Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
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In the House

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As of 4 p.m., Wednesday, February 24, 2010, the forty-third day of the 79th Legislature’s 2nd Regular Session, 1373 bills have been introduced in the House of Delegates. Of those, 58 have passed and have been sent to the Senate for consideration. The bills passed include:

House Bill 2050 would increase the members of the West Virginia Route 2 and Interstate 68 authority from 20 to 26. The bill also expands their jurisdiction to include Cabell, Mason and Jackson counties.

House Bill 3110 would rename conservation officers to be natural resources police officers.

House Bill 4034 would authorize any municipality to enact by ordinance a vacant building registration program. It also allows a municipality to collect fees from the vacant building’s landowner.

House Bill 4035 would relate to electronic filing of tax returns and electronic funds transfers in payment of taxes. Specifically, it requires taxpayers with a tax liability of $10,000 or more to file electronically. Additionally, it requires an employer with 50 or more employees to file withholding returns electronically.

House Bill 4036 would establish the Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission, which will assist in filling judicial vacancies.

House Bill 4037 would authorize certain bond issuers to receive credit payments with respect to federal subsidy bonds. The bill also clarifies that these bonds are exempt from taxation as set forth in current state law.

House Bill 4143 would require applicants for emergency medical services certification to allow the state police access to personal background information. The bill also provides immunity for certified persons who report violations.

House Bill 4176 would establish a single state wide health care credentialing verification organization.

House Bill 4188 would create the Anti-Criminal Street Gang Act. The bill sets forth prohibitive acts and activities in association with a criminal street gang.

House Bill 4187 would continue the current hazardous waste management fee until 2015.

House Bill 4210 would require the Public Employees Insurance Agency Finance Board to have a quorum of five members present at any public hearing.

House Bill 4277 would define specific terms and corrects outdated language. It also authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection to issue National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits.

House Bill 4292 would require a person to have a bachelor’s degree or two years of magistrate experience to serve as a magistrate.

House Bill 4327 would require the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists to establish a barber’s apprentice program and permits the board to license an applicant from another jurisdiction who completed an apprentice program.

House Bill 4352 would authorize the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals to create a Business Court Division within certain circuit court districts.

House Bill 4354 would include any injunctive or protective order issued under the WV State code that allows law-enforcement officers to seize weapons in possession of domestic violence respondents.

House Bill 4361 would remove provisions that prohibit the sharing of domestic violence information with other governments. The bill also broadens the definition of law-enforcement agency.

House Bill 4457 would clarify procedures and requirements relating to the access to and protection of cemeteries.

House Bill 4593 would establish the High School Graduation Improvement Act. The bill also increases the minimum age for ending compulsory school attendance from 16 to 17 years of age. Additionally, the bill reduces the number of days of unexcused absences before enforcement of attendance begins from 10 to five.

Completed Legislation

(Week of Feb. 19 – Feb. 24, 2010)
Senate Bill 391 requires any candidate for county board of education be a citizen and resident of the county in which they seek to serve.

House Bill 4309 creates the Moorefield/Hardy County Wastewater Authority and authorizes the construction and maintenance of a regional wastewater treatment plant, transmission lines and collection facilities. This will be used for collecting, transporting and treating the wastewater from the Town of Moorefield and the unincorporated areas of Hardy County.

Legislative Auditor’s Office Improves State Government Efficiency

The two divisions of the West Virginia Legislative Auditor’s Office play a crucial role in the creation of legislation. The Post Audit Division and the Performance Evaluation and Research Division (PERD) conduct reviews of state agencies to report findings and make recommendations to state legislators.

The mission of PERD is to provide useful information to the Legislature for legislative decision-making and hold state government accountable for its performance, while Post Audit conducts audits of revenues and expenditures and reports these findings to the state Legislature.

Legislative Auditor Aaron Allred says these performance evaluations and financial reviews help make the state government more effective.

“Whether you believe in big government or small government, you should believe in good government,” he said.

John Sylvia, director of PERD, said his division conducts 20-25 reviews a year – many of which take several months to complete. Stacey Sneed, director of Post Audit Division, said Post Audit reviews normally take six months to complete, depending on the size of the agency being audited.

While both divisions conduct similar reviews, Sylvia said the main difference between the two divisions is the focus of their evaluations.

“They test the validity of financial information, we are looking at how well they are doing their job overall,” Sylvia said. “A lot of times, we are not looking at monetary issues but performance issues.”

Denny Rhodes, a research manager with PERD, said the focus is broad and the division often determines whether an agency is still needed. Rhodes added that agencies sometimes implement PERD recommendations before the reports are released.

Once completed, both divisions present reports to legislative committees. Post Audit presents reports to the Post Audit Subcommittee of the Joint Committee on Government and Finance. The subcommittee is made up of six legislators. PERD presents findings of evaluations to the Joint Committee on Government Operations and the Joint Committee on Government Organization.

While both divisions see some policy change based on report findings, neither has enforcement capabilities.

“It’s up to legislators to do something with the findings,” Sneed said.

Some reports are required by statute, while others are requested by legislators or the Legislative Auditor. Sylvia said these reports could spark interest with the legislature, the agency and the general public. Often, this interest can lead to the creation of legislation, even when this creation was not a recommendation of the report.

Such is the case with PERD’s recent review of the Department of Education, which found no upward trend in the average high school graduation rate in the last 15 years. While the report didn’t recommend increasing the compulsory school attendance age, legislation was created to do so based on the findings. The bill, HB 4593, was recently passed by the House of Delegates.

Another review surrounding the management of the state’s motor vehicle fleet also led to legislative action this session. The resulting bill, SB 219, is in the process of advancing through the legislature.

Despite differences in focus, both division directors agreed they aim to hold state government accountable. Post Audit seeks to make certain state agencies are following state compliance laws while PERD determines whether agencies are acting within authority granted to them. Often, these reviews lead to a need to update state law or change state policy.

“We are here to try to help not only the state agency but also the people of the state,” Sneed said.

Optometry Bill Passed by Senate

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The Senate reconvened today at 11 a.m. and passed Senate Bill 230.

This bill, also known as the Optometry Bill, would allow optometrists with the proper training to perform three procedures using therapeutic lasers, but only in situations when the optometrist is working in collaboration with a West Virginia licensed opthamologist; the opthamologist must be within 40 miles of the optometrist performing the procedure.

In addition to the Optometry Bill, 11 bills were also passed. Other bills passed include Senate Bill 443 , which would require those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, and who are on probation, paroled, or on other conditional release for that offense, to participate in the Motor Vehicle Test and Lock Program.

Also in the Senate, a resolution was adopted declaring February 23, 2010 West Virginia University Day. Several WVU dignitaries were in attendance, and a steel drum quartet from the College of Creative Arts performed in the chamber.

The following committees will meet today:
Health and Human Resources- 1:30 p.m. 451M
Banking and Insurance- 2 p.m. 208W
Education- 2 p.m. 451M
Finance- 3 p.m. 451M
Judiciary- 3:30 p.m. 208W

The following committees will meet tomorrow:
Economic Development- 9 a.m. 451M
Energy, Industry and Mining- 10 a.m. 208W
Natural Resources- 1 p.m. 208W

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

Two Bills Pass House; 15 Bills Advance to Third Reading

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Members of the House reconvened this morning at 11 a.m. adopting two resolutions and presenting two bills for third reading. House Bill 4145 provides services and facilities to assist student veterans at state institutions of higher education. Also, House Bill 4299 which provides that nonstate retired employees who have worked for their last nonstate employer for less than five years are responsible for their entire premium cost.

Members also presented 3 bills for first and 15 for second reading. Bills on first reading included House Bill 2050 which would expand the counties covered by West Virginia Route 2 and Interstate 68 Authority to include Cabell, Mason and Jackson counties and increase the number of members. Senate Bill 611 which would remove location requirements for certain higher education offices.

Bills on second reading included House Bill 4036 which would establish the Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission. Additionally, House Bill 4188 would create the Anti-Criminal Street Gang Act.

The following committees will meet today:


Political Subdivisions-1 p.m. 215E

Finance-1:30 p.m. 460M
Judiciary-1:30 p.m. 410M
Government Organization-2 p.m. 215E
Education-3 p.m. 434M
OPEB Work Group-4 p.m. 460M
LOCEA-5 p.m. 434M

The following committees will meet tomorrow:


Agriculture-8:30 a.m. 215E
Veterans Affairs-9 a.m. House Chamber
Natural Resources-9:15 a.m. 215E
Banking & Insurance-10 a.m. 215E
Pensions-10 a.m. 460M
Energy-1 p.m. 460M
Roads-2 p.m. 215E
Senior Citizen-3 p.m. 215E
Health & Human Resources-4 p.m. 215E


The House will reconvene tomorrow at 11 a.m.

Senate Passes Property Tax Bill; 15 Other Bills Passed

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The Senate reconvened today at 11 a.m. and passed 16 bills.

Senate Bill 401 would reform and modernize procedures and time frames for assessments of real and personal property, notices of assessments, and appeals of assessments. It provides special provisions for the assessment of industrial and natural resources property.

The Senate also passed Senate Bill 517, which would create the Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act. Under the proposed bill, any requirement of state law describing or requiring that a land record document be an original, on paper, or in writing are satisfied by a document in electronic form. In addition, any requirement that the document contain a signature or acknowledgment is satisfied by an electronic signature or acknowledgment.

Additionally, the Senate advanced several bills to third reading, including Senate Bill 230, better known as the Optometry Bill. Several amendments were adopted before advancing the bill to third reading with the right to amend.

The following committees will meet today:
Finance- 3 p.m. 451M
Judiciary- 3 p.m. 208W

The following committees will meet tomorrow:
Economic Development- 9 a.m. 451M
Transportation and Infrastructure- 10 a.m. 451M
Government Organization- 2 p.m. 208W
Banking and Insurance- 2 p.m. 208W

The Senate will reconvene tomorrow at 11 a.m.

Second Measure Completes Legislation on Deadline for Introduction of Bills

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Members of the House reconvened this morning introducing 72 bills, adopting seven resolutions and passing two bills. Today marks the last day members may introduce bills in both the House and Senate. However, this deadline does not apply to originating or supplementary appropriations bills.

Bills introduced this morning included House Bill 4596 which would remove the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health from professional licensure boards. House Bill 4604 would increase criminal penalties for persons who obstruct, flee from or make false statements to law-enforcement officers. Also, House Bill 4652 would establish a school calendar committee for each county.

Two bills were presented for third reading this morning. Senate Bill 391 relates to county board of education members’ eligibility. Also on third reading was House Bill 4187 which continues the current hazardous waste management fee until 2015.

Additionally, two bills were presented for second reading. House Bill 4145 would provide services and facilities to assist student veterans at state institutions of higher education. Also, House Bill 4299 which would provide that nonstate retired employees who have worked for their last nonstate employer for less than five years are responsible for their entire premium cost.

Members also presented 15 bills for first reading. These bills included House Bill 3110 which would rename conservation officers to be natural resources police officers. House Bill 4188 which would create the Anti-Criminal Street Gang Act, and House Bill 4352 which would authorize the WV Supreme Court of Appeals to create a Business Court Division within certain circuit court districts.

The following committees will meet today:


Finance-1:30 p.m. 460M
Judiciary-1:30 p.m. 410M
Government Organization-1:30 p.m. 215E
Political Subdivisions-3:00 p.m. 215E

The following committees will meet tommorrow:


Judiciary-9:00 a.m. 410M
Finance-9:15 a.m. 460M
Government Organization-2:00 p.m. 215E


The House will reconvene tomorrow at 11 a.m.

Legislative Landmark Days Approach, Today Last Day to Introduce Most Bills

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As the Legislature reaches the last few weeks of the 2010 Regular Session, the Calendar plays an ever-increasing role in legislative actions. Several deadlines, established by both procedural and constitutional rules, come into play as the final day of session approaches. The following is a list of these upcoming deadlines:

February 22, 2010 (41st Day) – Last day to introduce bills in the Senate and the House. (Senate Rule 14, House Rule 91a) Does not apply to originating or supplementary appropriation bills. Does not apply to Senate or House resolution or concurrent resolutions.

February 28th (47th Day) – Bills are due out of committees in their house of origin to ensure three full days of reading.

March 3rd (50th Day) “Crossover Day” – Final day for bills to be considered in house of origin. As per Joint Rule 5, the 50th day of session is the final day for bills to be considered in their house of origin. House bills must be out of the House, and Senate bills must be out of the Senate. This rule doesn’t apply to budget bills or supplementary appropriations. The rule can also be suspended for a particular bill by concurrent resolution approved by two-thirds of both chambers.

March 10th (57th Day) – Last day for most committee reports. In order to guarantee three full days of reading, committee reports are due on this day. Bills reported out of committee on the 58th day must be taken up for immediate consideration and read a first time to guarantee three full days. Committee reports can also be received on the final two days of session, but the constitutional rule requiring a bill be read on three separate days must be suspended by a four-fifths vote of those members present per the West Virginia Constitution §6-29.

March 13th (60th Day) – Final day of regular session. According to §6-22 of the West Virginia Constitution, the regular session cannot exceed 60 calendar days from the second Wednesday of January. Traditionally, the Legislature adjourns sine die at midnight on this day before immediately going into extended session for the purpose of finalizing the budget. However, the regular session can be extended for other purposes by a two-thirds vote by both houses.

Beyond March 13th – Extended Budget Session – If the Legislature hasn’t passed the budget bill before the 57th day of session, the Governor is required by the West Virginia Constitution (§6-51D) to issue a proclamation extending the session for the sole purpose of finalizing the budget. This allows the Legislature to consider the financial impact of the bills it passed during the regular session. During this extended session, budget conferees from the House and Senate meet to work out a final version of the budget, which must then be passed by both bodies before going to the Governor.

Senate Advances 16 Bills to Third Reading

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As voices of the Glenville State Choir filled the chamber, the Senate reconvened today at 11 a.m.

They advanced 16 bills to third reading, including Senate Bill 443, which would require those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and who are on probation, paroled or on other conditional release for that offense to participate in the Motor Vehicle Test and Lock Program. The bill establishes conditions for participation in the program. The bill also provides a sentencing court with the authority to set eligibility requirements for participation in the program.

The Senate also adopted House Resolution 33 , which declared February 19, 2010 Higher Education Day. Many of West Virginia’s colleges presented displays throughout the Capitol Building.

The following committees will meet Monday:
Pensions- 2 p.m. 451M
Judiciary- 3 p.m. 208W
Finance- 3 p.m. 451M

The Senate will reconvene Monday at 11 a.m.

House Passes Six Bills; Three Advanced to Third Reading

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The House reconvened this morning at 11 a.m. and were greeted with the spiritual sounds of The Martin Luther King Jr. Male Chorus. The chorus, which hails from Charleston, was at the State Capitol to continue the celebration of Black History Month.

This morning members also passed six bills, introduced 28 bills and adopted six resolutions.
Bills passed included House Bill 4212 which would require the Public Service Commission to update railroad walkway safety regulations. Also passed was House Bill 4361 which would remove provisions prohibiting sharing domestic violence information with other governements.

Additionally, three bills were presented for second reading and two for first reading. Bills on second reading included Senate Bill 391 which relates to county board of education members’ eligibility. Also, House Bill 4187 which would continue the current hazardous waste management fee until 2015.

Members also introduced 28 bills this morning. These included House Bill 4576 which would terminate tolls on the West Virginia Turnpike before 2020. Also introduced was House Bill 4583 which would permit municipalities and counties to use proceeds from the hotel occupancy tax to fund public libraries.

The following committees will meet on Monday:


Judiciary-9 a.m. 410M
Finance-9:30 a.m. 460M
Government Organization-1:30 p.m. 215E
Finance-1:30 p.m. 460M
Political Subdivisions-3 p.m. 215E
Health & Human Resources-4 p.m. 215E


The House will reconvene on Monday at 11 a.m.