The West Virginia Senate convened the First Regular Session of the 82nd Legislature today at Noon.
Senator Donna Boley (R-Pleasants) presided over the beginning of the organizational session as the Senate’s longest-serving member. In doing so, she became the first woman in history to preside over the Senate.
Following the presentation of election results by the Secretary of State and the swearing in of newly elected members, the Senate elected Bill Cole (R-Mercer) Senate President.
Former Senator Clark Barnes was elected Senate Clerk and immediately resigned his Senate seat after votes were tallied. Howard Wellman and Tony Gallo were re-elected to their respective positions as Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper.
The Senate also adopted several resolutions relating to the Senate Rules and other organizational matters. The afternoon floor session concluded with the introduction of 232 bills that were then referred to various committees.
The Senate is adjourned until 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.
The House of Delegates met today for the first day of the 2015 Regular Session in order to organize, elect officers, adopt resolution governing the rules of the House of Delegates and introduce bills.
Taking the oath of office this evening alongside his son Tristan was Delegate Sean Hornbuckle (D-Cabell), representing the 16th Delegate District. The brief ceremony Thursday in the House Chamber was attended by many of his friends and family who watched West Viriginia Supreme Court Justice Margaret Workman administer the oath.
Also, Assistant House Clerk Bo Hoover was appointed and sworn in as House Clerk in accordance with state code following the retirement of House Clerk Greg Gray on December 31st so the office could be filled until the start of the January 14th Session.
Delegate Jeff Eldridge (D-Lincoln), representing the 22nd Delegate District, was sworn into office during a brief ceremony Tuesday in the House Chamber with his wife Stacy, two daughters, Madeline and Jillian, and family friend Kathy Chapman.