The Senate passed 31 bills during Friday morning’s floor session.

All of the legislation passed today were measures that passed the Senate overwhelmingly during the 2023 session but failed to complete legislative action in the House of Delegates.

Senate bills 301-443 were introduced today.

The Senate is adjourned until Monday, Jan. 15, at 11 a.m.

The Senate met at 4 p.m. this afternoon to adopt HCR13, Commemorating the life of Marilyn Kay Parsons.

Marilyn was on born October 20, 1949 in Sissonville, WV and passed on December 22, 2023 at Hubbard House in Charleston, WV. In between, she dedicated more than 40 years of her life to public service to the state of West Virginia.

Marilyn began her career in state government as an executive assistant to Governor Arch A. Moore Jr., and also served for a time on the Republican State Executive Committee.

However, the majority of her work life was spent in the Legislature, where she served in leadership roles for five Minority Leaders and two Speakers in the 38 years she worked for the House of Delegates. In 2021, Marilyn assumed her final leadership role for Senate President Craig Blair (R-Berkeley, 13).

Several Senators who served previously in the House of Delegates stood and gave eloquent remembrances of Marilyn. She was described as a selfless public servant that was the first to arrive in the morning and who would not leave her office until every member had departed for the day.

Marilyn had a remarkable understanding of the legislative process. Her writing and editing skills were second to none. She also possessed a quick comprehension of complicated subjects, all the while never seeking credit for these contributions to the Legislature’s work.

No job was too big or small for Marilyn. From sewing member’s clothing, to dispensing advice, or lending a kind ear to the problems of members, lobbyists, and staff alike, her personality was a breath of fresh air to all in her orbit under the Capitol dome. 

Simply put, Marilyn was the gold-standard of legislative employee. She will be missed by all those fortunate to know her and work with her.

A memorial will be held in Marilyn’s honor tonight at 5 p.m. at the Culture Center.

The Senate is adjourned until tomorrow, Jan. 12, at 9 a.m.

The Senate adopted SR2 on Thursday morning, recognizing the dedicated public service of the Honorable Donna J. Boley (R-Pleasants, 03).

Boley was appointed by Gov. Arch A, Moore Jr. to fill a vacancy in the Senate on May 14, 1985. Since her election to that unexpired term in 1986, Boley has gone on to win re-election nine times and is currently the longest continually serving state Senator in West Virginia history.

From 1990 to 1996, Boley was Senate Minority Leader. In 1991 and 1992, she was also the only Republican in the 34-member Senate, making her the minority chairwoman for every Senate committee.

Multiple members gave remarks on the Senate floor Thursday lauding Boley’s service, dedication, leadership, friendship and mentorship.

Also on Thursday, the Senate read all but four bills on its calendar a second time. Senate bills 145, 167 and 180 were referred to the Finance committee on second reading, while Senate bill 152 was referred to the Education committee on second reading.

The Senate is in recess until 4 p.m.

Senate Finance will meet at 2 p.m. in 451M.

The West Virginia Senate gaveled in at Noon today to convene the Second Session of the 86th Legislature.

The body introduced 199 bills on day one.

Of these bills, Senate Bills 142-173 and 175-180 were read a first time. Those bills will be on the amendment stage tomorrow and are on schedule for a vote of the full Senate on Friday. These measures are being fast-tracked as they all passed through the Senate committee process last year before failing to complete legislative action.

Also on Wednesday, the Senate adopted SR4, designating January as Human Trafficking Awareness month.

The Senate is adjourned until tomorrow at 11 a.m.

Committee Meetings This Afternoon:

Outdoor Recreation at 2 p.m. in 208W

Judiciary at 3 p.m. in 208W

Committee Meetings Tomorrow Morning:

Finance at 9:30 a.m. in 451M