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Member Press Release

This Week in the House of Delegates

For the week ending Feb. 28, 2025

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As members of the West Virginia House of Delegates continue to implement their new, two-day committee process for deliberating potential bills, many passed the full body with nearly universal, unanimous support.

A total of 11 bills passed the full House this week, with fewer than half a dozen “nay” votes against any of them.

Members of the House voted to move some food additives out of reach with their approval of House Bill 2354. The measure would eliminate certain food additives from school nutrition programs starting Aug. 1 and would prohibit the sale of food products containing seven specific color additives or food dyes within the state after Jan. 1, 2027.

“We live in a state where many of our elementary school kids are medicated dealing with ADHD or some type of autism symptoms and what the studies have begun to show is that these additives that add no value to the nutritional value, only appearance to it, are actually feeding into hyperactivity and ADHD,” said Adam Burkhammer, R-Lewis, and lead sponsor of HB2354. “So as we consider bills on down our list, and one of them has been a really hot topic when we talk about elementary school behavior and how we’re going to tackle this, we’re tackling it right now: Better foods, better ingredients, better behavior, better for everybody.”

Delegates this week also voted to increase the criminal penalties on parents or guardians convicted of child abuse or neglect resulting in injury with House Bill 2123, and House Bill 2047, to largely prohibit cameras or recording devices in the bedrooms and bathrooms of foster children.

“We have to do everything we can to protect our kids,” said Delegate Doug Smith, R-Mercer, and lead sponsor of HB2123, which has unanimously passed the full House five out of the past six years.

Members of the Energy and Public Works Committee dug deep this week for an intense discussion on utility services and the establishment of microgrids in West Virginia. Their work across two meetings lasted nearly five hours with no legislation on the table.

Various representatives from the energy industry spoke to the economics and other aspects of microgrids in the state during the meeting, allowing the committee to go in-depth on the key question of how West Virginia can continue to lead in energy generation and economic development.

“When we’re able to talk through a problem, a concept or an opportunity without anyone in the room trying to defend or fight any specifics of a bill, we have the latitude to learn,” said Delegate Clay Riley, R-Harrison. “We got a wholistic view of microgrids in just one meeting, hearing from fuel sources, coal, natural gas, renewables, from the regulated utilities, the merchant utilities and the end users.”

Riley said the format lends itself to gaining perspective rather than being pigeonholed.

“It helps us all to understand the ‘why’ behind what someone believes without feeling like we must line up behind one bill or another,” he said.

A total of 1,051 bills have been introduced in the House; 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 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

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

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

Statement on behalf of Speaker Hanshaw

“After recent conversation with Delegate Brandon Steele and in recognition of his need to spend more time focused on matters outside the Capitol building, I’m pleased to name Delegate JB Akers as our Standing Judiciary Committee Chairman for the 87th Legislature while Delegate Jordan Maynor will ably step into the Vice Chairman position. Delegate Akers has acclimated quickly to the legislative process and has shown a thoughtful approach to consensus-building that will serve us well.”

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

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Member Press Release

Speaker Hanshaw Announces Plans for Upcoming 87th Legislature

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, today announced several leadership roles within the West Virginia House of Delegates and a change to the committee format for the upcoming 87th Legislature.

Hanshaw, first elected to the House in 2014, is expected to be elected House Speaker for the fifth time when the House convenes for the 87th Legislature Wednesday, Jan. 8. “Each of the ladies and gentlemen who will come to this building to take the oath of office will do so with the confidence of the 1.8 million West Virginians who are counting on us to chart a course of leadership and progress that will improve their daily lives,” Hanshaw said. “A new Legislature is an opportunity to adjust the foundation we have here to facilitate the work of the House, and we believe the lineup we’ve assembled will bring about new discussions, new approaches and new solutions.”

Returning to the position of Majority Whip will be Delegate Marty Gearheart, R-Mercer. Delegate Matt Rohrbach, R-Cabell, will serve as Speaker Pro Tempore as well as continue to serve as Deputy Speaker, a role Delegate David Kelly, R-Tyler, will take on as well.

Delegate Pat McGeehan, R-Hancock, will serve as House Majority Leader. Several members will serve as Assistant Majority Leaders: Delegates Tom Clark, R-Webster; David Green, R-McDowell; Keith Marple, R-Harrison; Delegate-elect Dave McCormick, R-Monongalia; Erica Moore, R-Roane; Mickey Petitto, R-Harrison; and Elliott Pritt, R-Fayette.

Gearheart will be aided in his role with several Assistant Majority Whips: Delegates Jim Butler, R-Mason; Jordan Bridges, R-Logan; Eric Brooks, R-Raleigh; Dave Foggin, R-Wood; Delegate-elect Sarah Drennan, R-Putnam; and Bill Ridenour, R-Jefferson.

The Conference Chairman role will be filled by Delegate Mike Hornby, R-Berkeley, who will help facilitate majority caucus meetings and policy discussions among Republican members. Delegates John Paul Hott, R-Grant, and Doug Smith, R-Mercer, will return to their roles as Conference Vice Chairmen.

“In addition to a strong blend of new and established leadership, I’m excited to implement a new format for our committee work here in the House,” Hanshaw said. “For far too long, the success rate of a legislative session has been measured by the number of bills passed, and that’s just not the appropriate assessment for what should be a focus on problem-solving.

“We’ve seen that the low-hanging fruits, such as the elimination of the food tax and creation of an Intermediate Court of Appeals, have already been picked after 10 years of a Republican majority. What’s left are the complex, complicated issues that will require a different approach to lawmaking.”

The House will have six standing committees: Health and Human Resources, Energy and Public Works, Finance, Government Organization, Education and Judiciary. The Standing Committee on Finance will have four subcommittees and all other standing committees each will have three subcommittees. The committee process also will see changes.

The Speaker will refer each introduced bill to a standing committee or a subcommittee, and similar to the floor session’s three-day process, a bill going through the committee process may cover three days: Introduction, with agency reviews and comments from the public on day one, markups to the bill on day two and committee votes on day three. Both the subcommittees and standing committees will follow this process.

“Not only did we want to build in specific and predictable steps with appropriate timing for the committee process, but we also wanted to better execute our oversight role,” Hanshaw said. “Not every problem is solved by enacting a new law, and we think regular discussions with Executive Branch agencies will give all of us a better understanding of the challenges, successes and resources out there in every corner of our state.”

The Standing Committee on Finance will be led by Chairman Vernon Criss, R-Wood, with Delegate Clay Riley, R-Harrison, serving as Vice Chair. Its Subcommittee on Revenue will be led by Gearheart as its Chairman and Delegate Chuck Horst, R-Berkeley, as Vice Chair. Delegate Trenton Barnhart, R-Pleasants, will be Chairman of the Banking and Insurance Subcommittee and Delegate Walter Hall, R-Kanawha, will be the Vice Chair. The Investments Subcommittee will have Delegate Jarred Cannon, R-Putnam, as Chairman and Delegate-elect Ray Canterbury, R-Greenbrier, as Vice Chair. The Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman will be Hott and Roy Cooper, R-Summers, will serve as its Vice Chair.

Delegate Brandon Steele, R-Raleigh, will serve as Chairman of the Standing Committee on the Judiciary and Delegate JB Akers, R-Kanawha, will be its Vice Chair. The Courts Subcommittee will be led by Delegate Phil Mallow, R-Marion, as its Chairman and Delegate Andy Shamblin, R-Kanawha, as Vice Chair. Delegate Buck Jennings, R-Preston, will serve as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee and Delegate Bryan Ward, R-Hardy, as its Vice Chairman. Delegate Laura Kimble, R-Harrison, will lead the Legal Services Subcommittee as its Chairman and Delegate Josh Holstein, R-Boone, will serve as its Vice Chair.

Delegate Evan Worrell, R-Cabell, will serve as Chairman of the Standing Committee on Health and Human Resources. Delegate Michael Hite, R-Berkeley, will be its Vice Chair. The Public Health Subcommittee will be led by Delegate Scot Heckert, R-Wood, and Vice Chairman Geno Chiarelli, R-Monongalia. Delegate Adam Burkhammer, R-Lewis, will be Chairman of the Human Services Subcommittee with Delegate Margitta Mazzocchi, R-Logan, serving as its Vice Chair. The Health Care Regulation Subcommittee will have Delegate Dean Jeffries, R-Kanawha, serving as Chairman and Delegate Adam Vance, R-Wyoming, as its Vice Chair.

The Standing Committee on Government Organization will be led by Delegate Chris Phillips, R-Barbour, as its Chairman and Doug Smith, R-Mercer, as Vice Chair. Its Subcommittee on Government Administration will have Delegate Jonathan Pinson, R-Mason, as its Chairman and Delegate Mark Dean, R-Mingo, as its Vice Chair. The Subcommittee on Local Governments will be led by Chairman Dana Ferrell, R-Kanawha, and Vice Chairman Mike DeVault, R-Marion. The Agriculture, Commerce and Tourism Subcommittee will be led by Delegate Wayne Clark, R-Jefferson, as its Chairman and Delegate Patrick Lucas, R-Cabell, as its Vice Chair. The Standing Committee on Education will be led by Chairman Joe Ellington, R-Mercer, and Delegate Joe Statler, R-Monongalia, will serve as its Vice Chair. The Delegate Chris Toney, R-Raleigh, will serve as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Public Education and Delegate Jeff Campbell, R-Greenbrier, as its Vice Chair. Delegate Lori Dittman, R-Braxton, will be Chairman of the Higher Education Subcommittee with Delegate Jimmy Willis, R-Brooke, serving as its Vice Chair. Delegate Kathie Hess-Crouse will serve as Chairman of the Educational Choice Subcommittee and Delegate Mike Hornby, R-Berkeley, as its Vice Chair.

Delegate Bill Anderson, R-Wood, will be Chairman of the Standing Committee on Energy and Public Works with Delegate Mark Zatezalo, R-Hancock, serving as its Vice Chair. Delegate Bob Fehrenbacher, R-Wood, will serve as Chairman of the Energy and Manufacturing Subcommittee with Delegate George Street, R-Preston, as its Vice Chair. The Economic Development Subcommittee will be led by Chairman Gary Howell, R-Mineral, and Vice Chairman Jordan Maynor, R-Raleigh. Chairman Daniel Linville, R-Cabell, will lead the Environment and Infrastructure Subcommittee with Delegate Rick Hillenbrand, R-Hampshire, serving as its Vice Chair.

“We know this will be a big adjustment for a lot of us, especially our staff and the public, but we are optimistic about this approach, which we think will be easier to follow and will lead to a more solution-oriented approach to lawmaking,” Hanshaw said.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

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Member Press Release

House Adopts Budget, Adjourns Sine Die

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia House of Delegates adjourned Saturday, March 9 at midnight after having completed 280 bills, including Senate Bill 200, the budget bill.

The bill, which goes next to the governor for action, covers Fiscal Year 2025: July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. It totals $4,996 billion in General Revenue funds and includes pay raises for state workers whose pay scales are in state code. State Police personnel would receive a $2,900 annual salary increase, teachers will receive a $2,460 annual pay increase, and school service personnel would receive an additional $140 a month. The budget bill also empowers state agencies with the authority to give all other state employees raises if funds are available to do so.

The full Legislature unanimously passed a bill to eliminate the state income tax on social security benefits through a three-year phase-out. Under this proposal, like the one enacted in 2019, all the taxable social security benefits received in 2026 and beyond would be exempt from tax. Members of the House of Delegates stopped to applaud after taking the vote to pass it on to the governor just after 10 p.m. Saturday.

Finance Committee Chairman Vernon Criss, R-Wood, had told members of his committee to think of the budget adopted during the 60-day regular legislative session as “act one.” Senate Bill 200 listed nine items in Section 9, what commonly gets referred to as “back of the budget” directives for surplus money generally allotted for one-time spending.

Criss reiterated Saturday to the full House that additional budget adjustments would be made once the executive receives clarity from the federal government about education spending levels.

“We’re still working with a shortened situation because of the federal situation,” he said, indicating an extraordinary session is expected to coincide with already-scheduled May interim committee meetings. “We’ll have another two-and-a-half months of revenues in front of us and we can take these items and adjust them upward.”

The Legislature also passed a bill to hold stable the state’s unemployment trust fund, which has been paying out between $2 million and $3 million than it’s been bringing in. The measure that advanced to the governor for action would freeze employer contributions to the fund, keeps the maximum weekly benefit at $662 and holds the maximum number of weeks a person could receive benefits to 26 weeks.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

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Member Press Release

This Week in the House of Delegates

For the week ending March 1, 2024

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Members of the West Virginia Legislature have one full week remaining in the 60-day regular session, and 58 bills have been completed so far.

All 100 members of the House of Delegates voted Wednesday to establish a communication portal for foster parents. House Bill 4975 would require the Department of Human Services to set up a foster parent information system within the existing child welfare information technology system. The cost to sustain the system would be split equally between federal and state dollars.

The bill also would take additional steps to improve conditions within the child welfare system by requiring quarterly evaluations of child protective workers’ responses to information put in the new information technology system. The evaluations would be shared with the Foster Care Ombudsman and the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability.

The bill’s lead sponsor, Delegate Adam Burkhammer, R-Lewis, is a foster parent. He described the measure as one step forward in a broad approach to improving the entire child welfare system.

“Once it’s proved how technology runs in this system, it can grow and it can bring other people into the system, ultimately helping across the board,” he said. “I am passionate about this.”

West Virginians who successfully file claims of less than $3,000 against the state for road conditions would receive that money faster under the proposals of a bill Delegates unanimously passed Wednesday. House Bill 5595 would authorize those payments, which usually stem from extreme pothole damage, to come through the Legislative Claims Commission outside its regular claims process, which can take many months to resolve.

A bill that would create the Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Nontraditional Degree (STAND) program overwhelmingly passed the House Tuesday. House Bill 5435 would create within the West Virginia Community and Technical College System a program for apprentices or journeyworkers to obtain associate degrees in applied science while they perform on-the-job training and gain practical skills through federally recognized apprenticeship programs.

The House of Delegates unanimously voted Tuesday in favor of House Bill 5399, which would modify the state auditing practices and requirements of volunteer and part-volunteer fire departments. It would eliminate duplicative fiscal audit requirements and would allow as many as 10 volunteer fire departments to participate in a pilot program using the West Virginia Auditor’s Office West Virginia Checkbook fiscal reporting system. The proposal came from the work of several lawmakers during the legislative interim process after hearing from fire departments asking for ways to relieve their administrative burdens.

Also Tuesday the House voted unanimously in favor of House Bill 4882, which was introduced at the request of the governor. The measure would provide in-state tuition rates for all members and veterans of the National Guard, Reserves and Armed Forces as well as their spouses and dependents.

Members of the House of Delegates unanimously approved House Bill 5530 Monday, which would require hospitals to disclose price and fee information for certain hospital services, in line with existing federal regulations, and would add a $250 fine for hospitals that don’t comply. House Health and Human Resources Committee Chair Amy Summers, R-Taylor, is the lead sponsor of the bill and explained not all hospitals follow the current regulations, but the fine may help drive them toward following the law that provides for better customer service in health care.

All these bills have gone to the West Virginia Senate for debate. The regular legislative session ends at midnight Saturday, March 9.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

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Member Press Release

This Week in the House of Delegates

For the week ending Feb. 23, 2024

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Members of the West Virginia House of Delegates are continuing to move bills through committees and votes on the House floor as legislative deadlines loom.

House Bill 5540, also known as “Laken’s Law,” passed the full House by a unanimous vote Feb. 20. The measure would require annual education about the health dangers of substance abuse, available resources to reduce youth substance use, the specific dangers of fentanyl, heroin and opioids as well as the use of opioid reversal drugs.

The bill’s lead sponsor, Delegate Jeff Stephens, R-Marshall, is a public school teacher who said he sees the effects of opioids and other drugs every day.

“Being proactive instead of reactive in battling this drug epidemic is how we can help turn the tide,” Stephens said. “This crisis did not overtake our communities overnight. It’s going to take more than just targeting dollars and doctors to change the culture these opioids created.”

The bill is already moving through the Senate and on track for a vote early next week.

Members voted unanimously Friday to double the criminal penalty for anyone found guilty of sexual assault on a minor. The measure, House Bill 5235, also would clarify that failure to report sexual assault, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation of a child is a felony. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.

The House Finance Committee has advanced several bills that would put more money in West Virginians’ pockets. House Bill 4883 would increase the annual salaries for West Virginia State Police personnel, teachers and school service personnel by $2,900, $2,460 and $140, respectively. House Bill 4734 would adjust the salaries of all non-uniformed, full-time Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation staff. That would be in addition to the pay raise in the governor’s proposed budget.

Another unanimous vote this week would continue bringing down West Virginians’ taxes. House Bill 4880 passed the House Thursday. It would eliminate the state income tax on social security benefits through a three-year phase-out. Under this proposal, like the one enacted in 2019, all the taxable social security benefits received in 2026 and beyond would be exempt from tax.

“This would provide an immediate tax reduction of 35 percent, then 65 percent the next year until the elimination in the third year and phasing it in is a softer way to be sure the budget remains stable, and the state can maintain its obligations,” said House Majority Leader Eric Householder, R-Berkeley. “West Virginia has 50,000 retirees and any time we can give tax relief to our citizens it’s a great day for West Virginia.”

A total of 168 House bills have passed the full House and 36 bills have completed the legislative process. The session ends at midnight Saturday, March 9.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

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Member Press Release

This Week in the House of Delegates

For the week ending Feb. 16, 2024

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The legislative deadline for members of the West Virginia House of Delegates to introduce bills passed this week as committees continued to deliberate and move those proposals through the legislative process.

A bill that would help provide funds for employees of childcare centers to pay for childcare themselves advanced from the House Committee on Senior, Children and Family Issues this week. House Bill 4002 would make anyone who works at least 20 hours per week in a licensed childcare center or certified family childcare (FCC) home eligible for a subsidy through the Department of Human Services. The proposal came through the work of a bipartisan group of Delegates looking to expand childcare options in the state.

“We are committed to ensuring the passage of meaningful legislation to address the critical needs of our community, particularly in the realm of childcare,” said Delegate Kathie Hess Crouse, R-Putnam, and lead sponsor of HB4002. “We are taking a collaborative approach to this as we navigate the legislative process, and I’m optimistic the outcomes will enhance the wellbeing of children and families throughout the state.”

Delegate Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, spoke in favor of House Bill 4797 before it passed out of the House Health and Human Resources Committee this week. The measure would require childcare providers be paid by enrollment, rather than by the attendance of each child.

Pushkin, who serves as the Health Committee’s Minority Chair, called it “one of the most important bills we’ll see this session,” saying it would “help a lot of people get back to work.”

Both childcare bills are awaiting debate in the House Finance Committee.

A bill that would increase the pay for attorneys appointed to represent minors in abuse or neglect cases advanced from committees this week to the full House. House Bill 5065 would increase the compensation rates for guardians ad litem from $60 to $105 for out-of-court work, such as interviews with clients and witnesses, travel and research. The pay for in-court work would increase to $125 from $80. The measure also would clarify the educational requirements for those attorneys.

The full House unanimously voted Friday to create the legislative oversight committee of the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. House Bill 5337 would allow the committee to request records of the DCR, to review internal investigations and to go into executive session. It now goes to the Senate for debate.

Its lead sponsor, Delegate David Kelly, R-Tyler, who also serves as the chairman of the House Committee on Jails and Prisons, considers it an additional approach to improving the culture of corrections throughout the state.

“We’ve been saying for some time that the issues we’ve discovered in corrections would take more than just a cash infusion and more than just a reshuffling of personnel and leaders,” Kelly said. “We’re hopeful that with an inspector general minding the top levels and this magnifying glass on the lower ones, we can continue to gain confidence in the hard work taking place throughout our jails and prisons.”

A total of 1,689 bills have been introduced in the House, and 124 of those have passed the full House. Twenty-five bills have completed the legislative process. The session ends at midnight Saturday, March 9.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

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