Blog – Page 108

Senate Passes Bill Creating Intermediate Court

Senate Floor Session

Madison Perdue

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February 10, 2020

Senate Passes Bill Creating Intermediate Court

The Senate convened at 11 a.m. Monday to discuss the passage of 14 bills, three of which originated in the House of Delegates.

One bill was Senate Bill 275, which would create an Intermediate Court of Appeals. Sen. Charles S. Trump IV, R-Morgan, presented the bill and stated his support. Much debate from the Senate followed.

Several senators rose in opposition to the bill, many expressing that the creation of the Intermediate Court of Appeals was unnecessary, or that other issues should be prioritized and receive more funding in its place.

Sen. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, spoke against the bill, stating that this was a misuse of this year’s budget, and was too expensive to consider a priority.

Sen. Mike Romano, D-Harrison, also expressed concerns about the cost of the potential Intermediate Court system, asking the Senate to consider the accumulation of funds that would be directed to this court over the years. Romano also argued that the state Supreme Court of Appeals did not need this addition to the court system, and that there has been at least one instance where an Intermediate Court was deemed unnecessary and removed in one state.

Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, rose in support of the bill, stating that the expected cost of the Intermediate Court of Appeals was expected to drop significantly in the coming years. He also argued that the Intermediate Court was necessary and would represent a larger population than the Intermediate Courts that have been removed.

Trump closed debate by stating that the Supreme Court of Appeals is busier now than it has ever been. Trump said that the cost of the Intermediate Court of Appeals is reasonable and well worth the results. He said that he believes the Intermediate Courts would ensure that all civic cases are heard, and this would better the justice system in West Virginia.

The bill passed 18-14 and will advance to the House for further consideration.

Three House bills passed the Senate Monday. The Senate requested the House to concur before legislation is completed for these bills.

House Bill 2086 creates the Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act. This bill provides that any state law requiring a land document must be satisfied by an electronic form. The bill requires the Real Property Electronic Recording Standards Council create a legislative rule regarding the standards for electronic recording to be used by each county.

House Bill 4007 creates the Born Alive Survivors Protection Act, which requires that a medical professional perform life-saving measures for a child born alive after an abortion is performed.This legislation does not substantially change with current law but ensures that physicians use reasonable medical judgement when a child is born breathing.

House Bill 4058 updates the law concerning pharmacy benefit managers. The bill clarifies licensing requirements, terms and fees for the profession.

Senate bills 96, 195, 266, 573, 576, 600, 665, 670, 676, 678 were all passed today, and will advance to the House.

Senate bills 738-746 were introduced and referred to committees.

The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 29, which requests the DEA and USDA to create rules allowing the state to take custody of certain cannabis tests for testing.

The Senate is adjourned until 11 a.m. Tuesday.

The Senate Select Committee on Children and Families will meet at 4:30 PM in room 208W.

The Senate Committee on Military will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday in room 208W.

House Bill Requires Financial Literacy Course in Schools

House Committee

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February 10, 2020

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House Bill Requires Financial Literacy Course in Schools

The House Education Committee advanced House Bill 2775, requiring high school students to take a one credit financial literacy course in order to graduate.

The State Board of Education requires 22 credits for high school graduation. This includes four math, four English, three science, four social studies, one art, one health, one physical education and four personalized education credits. Counties may choose to require additional credits for graduation, up to 28 total.

An amendment adopted in committee clarifies that this financial literacy course will not replace existing graduation requirements, it will add a credit instead.

The State Board of Education will develop standards for finance teachers and the course itself.

House Bill 2775 was reported to the floor as amended, with the recommendation that it do pass.

House Passes Eight Bills

House Floor Session

Juliet Thomas

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February 10, 2020

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The House convened at 11 a.m. to pass eight bills, including one relating to teachers in critical areas of need, and one relating to the sale of deadly weapons.

House Bill 4691 creates greater provisions for school systems to recruit and employ newly graduated and substitute teachers in areas of critical need. The bill extends the date upon provisions relating to the employment of retired teachers for areas in critical need until June 2025.

House Bill 4618 allows for the public display of deadly weapons for sale, for example in a window of a shop for advertising purposes. The bill includes any deadly weapon, machine gun, fully automatic weapon, rifle, shotgun or ammunition for sale.

Senate Bill 364 and House Bill 4069 were advanced to third reading. Nine bills were advanced to second reading.

Two resolutions were introduced. House Bills 4761-4789 were also introduced.

The House is adjourned until 11 a.m. Tuesday.

House Legislation Feb. 1-7

Juliet Thomas

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February 10, 2020

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As of Friday, February 7, 2020, there have been 1,314 bills introduced in the House and 89 bills have been passed and now are before the Senate.

House Bill 2164 clarifies that appeals to the Supreme Court are a matter of right and that every party has an opportunity to be heard and to obtain a written decision on the merits of the appeal.

House Bill 2892 relates to searches and seizures of digital property. This bill defines the terms of “digital and virtual information.” This bill includes digital and virtual information in the definition of property that can be searched and seized under a warrant. If a warrant is issued for an electronic device, then the information that the item contains is also permitted to be searched.

House Bill 2967 phases in elimination of state excise tax on privilege of transferring property and replacing it with county excise tax on certain date.

House Bill 4012 transfers the West Virginia Contractor Act from administration and oversight by the Division of Labor to regulation under the provisions of professions and occupations in Chapter 30 of this code.

House Bill 4083 requires the West Virginia Parkways Authority to accept the use of credit and debit cards for paying tolls on the West Virginia Turnpike.

House Bill 4090 creates the Oil and Gas Abandoned Well Plugging Fund. This bill attempts to accomplish two goals. It would reduce the tax on oil and gas produced from low-producing wells to reduce cost of production, to keep these wells in service for longer. The bill will use the reduced amount of taxes to plug and reclaim orphaned oil and gas wells that are polluting the environment.

House Bill 4137 allows county voter registration records to be maintained and stored in a digital format.

House Bill 4161 make it illegal to scleral tattoo (tattoo on an eyeball) a person. The bill defines the term “scleral tattoo.” The bill reorders definitions so they will be in alphabetical order.

House Bill 4356 updates credentials for certified nurse anesthetists who cooperate with a physician or dentist. The administration of anesthesia may be provided by a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) in cooperation with an anesthesiologist. If no anesthesiologist is readily available, the administration of anesthesia may be provided by a certified registered nurse anesthetist, in cooperation with a physician or dentist.

House Bill 4412 relates to educational benefits for members of the U.S. National Guard. Under current law, West Virginia is responsible for paying tuition and fees for higher education for students who are members of the National Guard. This bill provides that the federal government will pay the tuition and fees first, rather than covering the remainder. This saves money from out-of-pocket costs for students that are members of the National Guard.

House Bill 4434 is to have a statewide study and report on the existing health care workforce, as well as the workforce needs of the next 15 years.

House Bill 4375 facilitates interstate practice of audiology and speech-language pathology with the goal of improving public access to audiology and speech-language pathology services.

House Bill 4378 relates to the revocation of teaching licenses and certificates. This provides minimum consequences for certain offenses and defines terms for grooming a student or minor.

House Bill 4395 removes the requirement that a veterinarian access and report to the controlled substance monitoring database.

House Bill 4410 permits directors and executive officers of a banking institution to borrow from a banking institution with which he or she is connected up to $25,000 or 5 percent of unaffected capital and surplus to a maximum combined amount of $500,000 without the prior approval of a majority of the board of directors or discount committee of the banking institution.

House Bill 4414 aims to develop a resource which families can use to monitor and track deaf and hard of hearing children’s early language acquisition and expression, and developmental stages toward English literacy. This resource is very important, because it will help children develop language skills by the appropriate age or will otherwise offer resources to ensure progress with expressive skills.

House Bill 4415 aims to improve the response to, protection and recovery of missing and endangered children in the state. This bill makes it easier for law enforcement to handle missing children’s cases. One part of this bill states the importance of interagency cooperation. This means that state agencies and schools must cooperate and assist with confidential information that will help law enforcement with each case. This bill also establishes a missing foster child locator unit program, which includes duties such as receiving reports of missing foster children, assisting law enforcement and completing screening once the child has been found.

House Bill 4438 provides a mechanism to allow licensing of advance deposit wagering.

House Bill 4559 extends the time limitation to 10 years for a plaintiff to bring a civil suit or personal action against a defendant who committed sexual assault or sexual abuse on the plaintiff when the plaintiff was a minor.

House Bill 4352 removes barriers to employment for individuals with criminal records who seek licensure or certification in an occupation governed by state laws, with certain exceptions and to reduce the number of hours of necessary experience to qualify for certain licenses.

House Bill 4380 updates the regulatory board review schedule.

House Bill 4444 establishes Medals of Valor for emergency medical service members, firefighters, and law-enforcement officers

House Bill 4453 expands the eligibility requirements for private investigator and security guard licensure, remove the increased application fee for a nonresident of West Virginia or a foreign corporation or entity, and limit the fee charged by the Secretary of State for renewal of licensure

Senate Legislation Feb. 1-7

Juliet Thomas

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February 10, 2020

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As of February 7, 2020, 737 bills have been introduced to the Senate. Of those bills, 73 have advanced to the House for further consideration.

SB 190 requires that in order for counties to receive 2% of the terminal income from racetracks, the racetrack must have participated in the WV Thoroughbred Development fund since on or before January 1999.

SB 240 requires restaurants, hotels, and other food services to secure manhole covers for grease traps that are either outdoors or areas accessible to the public. The covers should be able to withstand expected loads and be kept out of the reach of children.

SB 267 creates a new criminal offense for failing to return conversion of leased or rented personal property.

SB 281 eliminates the residency requirement for individuals applying for reappointment to a municipal police department.

SB 300 updates terms in the WV Corporation Net Income Tax Act to match the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code’s definitions.

SB 308 addresses criminal penalties for persons who violate a protective order for financial exploitation.

SB 316 eliminates the requirement that one governor-appointed member of the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission have a degree in petroleum engineering or geology and be a registered professional engineer.

SB 482 removes the requirement that an individual have a permit to store a handgun in their vehicle on school property.

SB 510 makes permanent a land reuse agency or municipal land bank’s right of first refusal on certain tax sale properties. The bill expands the circumstances for when the right of refusal may be used, and clarifies the provisions relating to the right of first refusal.

SB 511 regulates pawnbrokers to prevent the accidental sale of stolen property and to help the police in investigations for tracking down stolen property. The bill provides that pawnbrokers possess proper equipment for surveillance and other measures for tracking inventory.

SB 534 eliminates the Workers’ Compensation exclusion for employees serving the Legislature either temporarily or in support of the legislative session. The purpose of this bill is to bring state law into compliance with federal law.

SB 544 authorizes the Board of Pharmacy, the Board of Osteopathic Medicine, and the Board of Medicine to create rules to be approved by the legislature, allowing pharmacists and pharmacy interns to administer vaccines.

SB 547 corrects a conflict with the Federal Unemployment Compensation and Social Security Administration laws regarding an individual’s opportunity for a hearing for unemployment compensation claims that are denied.

SB 551 creates the Water and Wastewater Investment Facilitation Act. This expands the uses to which a municipality may apply the proceeds of selling or leasing public utilities such as gas, wastewater, or electricity.

SB 552 requires contracts of $25,000 or more to be bid competitively.

SB 560 permits trained individuals under the supervision of a registered nurse to administer medication in nursing homes.

SB 620 authorizes the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation to approve home plans for inmates. The commissioner is to establish a nonviolent offense parole program, and to create the criteria for eligibility for such a program.

SB 625 creates a one-day annual license to allow for the charitable auctions of rare or antique sealed liquors in private clubs, so long as other code sections regarding the sale of alcohol are not violated.

SB 629 clarifies alcohol volume percentage for certain wines. The bill clarifies that wine can be sold by a wine specialty shop for consumption off-premises only except where tasting and sampling have been permitted. The bill also removes the bonding requirement for suppliers and distributors, and continues the penalties for a distributor or supplier who does not pay taxes.

Completed Legislation Feb. 1-7

Madison Perdue

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February 10, 2020

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HB 4042 states that agencies exempt from state purchasing requirements must adopt rules regarding purchasing procedures. The Senate requests the House to concur before it is sent to the governor.

HB 4091 allows for expedited oil and gas well permitting and permit modifications upon the payment of applicable expeditated fees, the proceeds of such fees, and the daily pro rata refund of the fees if the permit isn’t approved between the 45th and 60th days after submitting a permit application.

HB 4103 specifies the structure of the Office of Drug Control Policy in the Department of Health and Human Resources.

HB 4393 creates criminal penalties for asphyxiation and suffocation, and adds the terms to the definition of strangulation. The Senate requests the House to concur before advancing the bill to the governor.

HB 4496 eliminates the mandate for the Board of Risk and Insurance Management to buy liability insurance for the Division of Corrections.

Legislation Aims to Boost Economy and Tourism

Juliet Thomas

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February 10, 2020

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Legislation Aims to Boost Economy and Tourism

Delegates Focus on Changing Some Prohibition Era Laws

Several bills proposed and advanced by House committees this week are focused on changing alcohol laws in the state. The goals of these bills are to promote new industries, attract tourists, and boost the state economy.

House Bill 4524 permits the sale of alcohol for off-site consumption in all areas of the state. The purpose of this bill is to make the state “wet.” There are “dry” areas within the state that do not permit the sale of alcohol. These areas have been dry since the prohibition era in the 1920s.

There are currently 13 counties within the state that are either entirely dry or have dry cities and towns within them.

Delegate Steve Westfall, R-Jackson, is the lead sponsor for House Bill 4524.

Delegate Steve Westfall, R-Jackson, was lead sponsor of the bill.

Westfall believes that this bill will have a positive effect on tourism within the state, specifically in the four-season resort of Snowshoe in Pocahontas county. Pocahontas county is a dry area, excluding the town of Durbin and the city of Marlinton. Tourists visiting Snowshoe mountain have to drive 30 minutes to Marlinton if they wish to purchase alcohol for their visit.

“While this doesn’t completely discourage tourism, it might be a reason people choose not to return,” he said.

Tourists come to Snowshoe from states all across the country.

“We want these tourists to keep coming back,” Westfall said.

This bill states that counties do have the option to stay dry. After reaching out to several dry counties and comparing this legislation to previous successful bills of a similar nature, Westfall does not believe that any of the areas will opt to stay dry. Under current law, counties can opt to sell alcohol, but this new legislation allows for counties to opt not to.

“This bill gets us out of the 1920s prohibition mentality and gets us to where we need to be in 2020,” he said.

House Bill 4524 was read a first time Friday.

Delegate Jason Barrett, D-Berkeley, is the sponsor of many of these bills, including House Bills 4159 and 3149. Barrett believes these bills will benefit the people living in his district in the Eastern Panhandle and across the entire state.

House Bill 4159 reduces the tax rate on alcoholic apple cider by reclassifying it in code.

Currently, hard cider is taxed at the same rate as wine due to the similar fermentation process it goes through. However, alcoholic cider has a similar alcohol content of beer, which is taxed at a significantly lower rate. Once hard cider is reclassified it will be taxed at a rate in between wine and beer.

This bill intends to facilitate the growth of the cider industry in West Virginia. In the United States, national cider sales have grown an average of 73% each year over the past five years. West Virginia has the potential to be a big contender in the industry. The current tax rate is a barrier that prevents people from starting up a business in the industry. This legislation reflects a successful program that our neighboring state, Virginia, passed a few years ago. Their growth reflects the standard of the national average.

The bill also creates an Agriculture and Development Fund using the money from the cider tax to further facilitate growth. The money in the fund will be used to grow apples and other fruits needed to produce cider.

House Bill 4159 was advanced out of the House Government Organization Committee and now goes before the House Judiciary Committee before being reported to the full House.

House Bill 3149 focuses on permitting a wine manufacturer to serve full pours of wine at festivals for which it is properly licensed. The bill also includes that the commissioner may issue special one-day licenses to nonprofit corporations allowing the sale and serving of wine.

Barrett says that this will greatly benefit the Martinsburg Wine Fest, which is held annually and attracts thousands of people each year from across the state and surrounding areas.

“The goal here is not just to expand our alcohol laws – it’s to promote tourism,” he said. Barrett says that this legislation will attract out-of-state wineries, who will be able to purchase these one-day permits to sell at festivals. Under this bill, one-day licenses will cost $100.

“Some people have the mindset that we should build a wall around West Virginia and keep other states out,” he said. “By expanding and letting others into our state, we will see benefits in the economy and tourism industry.”

House Bill 3149 will be examined first by the House Finance Committee to discuss the fiscal implications of the bill.

Committees in the House have also advanced House Bills 4663 and 4158, both relating to alcohol laws.

House Bill 4663 eliminates certain payments to the Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner from distilleries and mini distilleries that the commissioner distributes to market zone retailers. Currently, all distilleries in the state must pay a 2% fee to the ABCA that is then distributed to market zone liquor retailers, even if the distillery doesn’t sell their product on store shelves. This bill would exempt distilleries from this fee if their products are sold only on-premises.

House Bill 4158 permits people of the legal drinking age to manufacture alcoholic liquor for personal or family use. It’s legal to manufacture wine and beer for home use currently, but this expands this law to include liquor. Federally, current criminal penalties for this are punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fee. This bill decriminalizes the action under state law.

Senate Passes Bill to Prohibit Deceptive Advertising

Senate Floor Session

Madison Perdue

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February 7, 2020

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Senate Passes Bill to Prohibit Deceptive Advertising

The Senate met at 11:00 AM today to discuss the passage of seven bills.

One bill, SB 136, prohibits certain misleading lawsuit advertising practices. The bill establishes a criminal penalty for these deceptive practices. Under this bill, advertisements must disclose that they are paid advertisements for legal purposes, and they cannot present advertisements as public service announcements, medical alerts, or consumer alerts.

The Senate also passed SB 623, which allows a noncitizen of the United States to be eligible for a teaching certificate, provided that the individual possesses an Employment Authorization Document or work permit authorized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

SB 142 was also passed, which expands the Coyote Control Program. The bill provides for an assessment on breeding cows and provides an option for owners of breeding cows not to participate in the program.

Senate bills 138, 615, 203 and 522 were also passed and will advance to the House for further consideration.

Senate bills 726-737 were introduced and referred to the appropriate committees.

The Senate also adopted Resolution 34, designating February 7, 2020 as Dental Hygienists Day at the Capitol. A brief recess was held for the presentation of this resolution.

The Senate is adjourned until 11:00 AM Monday morning.

The Senate Judiciary Committee will meet at 1:00 PM today in room 208W.

House Passes Toll Road Legislation

House Floor Session

Juliet Thomas

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February 7, 2020

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On Friday during session, the House passed a bill that would allow toll roads to accept credit card payments. The House also completed legislation on one bill and passed 11 bills.

House Bill 4083 requires the West Virginia Parkways Authority to accept debit and credit card for the payment of tolls. The toll would be slightly increased for debit and credit card users to cover the fees from card companies. These updates must be implemented and completed by July 1, 2022.

The House also concurred with a Senate amendment for House Bill 4042, therefore completing action on the bill. House Bill 4042 requires agencies exempt from state purchasing requirements to adopt procedural rules establishing their purchasing procedures.

Eight bills were advanced to third reading. Senate Bill 364 and House Bill 4069 were advanced to second reading.

Four resolutions were introduced. House Bills 4736-4760 were introduced.

Senate Bills 46, 470, 487, 500 and 501, on third reading, were moved to the House inactive calendar. Senate Bills 321, 532 and House Bill 4524, on second reading, were also moved to the House inactive calendar. Action for House Bill 4455, on first reading, was postponed one day.

The House is adjourned until 11 a.m. Monday.

Senate Judiciary Advances Bill to Add Magistrates to Putnam and Monongalia Counties

Senate Committee

Madison Perdue

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February 6, 2020

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Senate Judiciary Advances Bill to Add Magistrates to Putnam and Monongalia Counties

The Senate Judiciary Committee met at 3:00 PM today to discuss two House bills and three Senate bills, all of which were advanced.

One bill of particular interest to the Committee was SB 653, which increases the number of magistrates in Putnam County. This bill was discussed and questioned in a previous meeting regarding an amendment made to increase the number of magistrates in Monongalia County as well as Putnam County. This amendment adds one magistrate for Monongalia County and one magistrate for Putnam County. This bill has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration.

House bill 2602 includes the possession of known stolen property to the offense of receiving or transferring stolen property. The bill provides an exception for certain purchasers of scrap metal.

House bill 4179 enacts the Recognition of Emergency Medical Services Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact. Counsel stated that 16 other states have already subscribed to this compact, including Virginia. A representative of the EMS Coalition spoke in favor of the bill and answered questions from the committee. The bill will be advanced to the full Senate.

Senate bills 662 and 490 were also advanced and will be reported to the full Senate with recommendation for passage.