Uniform Special Deposits Act (IB) (Oliverio, Queen, Taylor, Woelfel, Charnock; Banking and Insurance)
  • SB 562: Relating to Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act (IB) (Oliverio, Queen, Taylor, Woelfel, Charnock; Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
  • SJR 10: State Senate and House of Delegates Term Limits Amendment (Woelfel, Garcia; Judiciary then Finance)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Wednesday, February 19, 2025

3 p.m.: Judiciary

  • Com. Sub. for SB 246: Violent Crime Prevention Act
  • Bill referred to subcommittee; Tarr (R-Putnam), Fuller (R-Wayne), Taylor (R-Taylor), Garcia (D-Marion), and Hart (R-Mingo) appointed
  • Com. Sub. for SB 136: Modifying parole eligibility for person serving sentence for first degree murder
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 336: Department of Homeland Security Bundle
  • Includes: SB 335, Governor’s Committee on Crime, Delinquency, and Correction rule relating to protocol for law-enforcement response to child abuse and neglect; SB 336, Governor’s Committee on Crime, Delinquency, and Correction rule relating to sexual assault forensic examinations; SB 337, Division of Protective Services rule relating to ranks and duties of officers within membership of division; SB 338, State Emergency Response Commission rule relating to Emergency Planning Grant Program; SB 339, State Police rule relating to cadet selection; SB 340, State Police rule relating to WV State Police Career Progression System
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Wednesday, February 19, 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 Bills in the Senate as of Wednesday, February 19, 2025 (2)

  • HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Action on House Resolutions in the Senate as of Wednesday, February 19, 2025 (1)

  • HCR 49: Resolution relating to use of industrial sites and the potential impacts on downstream facilities (Natural Resources)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Wednesday, February 19, 2025 (2 – 2 House)

  • HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Wednesday, February 19, 2025 (7 – 3 Senate; 4 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)

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:http://sg001-armony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Continue reading

Member Press Release

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

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 – 8th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

THIRD READING

  • Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 460: Relating to vaccine requirements

SECOND READING

There are no bills on Second Reading for Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

FIRST READING

  • Com. Sub. for SB 138: Enhancing penalties for fleeing officer
  • Com. Sub. for SB 139: Relating to filling of vacancies in Legislature
  • Com. Sub. for SB 269: Modifying requirements for public water systems or businesses having backflow preventers

Scheduled Committee Meetings

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

  • Organizational Motions
  • New Member and Staff Introductions
  • Presentation: Brett McMillion, Director WVDNR – Update on the Division of Natural Resources (law, parks, and wildlife resources)

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

  • SB 515: Allowing parent to have adult dependent child involuntarily admitted for treatment and/or related procedures

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

  • Com. Sub. for SB 246: Violent Crime Prevention Act
  • Com. Sub. for SB 136: Modifying parole eligibility for person serving sentence for first degree murder
  • Com. Sub. for SB 336: Department of Homeland Security Bundle
  • Includes: SB 335, Governor’s Committee on Crime, Delinquency, and Correction rule relating to protocol for law-enforcement response to child abuse and neglect; SB 336, Governor’s Committee on Crime, Delinquency, and Correction rule relating to sexual assault forensic examinations; SB 337, Division of Protective Services rule relating to ranks and duties of officers within membership of division; SB 338, State Emergency Response Commission rule relating to Emergency Planning Grant Program; SB 339, State Police rule relating to cadet selection; SB 340, State Police rule relating to WV State Police Career Progression System

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

  • Budget Presentation: Public Service Commission of West Virginia
  • Budget Presentation: West Virginia Consumer Advocate Division
  • Budget Presentation: West Virginia Lottery Commission

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Wednesday, February 19, 2025

  • SB 522: Clarifying procedure for administrative dissolution of limited liability companies by Secretary of State (Woodrum; Government Organization)
  • SB 523: Requiring candidates for municipal offices to file campaign financial statements and financial reports (FN) (Woodrum; Government Organization then Finance)
  • SB 524: Clarifying persons permitted to be present in polling place during election period for non-voting activities (Woodrum; Judiciary)
  • SB 525: Clarifying procedure for administrative dissolution of nonprofit corporations by the Secretary of State (Woodrum; Government Organization)
  • SB 526: Creating the Pharmacist Prescribing Authority Act (Chapman; Health and Human Resources then Government Organization)
  • SB 527: Relating to assault and battery on emergency service personnel, law-enforcement officers, and correctional employees (Weld; Judiciary)
  • SB 528: Relating to crime of sexual abuse by parent, guardian, custodian, or person in position of trust to child (Weld; Judiciary)
  • SB 529: Relating generally to liability insurance coverage for Board of Education (Weld; Education then Finance)
  • SB 530: Creating the West Virginia Land Sovereignty Act (Rose, Thorne, Martin; Judiciary)
  • SB 531: Defining assault and battery on sports officials (Woelfel; Education then Judiciary)
  • SB 532: Making ad valorum taxes on property payable only to county in which property is located (FN) (Clements, Garcia, Oliverio, Rose; Finance)
  • SB 533: Clarifying where the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activity Commission (WVSSAC) may be involved in legal action (Clements, Grady; Education)
  • SB 534: Relating to requirements to administer polygraphs (Fuller, Deeds, Hart, Helton, Willis; Workforce)
  • SB 535: Raleigh County Economic Opportunity Development District (Helton, Deeds, Fuller, Jeffries, Tarr; Economic Development then Finance)
  • SB 536: Relating to county economic opportunity development districts (Tarr, Grady; Economic Development then Finance)
  • SB 537: Establishing WV Mothers and Babies Pregnancy Support Program (Helton, Fuller; Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 538: Allowing certain entities to purchase qualifying tax-delinquent properties before they are offered at public auction (Helton, Fuller; Government Organization)
  • SB 539: Removing certain entities from list of exemptions from criminal liability relating to distribution and display of obscene matter to minor (Helton, Fuller; Judiciary)
  • SB 540: Relating to annexation by minor boundary adjustment (Helton, Fuller; Judiciary)
  • SB 541: Sentencing guidelines for fentanyl (Helton, Fuller; Judiciary)
  • SB 542: Relating to violations and penalty for standalone methadone treatment programs or clinics (Tarr; Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health then Judiciary)
  • SB 543: Clarifying oversight by Attorney General of political subdivision’s hiring of private attorney under contingency fee or contract to sue (Tarr; Judiciary)
  • SB 544: Clarifying process of ventilation and fire suppression for limited use food preparation facilities (Grady; Government Organization)
  • SR 9: Recognizing Court Appointed Special Advocates (Rucker)
  • SR 10: Designating February 20, 2025, as Human Resources Day at Legislature (Oliverio)
  • SR 11: Recognizing Cottage Hill Farm as WV outstanding family-owned Hereford cattle farm for 2024 (Willis, Thorne, Taylor)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Tuesday, February 18, 2025

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization

  • Com. Sub. for SB 211: Relating to procedure for citations issued by county litter control officer
  • Bill laid over to a future meeting
  • Com. Sub. for SB 459: Requiring county economic development committee members be state residents
  • Bill not taken up by committee

9:30 a.m.: Education

  • Com Sub forSB 275: Removing requirement school cooks or custodians have high school diploma or equivalent
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com Sub forSB 282: Modifying provisions for employment of retired teachers as substitutes in areas of critical need and shortage
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • SB 283: Expanding grade levels of personal finance course requirements needed for graduation
  • Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com Sub forSB 284: Relating to county board of education member orientation and compensation
  • Bill not taken up by committee
  • SB 122: Establishing minimum student enrollment for school aid formula
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

1 p.m.: Health and Human Resources

  • SB 299: Modifying WV regulations on pubertal modulation, hormonal therapy, and gender reassignment
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary
  • Com Sub forSB 286: Granting parents access to health records of minor child
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary
  • Com Sub forSB 173: Requiring hotels and public lodging establishments to provide human trafficking awareness training for employees
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary
  • Com Sub forSB 8: Providing additional sites and devices for newborn safe surrender
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com Sub forSB 28: Requiring insurance coverage of certain genetic testing without cost sharing
  • 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 151: Creating crime of assault on police dogs and other public safety animals
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 270: Declaring sale and manufacture of firearms essential business during declared emergency
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 240: Updating crime of sexual extortion
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Tuesday, February 18, 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 Bills in the Senate as of Tuesday, February 18, 2025 (2)

  • HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Action on House Resolutions in the Senate as of Tuesday, February 18, 2025 (1)

  • HCR 49: Resolution relating to use of industrial sites and the potential impacts on downstream facilities (Pending Senate introduction)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Tuesday, February 18, 2025 (2 – 2 House)

  • HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Tuesday, February 18, 2025 (7 – 3 Senate; 4 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)

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:http://sg001-armony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Continue reading

Member Press Release

Statement from Senate Majority Whip Jay Taylor

I am announcing the withdrawal of Senate Bill 51, which I originally introduced with the intention of protecting the lives of unborn children. I have always believed that life begins at conception, and this belief guided my decision to support this bill for several years. However, I recognize now that reintroducing the bill this year was a mistake, particularly given its unrealistic path forward.

I sincerely apologize to my friends and supporters whom I may have offended with this action. It was never my intent to cause distress, and I regret any unintended harm my actions may have caused.

Recently, I have been the recipient of numerous communications, some of which have involved threats directed toward my family. This situation has deeply disturbed me, and I hope that withdrawing the bill, alongside my genuine apology, will help reduce tensions.

I am committed to open dialogue and would welcome the opportunity for constructive conversations. Please feel free to reach out to me directly to discuss how we can collaboratively improve our beloved West Virginia, making it a better place for everyone to live, work, and raise a family.

Thank you for your understanding, support, and prayers.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 – 7th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

  • SR 7: Recognizing 153rd anniversary of Glenville State University
  • SR 8: Designating February 18, 2025, as WV Banker’s Day at Legislature

THIRD READING

There are no bills on Third Reading for Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

SECOND READING

  • Com. Sub. for SB 460: Relating to vaccine requirements

FIRST READING

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

Scheduled Committee Meetings

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

  • Com. Sub. for SB 211: Relating to procedure for citations issued by county litter control officer
  • Com. Sub. for SB 459: Requiring county economic development committee members be state residents

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

  • SB 275: Removing requirement school cooks or custodians have high school diploma or equivalent
  • SB 282: Modifying provisions for employment of retired teachers as substitutes in areas of critical need and shortage
  • SB 283: Expanding grade levels of personal finance course requirements needed for graduation
  • SB 284: Relating to county board of education member orientation and compensation
  • SB 122: Establishing minimum student enrollment for school aid formula

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

  • SB 299: Modifying WV regulations on pubertal modulation, hormonal therapy, and gender reassignment
  • SB 286: Granting parents access to health records of minor child
  • SB 173: Requiring hotels and public lodging establishments to provide human trafficking awareness training for employees
  • SB 8: Providing additional sites and devices for newborn safe surrender
  • SB 28: Requiring insurance coverage of certain genetic testing without cost sharing

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

  • Com. Sub. for SB 151: Creating crime of assault on police dogs and other public safety animals
  • Com. Sub. for SB 50: Requiring municipal elections to be held on same day as statewide elections
  • Com. Sub. for SB 270: Declaring sale and manufacture of firearms essential business during declared emergency
  • Com. Sub. for SB 240: Updating crime of sexual extortion

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

Budget Presentation: WV State Treasurer

Budget Presentation: WV Department of Environmental Protection

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Tuesday, February 18, 2025

  • SB 511: Increasing certain fees under Uniform Securities provisions (FN) (Smith; Banking and Insurance then Finance)
  • SB 512: Raising fee for registration of agent of issuer (FN) (Smith; Banking and Insurance then Finance)
  • SB 513: Relating generally to video lottery (Weld; Government Organization then Finance)
  • SB 514: Requiring full text of proposed Constitutional amendments be included on official ballots (Woelfel, Garcia; Judiciary)
  • SB 515: Allowing parent to have adult dependent child involuntarily admitted for treatment and/or related procedures (Helton; Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health then Judiciary)
  • SB 516: Providing extra state aid to school districts for students enrolled in extremely remote schools (Morris; Education then Finance)
  • SB 517: Requiring medical professionals to report injuries and side effects from vaccines to Bureau for Public Health (Rucker; Health and Human Resources)
  • SB 518: Exempting non-grantor trusts administered in state from personal income taxation (FN) (Weld; Finance)
  • SB 519: Adopting statewide public camping ban (Taylor; Judiciary)
  • SB 520: Relating to locality pay (FN) (Willis; Judiciary then Finance)
  • SB 521: Requiring party affiliations be listed for all candidates (FN) (Willis; Judiciary)
  • SJR 9: Constitutional Officer Term Limit Amendment (Woelfel, Garcia; Judiciary then Finance)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Monday, February 17, 2025

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization

  • SB 38: Uniform Unlawful Restriction in Land Records Act
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary
  • Com. Sub. for SB 269: Modifying requirements for public water systems or businesses having backflow preventers
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

1 p.m.: Workforce

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

2 p.m.: Energy, Industry and Mining

  • Com. Sub. for SB 439: Creating Wind Power Taxation Clarification Act
  • 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 138: Enhancing penalties for fleeing officer
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • SB 139: Requiring one-year residency within district or county to fill vacancy in Legislature
  • Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Monday, February 17, 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 Bills in the Senate as of Monday, February 17, 2025 (2)

  • HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Bills that Have Completed Legislation as of Monday, February 17, 2025 (2 – 2 House)

  • HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
  • HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Monday, February 17, 2025 (7 – 3 Senate; 4 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)

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:http://sg001-armony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Continue reading

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Monday, February 17, 2025

Monday, February 17, 2025 – 6th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

  • SCR 6: US Army Major Jerome Lee Workman Memorial Bridge
  • SCR 7: Cohen Wade Craddock Memorial Bridge
  • SCR 8: US Army E6 Dennis Charles Hurley Memorial Bridge
  • SCR 9: Becker Brothers, Eugene and Kermit Becker Memorial Bridge
  • SCR 10: Donald Lucas & Ronald Lucas Memorial Bridge
  • SCR 11: Charlie Lee Jordan Memorial Bridge
  • SR 6: Commemorating 75th anniversary of Sport Fish Restoration Program

THIRD READING

There are no bills on Third Reading for Monday, February 17, 2025.

SECOND READING

There are no bills on Second Reading for Monday, February 17, 2025.

FIRST READING

  • Com. Sub. for SB 460: Relating to vaccine requirements

Scheduled Committee Meetings

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

  • SB 38: Uniform Unlawful Restriction in Land Records Act
  • Com. Sub. for SB 269: Modifying requirements for public water systems or businesses having backflow preventers

1 p.m.: Workforce (208W)

  • Presentation: Dr. Jim Kaufman, President & CEO of West Virginia Hospital Association, to speak on health care workforce challenges
  • SB 249: Expanding employment and training requirements necessary for SNAP benefits

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

  • Introduction of new Senators and Committee staff
  • Organizational Motions
  • Presentation: Secretary Stephen Todd Rumbaugh, P.E., WV Department of Transportation – Overview of DOT, its agencies, their various responsibilities and current work; Sources of funding for WV road infrastructure construction and maintenance; Methods used to prioritize infrastructure funding and maintenance including funding levels for districts, counties and any funding formulas; Maintenance and repaving/resurfacing schedules; and, Publicly available resources concerning ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects

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

  • Organizational Motions
  • Introduction of Staff
  • Com. Sub. for SB 439: Creating Wind Power Taxation Clarification Act

2 p.m.: Pensions (451M)

  • Introduction of new Senators and Committee staff
  • Organizational Motions
  • Presentation: Jeff Fleck, Executive Director Consolidated Public Retirement Board (CPRB) – Update on operation of the CPRB
  • Presentation: Blair Taylor, Executive Director Municipal Pensions Oversight Board (MPOB) – Update on operation of the MPOB

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

  • SB 138: Enhancing penalties for fleeing officer
  • SB 139: Requiring one-year residency within district or county to fill vacancy in Legislature
  • SB 240: Updating crime of sexual extortion

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

  • Budget Presentation: Office of the West Virginia Attorney General – J.B. McCuskey, Attorney General
  • Budget Presentation: West Virginia State Auditor’s Office – Mark. A. Hunt, State Auditor
  • Budget Presentation: West Virginia Secretary of State – Kris Warner, Cabinet Secretary

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Monday, February 17, 2025

  • SB 506: Relating to enhanced pay for teachers (Tarr, Barrett, Grady; Education then Finance)
  • SB 507: Prohibiting drag shows from being performed in front of minors (Thorne; Judiciary)
  • SB 508: Creating mental hygiene regions by Supreme Court of Appeals (Deeds; Judiciary then Finance)
  • SB 509: Modifying criminal penalties imposed on parent, guardian, or custodian for child abuse (Deeds; Judiciary)
  • SB 510: Providing for creation of Stable Energy Rates Protection Act (Rose, Martin; Energy, Industry, and Mining then Government Organization)
  • SJR 8: Citizenship Requirement to Vote in WV Elections Amendment (Rucker, Azinger, Barrett, Chapman, Grady, Martin, Maynard, Rose, Takubo, Taylor, Weld; Judiciary then Finance)
  • SR 7: Recognizing 153rd anniversary of Glenville State University (Martin, Queen)
  • SR 8: Designating February 18, 2025, as WV Banker’s Day at Legislature (Morris)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Friday, February 14, 2025

No bills were advanced from committee on Friday, February 14, 2025.

Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Friday, February 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 Bills in the Senate as of Friday, February 14, 2025 (2)

  • HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Pending Senate introduction)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Friday, February 14, 2025 (7 – 3 Senate; 4 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)

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:http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Continue reading

Member Press Release

This Week in the House of Delegates

For the week ending Feb. 14, 2025

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Members of the West Virginia House of Delegates Committee on Government Organization learned on just the second of the 60-day regular legislative session how the body’s new process for examining proposed legislation can help solve problems without passing a bill at all.

“I knew this was a possible effect of the new committee format, but I didn’t expect to see it in action during our first meeting,” said House Government Organization Committee Chairman Chris Phillips, R-Barbour. “I’m pleased we had designated time for the bill sponsor to explain what he was hoping to accomplish, then committee members who asked thoughtful questions and offered their own ideas but I’m especially happy the State Fire Marshal Ken Tyree was able to speak openly with us and agree to a solution that will work without changing the law.”

The House began the first session of the 87th Legislature with six standing committees, with four subcommittees under the House Finance Committee and three subcommittees under all the other standing committees. When a bill is introduced, the Speaker will refer it to a standing committee or a subcommittee, and a standing committee can refer it to a subcommittee. If it’s placed on an agenda, it must go through a hearing where the bill sponsor explains the bill’s purpose. The hearing stage is also when members of the public may provide testimony along with written comments to be included with the bill’s materials. The process is the same for both the subcommittee and the standing committee, so each bill has the potential for multiple hearings.

The Committee heard House Bill 2074 Thursday, which sponsor Jim Butler, R-Mason, explained was spurred by a specific issue with food booths at his local county fair. Butler explained how a fire inspector visited and said the block buildings that had been in place for at least 50 years all needed automatic fire suppression systems or the nonprofit vendors operating for fundraisers would have to shut down. The short-term solution was for the vendors to each accept written violations with instructions to correct the problem within a window of time, which now is approaching.

“In this instance, the day one discussion resulted in an agreement between committee members, the bill sponsor and the Fire Marshal that the underlying and over-restrictive requirement in the fire code will be amended in the rules process,” Butler said. “This means the problem is solved without the need to advance the bill, and I’ll certainly follow up to be sure that change occurs as expected, but I’m very pleased with this outcome.

“Any time we can solve a problem for our constituents it’s a win, and doing so without endlessly amending state law is a bonus.”

As Marshal Tyree explained to the committee members, the state fire code was written in 1979 and updated about 15 times since then, but he said he’d have no problem addressing Butler’s narrow and limited exception under rule instead.

“If anyone has ever wondered how the West Virginia State Code could have become a patchwork of narrow nooks and crannies that may seem like they don’t fit together, one simply has to live through a few legislative sessions,” said House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay. “This specific instance was not necessarily the grand challenges of the state that we know we must address, but this was a meaningful proposal nonetheless and I’m pleased that its abbreviated journey through the legislative process is a good thing.”

A total of 377 bills have been introduced in the House, and the 60-day, regular legislative session ends at midnight April 12.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

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Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Friday, February 14, 2025

Friday, February 14, 2025 – 3rd Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

  • SCR 5: US Marine Corps Sergeant Robert Milford Payne Memorial Bridge
  • SR 5: Designating February 14, 2025, as National Organ Donor Day at Legislature

THIRD READING

There are no bills on Third Reading for Friday, February 14, 2025.

SECOND READING

There are no bills on Second Reading for Friday, February 14, 2025.

FIRST READING

There are no bills on First Reading for Friday, February 14, 2025.

Scheduled Committee Meetings

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

  • Organizational Motions

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

  • Organizational Motions

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Friday, February 14, 2025

  • SB 464: Creating license plate for recipients of Medal of Valor and their immediate family members (FN) (Morris, Deeds, Fuller, Hamilton; Transportation and Infrastructure then Finance)
  • SB 465: Creating WV Treasurer’s Investment in Precious Metals and Digital Currency Act (Rose; Banking and Insurance then Finance)
  • SB 466: Making vaccinations voluntary and not mandatory (FN) (Willis; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
  • SB 467: Setting forth requirements for foster child clothing allowances (Deeds; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
  • SB 468: Establishing WV Defend the Guard Act (Rose; Military then Judiciary)
  • SB 469: Creating WV Constitutional Carry Act of 2025 (Rose, Thorne; Judiciary)
  • SB 470: Creating WV Athletic Freedom Act (Rose, Thorne; Education)
  • SB 471: Creating Student-First School Funding Act (Rose, Thorne; Education then Finance)
  • SB 472: Requiring transparency from Department of Human Services (Deeds; Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
  • SB 473: Limiting medical monitoring damages (Tarr; Judiciary)
  • SB 474: [By Request of the Executive] Ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs (Smith, Woelfel; Judiciary then Finance)
  • SB 475: Creating Violent Crime Prevention Act (Stuart; Judiciary)
  • SB 476: Relating to permissible expenditures by Water Development Authority from Infrastructure Fund (Phillips, Hart, Queen, Tarr; Finance)
  • SB 477: Requiring ambulance at middle school or high school football game (Woelfel; Education then Finance)
  • SB 478: Repealing athletic eligibility of transfer students (Woelfel; Education)
  • SB 479: Relating to forms and disclosures to Ethics Commission (FN) (Woodrum; Government Organization then Finance)
  • SB 480: Allowing licensed substitute and full-time teachers to serve as parent volunteers without additional background check (Woodrum; Education)
  • SB 481: Allowing off-duty law-enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons at public schools and public school events (Woodrum, Oliverio; Judiciary)
  • SB 482: Certified Professional Midwife Licensing and Regulation (Woodrum; Government Organization)
  • SB 483: Increasing civil penalties for failure to file required campaign finance reports (Woodrum, Oliverio; Government Organization)
  • SB 484: Relating to disclosures and penalties associated with use of synthetic media and artificial intelligence (Woodrum, Oliverio; Judiciary)
  • SB 485: Exempting the West Virginia Secretary of State from competitive bidding process (Woodrum, Oliverio; Government Organization)
  • SB 486: Clarifying eligibility requirements to vote in WV elections (Woodrum, Oliverio; Government Organization)
  • SB 487: Removing ineligible voters from active voter rolls (Woodrum; Government Organization)
  • SB 488: Clarifying definition of electioneering (Woodrum, Oliverio; Judiciary)
  • SB 489: Relating to election law violation complaints and procedures (Woodrum, Oliverio; Judiciary)
  • SB 490: Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in elections in West Virginia (Woodrum, Oliverio; Judiciary)
  • SB 491: Relating to reporting requirements and spending thresholds for expenditures on elections (Woodrum, Oliverio; Government Organization)
  • SB 492: Removing outdated provisions governing political committees (Woodrum, Oliverio; Government Organization)
  • SB 493: Removing the amount limitations on contributions to all political committees (Woodrum; Government Organization)
  • SB 494: Expanding time frame for certain electioneering communication reporting requirements (Woodrum, Oliverio; Government Organization)
  • SB495: Requiring contact information for chair of political committee (Woodrum, Oliverio; Government Organization)
  • SB 496: Removing reflexology and other energy-based work from definition of “massage therapy” (Thorne, Rucker; Government Organization)
  • SB 497: Preventing home insurers from canceling policy for isolated event (Chapman; Banking and Insurance)
  • SB 498: Permitting dedicated lottery tickets for special interests (FN) (Chapman; Finance)
  • SB 499: [By Request of the Executive] Non-Profit Athletics Act (Smith, Woelfel; Education)
  • SB 500: Transferring audits of volunteer fire departments to Legislative Auditor (FN) (Chapman; Government Organization)
  • SB 501: Relating to loan form (Tarr; Banking and Insurance)
  • SB 502: Relating to counties’ ability to regulate floodplains under National Flood Insurance Program guidelines (Rucker; Government Organization)
  • SB 503: Allowing sheriffs to appoint more than one chief deputy with consent of county commission (Helton; Judiciary)
  • SB 504: Prohibiting camping in public places (Helton; Judiciary)
  • SB 505: Ensuring Reliable and Affordable Electricity Act (Martin, Smith; Energy, Industry, and Mining then Government Organization)
  • SJR 6: Elimination of Business Inventory Tax Amendment (Rose, Thorne; Judiciary then Finance)
  • SJR 7: WV Educational Governance Accountability Amendment (Rose, Thorne; Judiciary then Finance)
  • SCR 6: US Army Major Jerome Lee Workman Memorial Bridge (Deeds)
  • SCR 7: Cohen Wade Craddock Memorial Bridge (Stuart)
  • SCR 8: US Army E6 Dennis Charles Hurley Memorial Bridge (Phillips, Tarr)
  • SCR 9: Becker Brothers, Eugene and Kermit Becker Memorial Bridge (Oliverio, Fuller, Taylor, Weld)
  • SCR 10: Donald Lucas & Ronald Lucas Memorial Bridge (Stuart)
  • SCR 11: Charlie Lee Jordan Memorial Bridge (Stuart)
  • SR 6: Commemorating 75th anniversary of Sport Fish Restoration Program (Hamilton, Deeds, Garcia, Hart, Jeffries, Morris, Queen, Rose, Rucker, Tarr, Woodrum)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Thursday, February 13, 2025

1 p.m.: Health and Human Resources

  • Com. Sub. for SB 460: Relating to vaccine requirements
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • Com. Sub. for SB 29: Allowing physicians assistants to own practice
  • Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

3 p.m.: Finance

  • SB 454: Updating terms in Corporation Net Income Tax Act
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass
  • SB 455: Updating terms used in WV Personal Income Tax Act
  • Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Thursday, February 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 Bills in the Senate as of Thursday, February 13, 2025 (2)

  • HB 2024: Updating the meaning certain terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (Pending Senate introduction)
  • HB 2025: Updating terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act (Pending Senate introduction)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Thursday, February 13, 2025 (7 – 3 Senate; 4 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)

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

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

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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