Blog – Page 217

Senate Finance Hears from Supreme Court of Appeals

Senate Committee

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February 14, 2017

The Senate Finance Committee conducted their first budget hearing Tuesday with Chief Justice Allen Loughry presenting from the Supreme Court of Appeals.

The Court is asking for $141 million for the 2018 fiscal year, as opposed to the $143 million they were provided during the last fiscal year.

This request accounts for only 1.2 percent of the entire state budget to fund the whole judicial branch for the entirety of the fiscal year.

Loughry suggested that the committee also look into reallocating a few areas in the Court’s budget that has caused issues for the branch; particularly, finding new sources of revenue for drug testing, having counties cover rent for family courts, among other issues.

He also said the Court would not be willing to cut court days to four days a week instead of five, as it would disable the Court’s ability to administer justice in as many cases as it does.

Senate Finance will meet again tomorrow.

State Superintendent Discusses Issues Facing Education in the State

Senate Committee

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February 14, 2017

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State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Martirano outlined the goals and needs for the Department of Education on Tuesday during the 2018 fiscal year to the Senate Education Committee.

Martirano said the Department of Education has made many fiscal sacrifices over the past five to six years, which appear to correlate with a drop in enrollment.

After eliminating 80 employees from the Department of Education since June 2011, the state has seen a decrease in enrollment of nearly 9,000 students.

Not only has enrollment been declining, but West Virginia’s teachers remain some of the worst-paid in the nation. According to a 2015-2016 rating by the National Education Association, West Virginia is 46th in the nation for teacher salaries.

Martirano said he is grateful for Governor Justice’s decision to try and raise teachers’ salaries this fiscal year.

Martirano also highlighted the fact that there are 718 professional educator positions that are now vacant. He cited a study that has shown how good teachers’ salaries can fill up these vacancies and make the education system more competitive with other states.

When asked about his opinion on cutting RESAs, Martirano said he cannot issue a public statement until the State Board of Education makes their recommendation.

However, he did advise the committee to review such measures “very artfully,” as many specific services previously conducted by RESAs would have to still be performed for the state to move forward.

In total, the Department of Education is asking for $2.4 billion for the 2018 fiscal year.

The committee will continue to review their request.

Senate Judiciary Committee Report Three Bills

Senate Committee

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February 14, 2017

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The Senate Judiciary Committee met today to discuss three bills.

Senate Bill 116 which would modify a rule relating to law enforcement training and certification standards.

Senate Bill 247 would authorize access to the prosecuting attorney delegate and delivery of grand jury records for investigative purposes for the Legislative Commission on Special Investigations.

Senate Bill 248 would clarify composition and chairmanship of Commission on Special Investigations.

All three of the bills were reported to the Senate floor with a recommendation that they pass.

Senate Committee on Energy, Industry and Mining Met to Discuss Four Bills

Senate Committee

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February 14, 2017

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The Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee met today to discuss SB 105, SB 107, SB 108, and SB 109.

Senate Bill 105 would create alternate emission limitations during startup, shutdown and maintenance operations.

Senate Bill 107 would modify a rule relating to permits for construction and modification of stationary sources for prevention of significant deterioration of air quality.

Senate Bill 108 would modify a rule relating to standards of performance for new stationary sources.

Senate Bill 109 would modify a rule relating to the control of air pollution from hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facilities.

All four bills were sent back to the Senate floor with recommendation that they pass but first be committed to the committee on Judiciary.

Seven Bills Reported from Senate Health and Human Resources

Senate Committee

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February 14, 2017

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The Senate Committee on Health and Human Resources reported seven bills to the floor with the recommendation that all pass after being referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The bills reported are as follows:

SB 118, which would authorize the DHHR to promulgate a legislative rule relating to expedited partner therapy.

SB 119, which would authorize the DHHR to promulgate a legislative rule relating to clinical laboratory technician and technologist licensure and certification.

SB 120, which would authorize the DHHR to promulgate a legislative rule relating to clandestine drug laboratory remediation.

SB 123, which would authorize the Health Care Authority to promulgate a legislative rule relating to exemption from the Certificate of Need.

SB 124, which would authorize the Health Care Authority to promulgate a legislative rule relating to the Rural Health Systems Grant Program.

SB 125, which would authorize the Health Care Authority to promulgate a legislative rule relating to the Hospital Assistance Grant Program.

SB 126, which would authorize the Health Care Authority to promulgate a legislative rule relating to the Certificate of Need.

No other business came before the committee.

House Political Subdivisions Committee discusses two bills

House Committee

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February 14, 2017

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Today, the political subdivisions committee met today to discuss HB 2034 and HB 2238.

HB 2034 would require that a county itemize and publish all activity related to budget stabilization funds in the county’s annual financial statements.

The bill was approved and is to be reported to the floor with recommendation that it pass, but first be referred to the committee on finance.

HB 2238 would authorize the Auditor’s Office to put into effect a legislative rule relating to Procedure for Local Levying Bodies to Apply for Permission to Extend Time to Meet as Levying Body.

The bill was approved by the committee and will be reported to the floor with recommendation that it do pass after being referred to the judiciary committee.

Agriculture Commissioner addresses Agriculture and Natural Resource Committee

House Committee

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February 14, 2017

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Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt spoke to the Agriculture and Natural Resource Committee this morning.

He talked about how there are new sciences and technologies available. He said we must “protect the old, but look towards the new.” He wants to re-align government, not grow it to help bring new technologies into the state.

Leonhardt discussed the Veterans to Agriculture Program. He gave examples of how beneficial this program is to the veterans and how our state needs to do more for it. He said they are requesting a budget of $250,000 for the program.

He stressed the critical need for veterinarians in the state. Right now we only have one state veterinarian and he said we need three. He said we need a state veterinarian station in Charleston.

Leonhardt stated that education is the important to agriculture. He said the future of agriculture lies with our children in agriculture programs, such as FFA. He’s heard from people all over the state that funding for FFA needs to be increased.

He said he’d like to see STEM become STEAM- Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Mathematics. He’s heard many people want to make the “A” in STEAM mean Art, but he said Agriculture is Art. He said, there is “no reason Agriculture and Art can’t work closely together.” He gave examples of label creations and advertising.

The Commissioner also mentioned moving Forestry to the Department of Agriculture.

Senate Transportation & Infrastructure Look at SB 210

Senate Committee

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February 14, 2017

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The Senate Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure evaluated the committee substitute of SB 210 at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

SB 210 provides for the fair distribution of costs for county development, which would consist of authorizing the assessment and collection of fees to offset the cost of development, including industrial development, within those counties.

Several legilators on the committee were concerned with what counties would be elligible for the provisions of the bill, as well as how the infrastructure projects would be funded and carried out.

The counsel Marey Casey said SB 210 is very similar to the SB 12 that the committee passed last year. Casey made technical corrections to the originally introduced bill, accounting for the committee substitute that appeared before the committee in this meeting.

SB 210 has not yet been approved by the committee. Once approved, the bill will be sent to the Senate Finance Committee.

In the meantime, a subcommittee has been formed to look at SB 210 in more depth, with Senator Chandler Swope (R-Mercer) as the Chair and Senators Robert Plymale (D-Wayne) and Mark Maynard (R-Wayne) as members.

Marshall County Commission President Robert A. Miller, Jr. testified before the committee to show his support for the bill’s passage, along with Mark Porter of the Public Service Commission and Lisa Dooley of the West Virginia Municipal League.

Members also adopted the rules and agenda for the committee, as well as the motion to have witnesses swear under oath before testifying before the committee.

Two Bills sent to Finance and Committee Substitute Considered

House Committee

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February 14, 2017

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Today in the House HB 2007 and HB 2205 were sent to the House Finance Committee to be reviewed and HB 2099 Committee Substitute was requested.

HB 2007 would eliminate the courtesy patrol programs operated by the Division of Highways and the Parkways Authority. If the Finance Committee approves the bill, it will be moved to the floor.

HB 2205 would exempt heating oil for residential purposes from the Motor Fuel Excise Tax.

HB 2099 Committee Substitute would define the act of leaving the scene of a crash involving death or serious bodily injury as a felony. It also establishes the act of leaving the scene of a crash that does not proximately cause death or injury as a misdemeanor and defines bodily injury and serious bodily injury.

HB 2006 was read for the second time today and will be voted on tomorrow.

Committee Meetings Today

Political Subdivisions: 1 p.m. in 434M

Health and Human Resources: 2 p.m. in 215E

There will be a budget presentation at 4 p.m. in the House Chamber.

Committe Meetings Tomorrow

Judiciary: 9 a.m. in 410M

Gov. Org.: 9 a.m. in 215E

Finance: 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. in 410M

Veterans Affairs and Homland Security: 1 p.m. in 434M

Education: 2:30 p.m. in 434M

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

Six Bills Move to Third Reading Today in the Senate

Senate Floor Session

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February 14, 2017

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Today the Senate moved six bills into third reading and introduced 39 bills.

The bills moving to third reading are SB 151, SB 176, SB 169, SB 170, SB 171, and SB 237.

Senate Bill 237 would repeal obsolete rules of the Department of Revenue.

Senate Bill 169, Senate Bill 170 and Senate Bill 171 would repeal obsolete and unfunded programs. These programs have been moved to federal funding, were never funded or are no longer necessary. They repeal a state hemophilia program, programs of All-Inclusive Care for Elderly, and an article providing assistance to Korea and Vietnam veterans exposed to certain chemical defoliants.

Senate Bill 151 would authorize the Department of Administration to promulgate the legislative rules.

Introduced bills included are SB 288, SB 309, SB 312, and SB 317.

Senate Bill 288 would double the penalties for various child abuse offenses.

Senate Bill 309 would authorize counties to offer customized license plates for that county.

Senate Bill 312 would establish a four-year pilot program to have social workers in public schools.

Senate Bill 317 would authorize a family court judge to order substance abuse counseling of children in emergency situations.

Senate Resolution 13 was adopted today recognizing National Go Red for Women Day, which supports the ongoing fight against heart disease and stroke.

The following committees meet today:

Finance at 3 p.m. in 451M.

Education at 2 p.m. in 451M.

Judiciary at 3 p.m. in 208W.

Health and Human Resources at 1 p.m. in 451M.

Energy, Industry and Mining meets at 1 p.m. in 208W.

The committee on Workforce meets tomorrow at 10 a.m. in 208W.

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