As of 4 p.m., Wednesday February 3, 2010, the 22nd day of the 79th Legislature’s 2nd Regular Session, 463 bills have been introduced in the Senate. Of those, three have been passed by the Senate and must go to the House for review.

Senate Bill 215 would add the assault of volunteer firefighters, emergency medical technicians and emergency medical service employees to existing laws for malicious assault.

Senate Bill 339 would correct an invalid code reference section in relation to the statewide voter registration list.

Senate Bill 388 would specify the number of members on municipal planning commissions. The bill would establish that Class IV towns and villages should have no less than three and no more than nine members on these commissions.

A Sampling of Bills Introduced In the Senate

Senate Bill 370 would eliminate the $1 million cap on fees that can be collected and deposited into the Groundwater Protection Fund. The bill would also update code language.

Senate Bill 373 would establish the Caregivers Consent Act. The Act would allow the caregivers of minors who are not parents or legal guardians to consent to the health care of a minor. The consent to health care would be established through an affidavit, which would be signed by the minor’s parent or guardian.

Senate Bill 380 would prohibit the use of animals for fighting purposes. The bill would also expand current law to add activities supporting animal fighting including animal breeding for fighting, animal ownership and organizing and aiding animal fights.

Senate Bill 383 would increase the funds annually allocated from the wireless enhanced 911 fee to be distributed into the Enhanced 911 Wireless Tower Assistance Fund. The increase in funds would subsidize the construction of wireless towers.

Senate Bill 386 would establish a minimum number of state troopers. The bill calls for the increase in state troopers to reach a minimum of 800 by July 2014.

Senate Bill 389 relates to federal restrictions on the eligibility of felons convicted of drug-related crimes to receive federally-funded benefits. These benefits come from state programs under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act and the Food Stamp Program. The bill calls for West Virginia to opt out of these restrictions.

Senate Bill 394 would authorize the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to use an electronic insurance verification program to identify uninsured vehicles.

Senate Bill 396 would update commercial driver’s license (CDL) requirements to comply with changes in federal law. These changes would require an air brakes skills test and would require drivers to forfeit previously held driver’s licenses to the Division of Motor Vehicles before being issued a CDL. The bill would also issue a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement for no more than five years.

Senate Bill 398 would prohibit the disposal of certain electronic devices in landfills. These electronic devices would include computers and televisions. The bill would take effect July 2010.

Senate Bill 427 would rename the West Virginia Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority the West Virginia Parkways Authority. The bill would also authorize this Authority to sell bonds to fund new parkways projects and allow the Authority to establish tolls once these projects are completed. The Parkways Authority would also add two new public members.

Senate Bill 430 would reduce state income taxes for state and federal retirees. The bill calls for the increase in the exemption on retirement income in the calculation of federal income for state income taxes purposes.

Senate Bill 433 would increase the compulsory school attendance age from 16 to 18. Senate Bill 438 would make reading, writing, sending or receiving a text message while operating a vehicle a misdemeanor offense. The bill names exceptions, including emergency situations.

Senate Bill 443 would establish the requirement of people convicted of driving under the influence to participate in the Motor Vehicle Test and Lock Program. The requirement would apply to those convicted of DUI who are on probation, parole or other conditional release for that offense. The Motor Vehicle Test and Lock Program is a mechanical or computerized system that would prevent the operation of a motor vehicle when the driver is determined to be under the influence of alcohol.

Senate Bill 455 would require a DNA sample to be submitted from anyone 18 years or older who has been arrested for a felony.