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House Completes Two Senate Bills, Advances 20 to Second Reading

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Today on the floor, the House completed legislation on two Senate Bills which included Senate Bill 80, including substitute teaching in job duties of certain professional educators employed by county boards and Senate Bill 183, updating terms in Corporation Net Income Tax Act.

The House also advanced six bills to third reading including Senate Bill 158, creating Complete Streets Act and also advanced 20 bills to second reading including Senate Bill 491, relating to car license cost recovery fee.

Also, the House adopted five House Concurrent Resolutions including House Concurent Resolution 105, requesting a study on the necessity of hiring additional fraud investigators for the Department of Health and Human Resources and Medical Fraud Control Unit.

Committees Meeting Today:

Finance Committee: 1:45 p.m. 460M
Judiciary Committee: 2:00 p.m. 410M
Government and Organization Committee: 2:00 p.m. 215E

Committees Meeting Tomorrow:
Natural Resources Committee: 8:45 a.m. 215E
Roads and Transportation Committee: Immediately after tomorrow’s morning session

The House will reconvene today at 5:00 p.m.

UPDATE:

The House met briefly today to receive committee reports.

The following committee will meet today:
Government Organization – 15 minutes following session – 215E

The following committees will meet tomorrow:
House Judiciary – 8:30 a.m. – 410M
House Finance – 9:30 a.m. – 460M

The House will reconvene tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

Senate Completes Legislation on 10 Bills


The Senate convened today to complete 10 bills, pass seven bills, advance six bills to second reading, six to first reading, and adopt two Senate Resolutions.

The bills that completed legislation today include House Bill 2361 , which relates to the definition of “eligible veteran” for certain state training and employment preference benefits and Senate Bill 458 , which will permit PEIA health plans to operate on calendar-year basis.

Bills passed in the Senate today include House Bill 2471, which would prohibit the restriction or otherwise lawful possession, use, carrying, transfer, transportation, storage or display of a firearm or ammunition during a declared state of emergency.

The Senate adopted two Resolutions this morning congratulating Cabell Midland High School Show Choir for their West Virginia Music Educators Association 2013 Large Mixed Group Show Choir State Champion Title and Cabell Midland High School Marching Band for their many accomplishments this past year.

The following committees will meet today:

The Committee on Health and Human Resources will meet today at 1:00 p.m. in 451M.
The Committee on Natural Resources will meet today at 1:00 p.m. in 208W.
The Committee on Education will meet today at 2:00 p.m. at 451M.
The Committee on Government Organization will meet today at 2:00 p.m. in 208W.
The Committee on Finance will meet today at 3:00 p.m. in 451M.
The Committee on Judiciary will meet today at 3:00 p.m. in 208W.

The following committees will meet tomorrow:

The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure will meet tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. in 451M.
The Committee on Economic Development will meet tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. in 451M.
The Committee on Government Organization will meet tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. in 208W.

UPDATE:

The Senate reconvened briefly this evening to receive committee reports and read several bills a first time.

Bills read a first time and advanced to second reading include House Bill 2470 , which would provide sign support specialists or educational sign language interpreters in the education of exceptional children.

The following committees will meet tomorrow:

The Committee on Judiciary will meet tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in 208W.

The Senate will reconvene tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

Senate Concurs and Completes Seven Bills, Recognizes Today as Jefferson County Day


The Senate convened this morning to pass seven bills, advance 15 bills to third reading, six bills to second reading, and adopt two Senate Resolutions.

The Senate concurred and passed seven bills that were sent back to the Senate from the House with amendments.

Bills passed to third reading include House Bill 2463, which would repeal the article of the WV Code that permits the sterilization of persons deemed to be mentally incompetent.

House Bill 2108, which would make the failure to wear a seat belt a primary offense, was one bill passed to second reading today.

Finally, the Senate adopted two Senate Resolutions congratulating Tug Valley High School’s Boys’ Basketball Team on their State Championship win and recognizing April 8, 2013 as Jefferson County Day.

The following committees will meet today:

The Committee on Government Organization will meet today at 1:00 p.m. in 208W.
The Committee on Banking and Insurance will meet today at 2:00 p.m. in 208W.
The Committee on Judiciary will meet today at 3:00 p.m. in 208W.
The Committee on Finance will meet today at 3:00 p.m. in 451M.

The following committees will meet tomorrow:

The Select Committee on Children and Poverty will meet tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. in 208W.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure will meet tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. in 451M.
The committee on Military will meet tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in 208W.

The Senate will reconvene tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

House Amends and Passes Two Senate Bills

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Today on the floor, the House passed Senate Bill 145, amending election complaint procedures, and Senate Bill 458, permitting PEIA health plans to operate on calendar-year basis. These bills were amended by the House and must go back to the Senate for approval. Senate Bill 71, requiring descriptions or easements of rights-of-way include width in addition to the centerline, was originally scheduled to be read for the third time, but was laid over until tomorrow.

Senate Bill 80, including substitute teaching in job duties of certain professional educators employed by county boards and Senate Bill 183, updating terms in Corporation Net Income Tax were both advanced to third reading.

In addition, six Senate Bills were read for the first time including, Senate Bill 158, creating Complete Streets Act.

Committees Meeting Today:
Judiciary Committee: 12:45 p.m. 410M
Finance Committee: 1:00 p.m. 460M
Government and Organization Committee: 1:00 p.m. 215E

The House will reconvene today at 5:00 p.m.

UPDATE:

The House met briefly to receive committee reports. Also, a motion to dispense with a second reference for Senate Bill 116 failed to receive the 2/3 votes required and the bill now heads to House Finance for further consideration.

The House Education Committee will meet immediately upon adjournment and the House Judiciary Committee will meet tonight at 6:00 p.m.

Committees Meeting Tomorrow:
Education Committee: 8:30 a.m. 434M
Judiciary Committee: 9:00 a.m. 410M
Finance Committee: 9:00 a.m. 460M

The House will reconvene tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

House Passes Six Senate Bills

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Today on the floor, Senate Bill 571, extending the time Oceana City Council can meet as a levying body, was intended to be read for the first time, but due to the suspension of the constitutional rule, was read all three times today and completed legislation in addition to Senate Bill 421, exempting certain school mascots from prohibition of firearms possession on school grounds.

Four Senate Bills were passed including Senate Bill 638, terminating certain severance tax exemption for production of natural gas or oil. There were four Senate Bills that were read for the second time including Senate Bill 435, continuing the Municipal Home Rule Pilot Program and two Senate Bills were also read for the first time.

The House adopted four Senate Concurrent Resolutions including Senate Concurrent Resolution 11, requesting DOH name portion of State Route 214 “Army Pvt. Parker Meikle Memorial Road.

Committees Meeting Today:
Judiciary Committee: 12:30 p.m. 410M
Finance Committee: 1:00 p.m.460M

Committees Meeting Monday:
Health and Human Resources Committee: 10:00 a.m. 215E
Government and Organization Committee: 1:00 p.m. 215E

The House will reconvene Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Senate Adopts Concurrent Resolution Naming August 16 Airborne Day in West Virginia

The Senate convened briefly this morning to receive committee reports, adopt one House Concurrent Resolution, and advance 15 bills to second reading.


The Senate adopted House Concurrent Resolution 11 today, annually recognizing August 16 “Airborne Day” in West Virginia.

Bills advanced to second reading include House Bill 2314, which would authorize a family court judge to order a child to be taken into custody in emergency situations.

The Senate also took time to remember the 29 lives lost in the Upper Big Branch Mine accident three years ago today.

The following committees will meet Monday:

The Committee on Government Organization will meet Monday at 1:00 p.m. in 208W.
The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development will meet Monday at 2:00 p.m. in 451M.

The Senate will reconvene Monday at 11:00 a.m.

In the House

As of 4:00 p.m. Wednesday April 3, 2013, 1164 bills have been introduced in the House and 143 bills have been passed. A sample of the bills passed by the House this week:

House Bill 2108 would make failure to wear a safety belt a primary offense. Any person in violation of this bill would be fined $25.

House Bill 2513 would improve enforcement of drugged driving offenses. Anyone who drives a motor vehicle in this state, by doing so, implies consent to a “preliminary breath analysis and a secondary chemical test of either his or her blood, breath, or urine for the purposes of determining the controlled substance and drug content of his or her blood”.

House Bill 2521 relates to the West Virginia Contraband Forfeiture Act. This bill would create an alternative method for forfeiture of “moneys, securities, negotiable instruments, conveyances and other personal property” through an quicker process.

House Bill 2357 relates to sexting by minors. This bill would establish an educational diversion program to be put in place of prosecuting a minor for sexting. Minors engaged in transferring sexually explicit photos of themselves or others through the use of computers of interactive wireless communication devices would be required to attend this program.

House Bill 2548 would increase criminal penalties for assault and battery against athletic officials.  If a person recommits a battery offense the penalty would be a jail confinement of between 10 days and 12 months, increased from 24 hours to 30 days. A fine of $100-$500 would also be due.

House Bill 2550 would add a criminal offense for receiving materials portraying minors in sexually explicit conduct. It would increase the fines and penalties upon first conviction, enforce penalties for second or subsequent sentences or if a first offender had been previously convicted for an early sexual offense.

House Bill 2563 would reduce the daily administrative time required of school counselors and increase the time spent counseling at-risk students. It would increase their time with at-risk students from 75% to at least 90%. It would also require that at-risk students be included in this direct counseling in addition to other pupils.

House Bill 2571 would revise the qualifications to serve on the Environmental Quality Board. It would authorize those  who have received a substantial portion of income from state departments and agencies that are NPDES permit holders or applicants to serve on the board.

House Bill 2727 relates to the school aid formula. This bill would restrict school bus systems to use either compressed natural gas or propane as an alternative fuel.

House Bill 2759 relates to the standards for emergency medical service personnel. It states no fee can be charged for EMT certification or re-certification. It also states an applicant whose certification has lapsed for more than 6 months may be required to complete a cognitive and skills examination prior to renewing their certificate.

House Bill 2766 would create the “West Virginia Winner” program. This program would help promote healthy and active lifestyles for West Virginians. It would be composed of athletic competitions and cultural events around the state.

House Bill 2787 would allow for family court judges and magistrates to carry concealed handguns without a permit.

House Bill 3145 would take away the existing maximum quantities of beer that a retailer may sell for consumption off premises.

House Bill 3163 would require all debt obligations of the West Virginia parkways authority to be satisfied by February 1, 2020. It would remove tolls on turnpikes when the bonds obtained by those tolls are fulfilled.

In the Senate

As of 4 p.m. Wednesday April 3, 2013, 664  bills have been introduced in the Senate and 169 bills have been passed. A sample of the bills passed by the Senate this week:

Senate Bill 21 would require all health care providers to wear identification badges. The bill would define terms and appropriate rules to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Resources.

Senate Bill 90 would make it a felony for any person to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance and cause serious injury to another person. The bill also defines the term “serious bodily injury.”

Senate Bill 117 would make it a criminal offense to be in the possession of burglars’ tools and establish penalties for the crime.

Senate Bill 354 would require the Commissioner of Highways to conduct a study on different methods of revenue for the development and maintenance of state roads and highways.

Senate Bill 355 would require employers to pay a discharged employee within four business days or no later than the next payday, whichever comes first. For this section of code, “business day” would be defined as a day state offices are open for regular business.

Senate Bill 369 would allow residents of certain states to carry a concealed deadly weapon as long as they have a concealed weapons license in that state. Only those residents of states that accept a West Virginia concealed weapons will be allowed to carry a concealed weapon in this state with a valid permit.

Senate Bill 394 would provide dependent children of state troopers who have died in the line of duty with a scholarship. The scholarship would not exceed more than $7,500 per year.

Senate Bill 444 would increase the amounts West Virginia University and Marshall University can have invested in their respective foundations.

Senate Bill 451 would clarify when a carbon monoxide detector is required in a structure. The bill would include all structures that have fuel burning appliances or equipment that emits carbon monoxide byproducts.

Senate Bill 460 would exempt state residents who are on active military duty for over thirty day from paying state income tax. To qualify, participants must be on active duty in the National Guard, the United States armed forces or the armed forces reserve.

Senate Bill 466 would create the Dangerous Wild Animal Act. This act would create the Dangerous Wild Animal Board, whose purpose would be to create a list of dangerous wild animals, issuing permits to those who own dangerous wild animals prior to the effective date, and other duties.

Senate Bill 533 would change the definition of the terms “battery” and “domestic battery.” These new definitions would bring West Virginia up to date with federal definitions.

Senate Bill 569 would amend give the Governor the responsibility of appointing a State Fire Marshall. The Senate would have to approve the nomination.

Senate Bill 586 would transfer the authority to license cosmetology, barber, and massage schools to the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education. The code currently gives this power to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

Senate Bill 615 would temporarily decrease the table game renewal license fees for pari-mutuel racetracks for one year.

Senate Bill 624 would sentence those who are willfully not paying child support to be sentenced to home confinement while working or looking for a job. This bill would also create harsher sanctions for the next offenses.

Senate Bill 652 would require home inspector applicants to get a criminal background check. This bill would also give the State Fire Commission the rule-making authority over home inspector applicants.

Senate Bill 663 would create the “West Virginia Feed to Achieve Act.” The act would ensure all students would have access for a nutritious breakfast and lunch. The act details where these funds would come from and provide funds to schools to establish nutrition programs.

Hunger & Poverty, A National Crisis at Home

The Senate Select Committee on Children & Poverty to Host a Screening on a Documentary Taking a Closer Look at Hunger and Poverty in America

Currently, 1 in every 4 children in the United States worries about where their next meal will come from. Most Americans might consider hunger only to exist in remote, third-world countries; but, the reality is, hunger is a problem 50 million Americans face every day. “A Place at the Table,” a documentary providing a picture of hunger in America, is aiming toward bringing attention to the hunger crisis in the United States. The West Virginia Legislature will be hosting a screening of the documentary on Monday at 6:00 p.m. in the Capitol Complex Culture Center.

The United States of America is one of the most wealthy, powerful countries in the world, so why are there people struggling to put food on their table every day? According to the documentary, the problem isn’t a shortage of food; the problem is poverty. The hunger crisis in America has gone unnoticed – largely due to the shame those struggling feel and their unwillingness to discuss the hardships of poverty due to the stigma attached to hunger.

In West Virginia alone, 14.1 percent of people are food insecure and around 25 percent of children live in poverty, similar to the national average. While the documentary focuses on a national level, it addresses and helps find solutions to problems West Virginians are far too familiar with. Senate President Jeff Kessler and House Speaker Rick Thompson both agree that poverty is a huge concern for the state and are dedicated to finding solutions.

The documentary focuses not only on the issues of hunger and poverty, but also the correlations these two evils have on other aspects of life including professional and academic progress, malnutrition, and obesity. When families can barely afford to eat, they purchase the least expensive foods – processed foods. Additionally, when people are hungry or distracted thinking about where they’ll get their next meal, they are less likely to focus on work and therefore underperform in the workplace and the classroom.

These problems, and the adverse attitudes that are associated, are addressed through three Americans who struggle to find meals on an almost daily basis. Two of these Americans are elementary school students who struggle in school and face health problems due to their malnutrition while the third is a single mother who finds it hard to keep food on the table for her two children.

The West Virginia Legislature’s screening is an extension of the focus the Legislature has taken on children and poverty in the state. The Senate Select Committee on Children and Poverty has been taking initiative during the legislative session to address the poverty crisis West Virginia is facing. Most recently, the committee presented a bill that will provide free breakfast and lunch to all public school students in the state. The bill passed the Senate unanimously and is now being considered in the House.

Monday’s screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Documentary Director Lori Silverbush and Food Expert Dr. Janet Poppendieck. “A Place at the Table” was released in theaters, on iTunes, and On Demand on March 1, 2013. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. There is no charge for admission.