Today in the House, one bill passed, bringing the total number of bills passed by the House to 61. House Bill 3074 would allow the Secretary of State to notify people with delinquent taxes by way of certified mail. Currently, the Secretary of State is only authorized to carry out this action through registered mail. This bill would save the state $1,200/year.

Eleven bills were advanced to third reading today. Of those bills advanced, House Bill 2771 would require contractors to submit documentation that they have complied with the requirements of this article prior to the final payment for their work is made. This bill would define that a contract under this section would have a price floor set at $50,000. The bill would also not require employees who must submit to federal Department of Transportation drug testing to submit to further drug testing under this article. The bill requires a contractor to submit at least once a year documentation to the awarding agency on its drug-free workplace policy.

Today, the House recognized the Wildcats baseball team from Logan High School. The team was presented with a formal citation from the Speaker of the House, recognizing their outstanding accomplishment in winning the State AA Championship in 2008.

The following committees will meet today:
Finance – 1:00 p.m. – 460M
Judiciary (Subcommittee A) – 1:15 p.m. – 410M
Government Organization – 1:30 p.m. – 215-E
Education – 2:00 p.m. – 434M
Judiciary – 2:00 p.m. – 410M
Judiciary (Subcommittee C) – Following 5:00 p.m. session – 410M

The following committees will meet tomorrow:
Agriculture – 8:30 a.m. – 215-E
Banking and Insurance – 10:00 a.m. – 215-E
Political Subdivisions – 10:00 a.m. – 460M
Constitutional Revision – 2:00 p.m. – 418M
Senior Issues – 3:00 p.m. – 215-E
Federal Stimulus Utilization – 4:00 p.m. – 460M
Health and Human Resources – 4:00 p.m. – 215-E

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

The House met today at 5:00 p.m. for a brief session, where they received reports from the House Committee on Finance. The reports included 9 bills that are under consideration by the committee.

One bill was also introduced during the session. House Bill 3339 , would facilitate the complete closure of the EPA Services Landfill, otherwise known as the “Gwinn”, located in Summers County. The bill would have the director of the Solid Waste Management Board set the closure as a top priority use of Solid Waste Facility Closure Cost Assistance Fund moneys.

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

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.

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.

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.