Friday, May 9, 2025
Friday, May 9, 2025
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Two Income Tax Bills Complete Legislative Action

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Senate Bill 329 will update terms in the Personal Income Tax Act. The bill will update the meaning of “federal adjusted gross income” and certain other terms used, but not defined in the West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act to conform them to the federal act.

Senate Bill 410 will update terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act. This bill, much like Senate Bill 329, will update the meaning of “federal taxable income” and certain other terms in the West Virginia Corporation Net Income Tax Act to conform them to the Internal Revenue Service’s definitions.

Seven bills passed in the House today, bringing the total number of bills passed by the House to 60. Of those bills passed, House Bill 2836 , which is by request of the governor, deals with school innovation zones. This bill would establish zones of educational innovation that would enable faculty members to collaboratively create and implement initiatives that would have our schools meeting the needs of the 21st century. Currently these improvements are restrained and/or restricted by policies issued by the state board or the West Virginia Code. This bill would repeal current restrictions and schools would be able to begin implementation initiatives they see fit for the improvement of education.

Three West Virginia high school athletic programs were recognized today for their outstanding achievements during the 08-09 seasons. Willamstown High School’s football and girls’ track teams, along with Parkersburg South High School’s wrestling team (pictured), were all formerly presented with citations today by the Speaker of the House.

The following committees will meet today:
Judiciary (Subcommittee C) – 1:00 p.m. – 410M
Finance – 1:30 p.m. – 460M
Education (Subcommittee D) – 2:00 p.m. – 434M
Judiciary – 2:00 p.m. – 410M
Health and Human Resources – 4:00 p.m. – 215-E

The following committees will meet tomorrow:
Education (Subcommittee C) – 9:00 a.m. – 434M
Government Organization – 9:00 a.m. – 215-E
Judiciary – 9:00 a.m. – 410M
Education (Subcommittee B) – 10:00 a.m. – 434M
Finance – 1:00 p.m. – 460M
Government Organization – 1:30 p.m. – 215-E

The House is in recess until 5:00 p.m. today.

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 2009 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:

March 23, 2009 (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.

March 29 (47th Day) Bills are due out of committees in their house of origin to ensure three full days of reading.

April 1 (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.

April 8th (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.

April 11th (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 8 – 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.

Jammin’ at the Legislature

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Students from Lewis County High School were pickin’ and pluckin’ in the well area of the Capitol today. Lawmakers, visitors and staff gathered to hear the toe tapping sounds of LC Blue.

Started in 2000, this volunteer after school program continues to make great strides in preserving heritage music in their area and around the state.

There are currently six seniors and four sophmores that meet once a week to play and pratice. The seniors have been involved for all four years of their high school career. Richie Jones and Samantha Lowther pluck the banjos; Rex Putnam stands tall with the bass; Zeb Davisson and Zach Cochran strum the guitars; and Ashley Burkhammer and Shae McClain are fit with the fiddles. Mark Lynch is the director of the program and lead his group today with the mandolin.

LC Blue has received strong community support and have traveled all over the state. They also played the main stage at the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival in August 2008. If you are interested in hearing the dynamic sounds of LC Blue, you can purchase one of their two CD’s from Mark Lynch at 304-472-0702. You can also visit their Myspace page

Friday is Filled with Music in the House

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Members of the House began their session on a high note today. The House Chambers were filled with the sounds of bluegrass and melodic voices on Friday.

First, to represent West Virginia bluegrass traditions, members of the LC Blue, a bluegrass band from Lewis County High School, performed two traditional bluegrass numbers. Following their performance, the Choir from Winfield High School sang two selections, including “These West Virginia Hills.” Winfield High School was also presented with a formal citation to congratulate them on being a West Virginia “exemplary school.”

Five bills were passed today, bringing the total number of bills passed by the House to 55. Of those bills passed, House Bill 3083 would permit persons age 16 to donate blood with parental consent.

Eight bills were advanced to third reading, which will be on the calendar for Monday’s session. Of the bills advanced, House Bill 2836 , which is by request of the governor, deals with school innovation zones. This bill would establish zones of educational innovation that would enable faculty members to collaboratively create and implement initiatives that would have our schools meeting the needs of the 21st century.

The following committees will meet Monday:

Judiciary (Subcommittee A) – 8:30 a.m. – 410M
Finance (Subcommittee C) – 9:30 a.m. – 460M
Finance – 1:30 p.m. – 460M

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

Senate Celebrates Higher Education Day

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The Senate adopted 3 resolutions today. Through the adoption of links: House Resolution 35, the Senate is honoring John Joseph Kenneth Cole, WVU Chief of Staff. House Resolution 37 was adopted to honor Dr. C. Peter Magrath, WVU Interim President.

House Resolution 36 was adopted to designate March 20, 2009 as “Higher Education Day.” Representatives of each college and university were present in the Senate to accept a copy of the resolution during the floor session today. Each of the colleges and universities across the state were also in attendance to give presentations in the well area surrounding the House and Senate.

One bill was passed today. Senate Bill 279 would relate to industrial accidents and emergency response regulations. The bill will be taken up for consideration in the House in the coming weeks.

Ten bills were presented on second reading today. Senate Bill 581 would permit 16-year-olds to donate blood with parental consent. This bill was held over yesterday and today, to be presented again on the calendar on Monday. Also presented on second reading were Senate Bill 521, which would include telecommunications devices as jail contraband, and Senate Bill 75, which would establish alcohol use by minors as a juvenile delinquent offense.

20 bills were presented on first reading today. Among these were Senate Bill 399, which would create a senior hunting, fishing and trapping license and Senate Bill 648, which would require manual vote counting in certain counties.

Finally, 14 bills were introduced today. This brings the total of bills that have been introduced in the Senate since the beginning of this session to 662. Senate Bill 651 would increase teacher salaries. Senate Bill 657 would clarify terroristic threats as a felony.

The following committees will meet on Monday:
Natural Resources – 1:00 p.m. – 208W
Pensions – 2:00 p.m. – 451M

The Senate will reconvene Monday, March 23 at 11:00 a.m.

House Adopts Resolution in Support of Children’s Day, Four Bills Passed

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Today in the House, three resolutions were adopted. These included a concurrent resolution that if adopted by the Senate as well, would memorialize the life of a former governor, and one which conveys the members’ support of children’s day at the Capitol and early education.

House Resolution 36, urges the U.S. Congress to enact the Education Begins at Home Act, and provide funding to states for voluntary In-Home Family Education programs. This resolution is a way for the House to communicate the importance of the programs provided by the act. These programs help address the challenges faced by families throughout West Virginia by providing voluntary parenting education and support, and helps parents understand their role as their child’s first and most important teacher.

House Concurrent Resolution 40 celebrates the life and laments the death of Cecil H. Underwood, both the youngest and oldest Governor of the State of West Virginia. His family, (pictured above) were present in the House Chamber for the adoption of the resolution. The action will be communicated to the Senate, where the resolution would become official with their adoption of it.

Four bills were passed in the House today. Of the bills passed, House Bill 2952 would clarify that a terroristic threat is a felony regardless of whether the person(s) intend to actually commit the threatened act.

The following committees will meet today:

Finance – 1:30 p.m. – 460
Judiciary – 2:00 p.m. – 410
Judiciary (Subcommittee C) – 4:00 – 410

The following committees will meet tomorrow:

Education – 9:00 a.m. – 434
Judiciary – 9:00 a.m. – 410

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

Senate Advocates Children’s Day, Sends Two Bills to the House

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Through the adoption of Senate Resolution 34, the Senate is requesting that Congress enact the Education Begins at Home Act. Through this resolution, the Senate would communicate the importance of early education within the home to Congress, because it is commonly seen that early interaction sets the stage for a child’s future.

Two bills were passed in the Senate today. Senate Bill 384 would authorize the Department of Transportation to take control of certain highway emergencies. Senate Bill 497 would relate to WV Partnership to Promote Community Well-Being. Both bills were passed unanimously.

Two bills were presented on second reading today. Senate Bill 279 would relate to industrial accidents and emergency response regulations. Senate Bill 581 would permit 16-year-olds to donate blood with parental consent. Senate bill 279 was advanced to third reading, but Senate Bill 581 was held over for a day to be presented on the calendar tomorrow on second reading once more.

Nine bills were presented on first reading. Included were Senate Bill 521, which would include telecommunications devices as jail contraband, and Senate Bill 75, which would establish alcohol use by minors as a juvenile delinquent offense.

Finally, 10 bills were introduced today. This brings the total of bills that have been introduced in the Senate since the beginning of this session to 646. Senate Bill 637 would prohibit texting while driving. Senate Bill 638 would relate to higher education employees’ eligibility for service in the Legislature.

The following committees will meet today:
Health and Human Resources – 1:00 p.m. – 451M
Banking and Insurance Subcommittee – 2:00 p.m. – 208W
Education – 2:00 p.m. – 451M
Finance – 3:00 p.m. – 451M
Judiciary – 3:00 p.m. – 208W
Education – 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 and Infrastructure – 10:00 a.m. – 451M

The Senate will reconvene Friday, March 20 at 11:00 a.m.

Life Force Rescue Vehicle and Norwalk Motor Car Showcased at the Capitol

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Lawmakers, visitors and staff gathered outside the Capitol today to witness a rescue demonstration by the Life Force Rescue Vehicle. The Life Force Rescue System facility is based out of Morgantown and they specialize in safety and speed for extrications and rescues. The vehicle is capable of operating four rescue tool circuits simultaneously, faster than any other manufacturer’s rescue system and with no loss of power. Metal crunched and glass flew into the air as Chris Deberry and Bill Davis maneuvered equipment and sliced a car open in a matter of minutes. These high tech tools pull everything away from the inside of the vehicle which reduces the likelihood of injury to those trapped inside a car.


The Norwalk Underslung Six Car was also on display today. The car was manufactured in Martinsburg in 1914. This classy vehicle was no cheap find, costing a whopping $3,100 in it’s year of manufacture. A Ford Model-T cost $250 at the same period of time. It’s easy to see why this was a high priced luxury. Forty inch wheels place the front fenders almost at a horizontal level with the hood. It also had an unheard of electric push button transmission.

Vol. XX Issue 5

Cheyenne DeBolt
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Download the PDF file .

Bill Passage Picks Up as 36th Day Comes to an End

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Three bills were passed in the Senate today making the total so far at 38. Senate Bill 280 would create the Correctional Industries Act of 2009. The bill updates regulations and provides technical clean up. Senate Bill 302 would expand the municipal parking authorities ticketing powers. The bill would allow the parking authority to ticket if you are illegally parked. Senate Bill 321 would modify the certificate of need process. These bills will now move to the House for its consideration.

Several more bills were introduced today including: Senate Bill 628 would create the Unintentional Pharmaceutical Drug Overdose Fatality Review Team; Senate Bill 629 would increase penalties for crimes against government and health care workers; Senate Bill 632 would require insurers to share certain information with the Bureau of Medical Services.

Senate Resolution 33 designates March 18, 2009 as “Crime Victims Day.”
Many agencies and individuals serve victims of crime and their families in West Virginia. They strive to foster the healing of victims through treatment for their many needs such as medical treatment and mental health counseling. President Tomblin and the rest of the Senate welcomed ladies representing the West Virginia Legislature’s Crime Victims Compensation Fund. Trish McElhaney is pictured speaking with the President after receiving the resolution.

The following committees will meet today:
Government Organization- 2 p.m.- 208W
Finance- 3 p.m.- 451M
Judiciary- 3 p.m.- 208W

The following committees will meet tomorrow:
Finance- 9:30 a.m.- 451M
Judiciary- 10 a.m.- 208W

The Senate will convene tomorrow at 11 a.m.

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