The House reconvened on Monday to finish hearing the reports from the afternoon committee meetings. Several reports were forwarded to the Finance or Judiciary Committees for secondary reference.
The following committees will meet tonight:
Finance – 6:00 p.m. – 460M
Judiciary – 6:00 p.m. – 215E
The following committees will meet tomorrow:
Education – 8:30 a.m. – 434M
Government Organization – 8:30 p.m. – 215E
Judiciary – 9:00 a.m. – 410M
The House will reconvene at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.
Today in the Senate, members adopted a resolution that honors the prominent career of Ed Pastilong, Athletic Director at West Virginia University. Senate Resolution 52 honors Moundsville native Ed Pastilong and his career in college athletics that spans nearly four decades.
One bill completed legislation in the Senate today. House Bill 2904 authorizes rules for the Higher Education Policy Commission and the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education, including rules regarding Guidelines for Governing Boards in Employing and Evaluating Presidents, Employing and Evaluating Presidents, the Medical Student Loan Program, the West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program, the Research Trust Fund Program, Accountability System, Performance Indicators and Finance.
Twenty bills advanced to third reading. Of those bills advancing, House Bill 2069 would increase the faculty senate allotment for classroom teachers and librarians from $50 to $100, to be spent on academic materials, supplies or equipment to enhance instruction.
House Bill 3229 would establish the Science and Research Council to provide expertise and policy guidance in science and research to the state, its agencies and state institutions of higher education regarding federal programs.
The following committees will meet today:
Natural Resources – 1:00 p.m. – 208W
Pensions – 2:00 p.m. – 451M
Finance – 3:00 p.m. – 451M
Judiciary – 3:00 p.m. – 208W
The Senate is in recess until 5:00 p.m. today.
In the House today, members stood in remembrance as House Concurrent Resolution 45 was adopted. House Concurrent Resolution 45 requests the Division of Highways to name the 36th Street Bridge in Charleston as the “Bob Basil Memorial Bridge.”
Bob Basil had a 35-year career in public service within the state, serving in positions within the Auditor’s Office, the Budget Office and Legislative Auditor’s Office. During legislative sessions, he served as Clerk of the House Finance Committee. In 1996, he was recognized for his accomplishments by the House and as an “Outstanding West Virginian” by former Governor Gaston Caperton. After his retirement, he volunteered his help for the next 20 years to the Finance Committee and helped explain the budget process to new members of the committee.
Ten bills were presented on third reading today. Among these were Senate Bill 384, which would authorize the Department of Transportation to take control of certain highway emergencies and Senate Bill 284, which relates to Viatical Settlements Act. Senate Bill 259, Senate Bill 487, Senate Bill 572, Senate Bill 587, and Senate Bill 588 completed legislative action and were sent to the Governor for approval. All other bills passed on third reading were communicated to the Senate for its approval.
Nine bills were presented on second reading. Senate Bill 405 would relate to grandparents’ visitation. Senate Bill 612 would relate to willful nonpayment of child support. Senate Bill 719 would allow certain police officers to keep a weapon after retirement. These bills and six others will be presented on third reading tomorrow.
Thirteen bills were presented on first reading. Senate Bill 532 would create the WV SAFE Mortgage Licensing Act. Senate Bill 595 would relate to assignment of child support obligations. Senate Bill 672 would create the Mental Health Stabilization Act of 2009.
The following committees will meet today:
Banking and Insurance – 12:00 p.m. – 252E
Judiciary – 12:30 p.m. – 410M
Education – 1:30 p.m. – 434M
Government Organization – 1:30 p.m. – 215E
Finance – 2:00 p.m. – 460M
Health and Human Resources – 4:00 p.m. – 215E
Finance – 5:30 p.m. – 460M
The House will recess until 5:00 p.m. on Monday.
The West Virginia Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure raised over $1,500 today with their hot dog sale at the Capitol. From 11-1:30 p.m., guests received chips, a drink, a dessert and a hot dog loaded with all the fixin’s for a donation of $5.
Crowds gathered outside of the Senate Chamber as Legislative members and staff competed in a fierce hot dog eating contest. Organizers held a raffle for guests to bet on who they thought would win. Each participant rolled up their sleeves as they had only two minutes to finish five hot dogs. Some dipped their dogs in water, others slathered on condiments to try and edge out the competition. Senator Dave Sypolt from Preston County was victorious. He also won the raffle and donated the prize money back to the Race for the Cure.
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Series raises significant funds and awareness across the country for the fight against breast cancer, celebrates survivorship and honors those who have lost the battle with the disease.
The Susan G. Komen West Virginia Race for the Cure plays a critical role in raising needed funds to allow the West Virginia Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure to make grants in our local communities. Up to 75 percent of the money raised stays in West Virginia to fund education, treatment and screening programs for underserved populations.
On May 2, 2009 the WV Race for the Cure will start at the Capitol Complex. For more information about volunteering and registration, visit www.komenwv.org
Today in the Senate, one bill advanced to third reading and 10 to second reading. The bill advanced to third, House Bill 2904, would authorize rules for higher education, including rules for the Higher Education Policy Commission, West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education, guidelines for Governing Boards in Employing and Evaluating Presidents, the Medical Student Loan Program, the West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program, the Research Trust Fund Program, Accountability System, and Finance.
Of those bills advancing to second reading, House Bill 2069 would increase the faculty senate allotment for classroom teachers and librarians from $50 to $100, to be spent on academic materials, supplies or equipment to enhance instruction.
The following committees will meet today:
Judiciary – 12:30 p.m. – 208W
The following committees will meet Monday, April 6th:
Natural Resources – 1:00 p.m. – 208W
Pensions – 2:00 p.m. – 451M
Finance – 3:00 p.m. – 451M
Judiciary – 3:00 p.m. – 208W
The Senate will reconvene Monday, April 6th at 11:00 a.m.
Seven bills were presented on third reading today. Of these, Senate Bill 321 would modify the certificate of need process. Senate Bill 341 would transfer juvenile justice database administration to the Supreme Court. Senate Bill 346 would correct code reference related to bear tagging. All of these bills, except for Senate Bill 263 and Senate Bill 307 have completed legislative action and have been communicated to the Governor. Senate Bill 263 and Senate Bill 307 have been referred back to the Senate for approval.
Ten bills were presented on second reading today. Among these were Senate Bill 384, which would authorize the Department of Transportation to take control of certain highway emergencies and Senate Bill 284, which relates to Viatical Settlements Act. These bills and eight others will be presented on third reading tomorrow.
Nine bills were presented on first reading today. Senate Bill 405 would relate to grandparents’ visitation. Senate Bill 612 would relate to willful nonpayment of child support.
The following committees will meet today:
Finance – 1:15 p.m. – 460M
Judiciary – 12:45 p.m. – 410M
The following committees will meet on Sunday:
Judiciary – 4:00 p.m. – 410M
The following committees will meet Monday:
Roads and Transportation – 10:00 a.m. – 215E
Education – 1:30 p.m. – 430M
Health and Human Resources – 4:00 p.m. – 215E
The House will reconvene at 11:00 a.m. on Monday.
During the second half of today’s split session, Senate Bill 321 was presented on second reading. Senate Bill 321 modifies the certificate of need process.
Members also heard committee reports from committees that met while the House recessed this afternoon.
The House will reconvene at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.
The importance of the coal mining industry in West Virginia was recognized today in the Senate with the adoption of Senate Resolution 50. Members of the West Virginia Coal Association (pictured) were on hand to be presented with the resolution expressing the importance of the industry by stating that coal mining has been, and continues to be, one of the primary industries responsible for the economic success of West Virginia and its citizens, and requests the support of West Virginia’s congressional delegation for the coal industry.
Three bills were read on first reading today in the Senate. Of those on first reading, House Bill 2335 would require West Virginia public colleges and universities to participate in the federal Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program established under the new G.I Bill. The program would provide eligible veterans additional funding toward the cost of college tuition and fees. Educational benefits to certain veterans would equal the cost of in-state tuition at the most expensive public university or college in the state. The federal Secretary of Veterans Affairs would cover fifty percent of any additional costs over and above in-state tuition costs in exchange for a matching contribution from the college or university the veteran would attend.
Kindergarden students from the St. Agnes School welcomed the Senate into session today with the sounds of the John Denver classic, “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
The following committees will meet today:
Health and Human Resources – 1:00 p.m. – 451M
Education – 2:00 p.m. – 451M
Finance – 3:00 p.m. – 451M
Judiciary – 3:00 p.m. – 208W
Education (LOCEA) – 5:00 p.m. – 451M
The following committees will meet tomorrow:
Economic Development – 9:00 a.m. – 451M
Military – 9:30 a.m. – 208W
Transportation – 10:00 a.m. – 451M
Rules – 10:45 a.m. – President’s Conference Room
The Senate will reconvene tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.
Members of the House adopted House Resolution 47 declaring today Domestic Violence Prevention Day. The well area outside of the House was full of booths promoting domestic violence prevention. Representatives from Women’s Aid in Crisis, the YWCA, and HOPE, Inc., among several other agencies, were present to offer information to passing guests, staff and lawmakers.
Six bills were presented on second reading today. Of these, Senate Bill 307 would create a Maternal Screening Act. Senate Bill 263 would disclose certain inmates’ personal communications. These bills will be presented on third reading tomorrow. Senate Bill 321 was deferred until the 5:00 p.m. floor session.
Ten bills were presented on second reading today. Among these were Senate Bill 384, which would authorize the Department of Transportation to take control of certain highway emergencies and Senate Bill 284, which relates to Viatical Settlements Act. These bills will be presented on second reading tomorrow.
The following committees will meet today:
Judiciary – Following Floor Session – 410M
Energy, Industry, Labor, Economic Development and Small Business – 1:00 p.m.- 460M
Political Subdivisions – 1:00 p.m. – 215E
Roads and Transportation – 2:00 p.m. – 215E
Senior Citizen Issues – 3:00 p.m. – 215E
Committee on Stimulus Utilization – 4:00 p.m.- 460M
Health and Human Resources – 4:00 p.m.- 215E
LOCEA – 5:00 p.m.- 460M
Judiciary – 5:30 p.m. – 410M
Roads and Transportation – 5:30 p.m. – 215E
Health and Human Resources – 6:30 p.m. – 460M
The following committees will meet tomorrow:
Government Organization – 8:45 a.m. – 215E
Finance – 9:30 a.m. – 460M
The House has recessed until 5:00 p.m.
When lawmakers are at the Capitol, it’s been said to expect the unexpected. During a late afternoon break, lawmakers and staff exited the building to the sound of fire alarms.
Although a number of speculations were bandied about, what with April Fools Day in force, Lt. Johnny Droddy of Charleston Fire Department Rescue 481 (pictured) dispersed concerns by clarifying a food fire was the culprit.
The Senate reconvened, on schedule, at 5:30.
