In the Senate
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2005, the 50th day of the Regular Session, 197 Senate bills have passed the Senate and have been sent to the House for its consideration. Ninety-five bills have passed the Senate since March 16 and some of these include:
Senate Bill 245 would limit large contributions and limit campaign expenditures and also require independent expenditures to include a clear obvious public notice which identifies the name of the person paying for the expenditure and states that the communication is not authorized by the candidate or his or her committee. The bill also would prohibit any individual, committee, association, political organization or any other organization or group of individuals, who have received any payment from a corporation to make any payment for the costs of producing and airing election communication. Political organizations or political action committees, except for a political committee of a candidate or a political party, that participate in either clearly supporting the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate for statewide office or the Legislature would be prohibited from accepting contributions of more than $1,000 from a single source, political committee or political party.
Senate Bill 290 would require each county’s board of education to hold public hearings to discuss implementing school uniforms. The counties would not be required to enforce uniforms in pubic schools, but rather summarize the comments received during the public hearing and submit the report to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability.
Senate Bill 418 would eliminate unfair court claims filed by third parties in the state court system against insurance companies and expand funding and powers for the Office of Consumer Advocacy. The bill also would provide remedies for third parties by allowing them to appear before the Insurance Commissioner and provide more penalties for unfair claim settlement practices. Insurers would be limited in the expenses included in base rates and certain insurers would be required to provide biannual rate filings.
Senate Bill 439 would allow the Regional Solid Waste Authority to designate an exemption from certificate of convenience requirements for certain county or regional solid waste motor carriers in counties where the population has increased by 15 percent or more as shown in the 2000 state census. The vehicles and drivers would be subject to the safety and insurance rules of the Public Service Commission, and the vehicles would be required only to collect and transport solid waste.
Senate Bill 455 would authorize the Public Service Commission to consider and issue a “financing order” to certain electric companies to permit emission control facilities at West Virginia’s electric generating facilities.
Senate Bill 526 would allow a personal income tax credit for taxpayers who contribute to community foundations. A taxpayer would be allowed a credit of 50 percent of the amount the taxpayer contributes during the taxable year to an endowment fund of a community foundation, if the contribution to the foundation is tax deductible for the taxpayer under the Internal Revenue Code.
Senate Bill 603 would provide flexibility measures for West Virginia University and Marshall University to work together more efficiently. The bill would allow electronic payments to the state from both schools, allow the State Commission on Higher Education to transfer the title for certain property to each school’s board of governors and also require both schools to implement a policy for course credit earned at a community and technical college transfer for program credit at any other state institution of higher education.
Senate Bill 616 would award legislative members and legislative employees in other states the same legislative priority privileges which members of the West Virginia Legislature and legislative employees enjoy, only if those other states award West Virginia Legislature members and staff the same priorities.
Senate Bill 638 would give the Secretary of State the authority to publish in state newspapers the names of any candidate, financial agent or treasurer of a political party committee who fail to file campaign finance reports in a timely manner.
In the House
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2005, the 50th day of the 2005 Regular Session, 1,362 bills have been introduced in the House of Delegates. Of those, 100 have been passed by the House since March 23rd and sent to the Senate for its consideration. These include:
House Bill 2866 would allow members of the West Virginia National Guard who are receiving payments for tuition and fees and are discharged from the military service because of wounds or injuries received in the line of duty, to continue to receive these payments as if he/she were still a member of the West Virginia National Guard.
House Bill 2816 would create the Healthy Lifestyles Office that would be a part the Department of Health and Human Resources. This office would establish physical activity goals in schools and encourage the use of healthy beverages in the vending machines that are located on school property. This bill also would create the Healthy Lifestyles Fund. This special revenue account would consist of all appropriations made by the Legislature for the Healthy Lifestyles Office and would be an interest bearing account.
House Bill 2852 would create the Office of the Pharmaceutical Advocate. This office would have the sole responsibility of purchasing prescription drugs for all state entities and agencies that pay for prescription drugs. This bill also would transfer most of the responsibilities of the West Virginia Pharmaceutical Cost Council to the Office of the Pharmaceutical Advocate. The Pharmaceutical Advocate would negotiate prescription drug cost with pharmaceutical companies in line with the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS), which provides an initial 30 percent discount. This bill also would require pharmaceutical companies to report their yearly advertising cost to ensure that cost of prescription drugs are not high due to elevated advertising costs.
House Bill 2492 would establish a funding mechanism for teen court programs throughout the state. Teen courts are alternative sentencing programs based on the philosophy that a youthful offender does not continue to offend when a peer jury decides punishment. The teen court program has pilot programs throughout the state. This bill would authorize counties to adopt a mandatory fee when a county elects to institute a teen court program.
House Bill 2950 would require electronic voting machines to generate a paper copy record of an individual’s vote when cast during an election. The paper records would be stored and used for recounts if an election is contested or to check the accuracy of the machine. Paper records of votes cast would be automatically kept within a storage container that is locked and closely attached to the electronic voting machine. The voter could examine the paper copy visually. If visually impaired, the voter would be provided with headphones for an audio read out of the vote. Voters would then have the power to accept or reject the printed copy.
House Bill 2111 would allow paramedics to assist in hospital emergency rooms. This would only take place under the supervision of a registered professional nurse.
House Bill 2184 would create criminal penalties against individuals who wound or kill a person or persons while hunting under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Teamwork Demonstrates Perseverance, Grit & West Virginia Pride
Regardless of their allegiance to a particular college or university, citizens of West Virginia came together to celebrate the success of the extraordinary West Virginia University men’s basketball team and its coach John Beilein, as well as the post-season journey of the women’s team. Some already refer to the Regular 60-day session of the Legislature as “March Madness,” but with the continued accomplishments of these teams, a different wave of anticipation swept over the Capitol.
In order to recognize the extreme success achieved by both the men’s and women’s basketball teams at WVU and to thank the players for the unification and attention they garnered in this great state, both the House of the Delegates and the Senate will be introducing resolutions and presenting them to the teams on April 9, the final day of the Regular Session.
In its battle for a national championship, the WVU men’s basketball team evoked a unified spirit that had long been subdued in this state. A collective sense of pride flowed throughout West Virginia with citizens rallying around the team as they powered their way beyond anyone’s expectations. This support had no exception within the state’s Capitol. Lawmakers expressed their team spirit by donning flashing WVU pins and giving motivational remarks on the floor pledging their faith in this seemingly unstoppable team.
The state cheered as the Mountaineers advanced quickly through the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship tournament, starting among 65 other teams and advancing all the way to the Elite Eight. These players captured the state’s and the nation’s hearts with their unexpected success in a classic Cinderella story.
Their first round game against Creighton displayed the Mountaineers’ never-say-die attitude. With only seconds remaining, the WVU’s defense held strong, blocking a Creighton shot that led to the game-winning slam dunk. Many thought the team’s tournament run would end in the second round. However, the Mountaineers rallied from a 13-point halftime deficit against the region’s #2 seeded team, Wake Forest, to win in double overtime. In its Sweet 16 match-up against Texas Tech, WVU again persevered, defeating a talented team and one of the NCAA’s most accomplished coaches.
By the Elite Eight, with only one win between WVU and the coveted Final Four, all West Virginians, including state lawmakers, believed that anything was possible. However, Mountaineer fans stood in shock as the team’s lead, which had climbed to 20 points following a barrage of three-point baskets in the first half, began slipping away during overtime of its final game against Louisville. When the game was eventually lost, Final Four dreams were shattered, but no one stood displeased with the team’s efforts.
“I’m so proud of those guys and what they’ve done for us on a national basis. Finally the state is being recognized for the tremendous quality of life in WV.” -Sen. Roman W. Prezioso (D – Marion)
“Obviously it makes us a very proud state that these young athletes have put us on the map in the athletic arena. We just want to show our appreciation and our gratitude for their great display of their wonderful athletic abilities.” -Del. Scott Varner (D -Marshall)
Including their improbable run in the Big East Conference tournament, the Mountaineer men played eight phenomenal games in a mere 13 days. Their perseverance, grit and teamwork provided hope and a sense of pride to West Virginia.
Sportscasters from New York to Los Angeles dubbed the Mountaineers “America’s team” and the phrase “Pittsnogled” became a frequently used verb during the tournament to describe unexpected triumphs. Even after its defeat to Louisville, the story of WVU was highlighted by many media outlets as one of the tournament’s most inspiring.
The Mountaineer women’s basketball team also enjoyed great success in their post-season endeavors. The team is currently participating in a post-season tournament for the second consecutive year. The women are soaring through the 2005 Women’s National Invitation Tournament, having defeated Kentucky in Lexington in double overtime to advance to the championship game against perennial power Southwest Missouri State. At the time of this publication, the championship game had not yet been played.
Inside the Capitol walls, lawmakers recognized the positive impact the teams were having and even during one of the busiest months for lawmakers, they unified under the common goal of WVU success. In the midst of heated debates and approaching deadlines, lawmakers from all regions of the state set aside differences and cheered for the Mountaineers. The state came together with resounding support and delighted in the amount of national attention WVU had received.
The Cinderella story does not end here. The Mountaineers not only gave the state positive national attention, but also they highlighted the strong work ethics that are so dear to our state. These athletes may have opened the door to future students looking to attend a college or university in West Virginia. Thanks to them, institutions of higher learning in West Virginia could see an increase in enrollment. In addition, three weeks of consistent public attention to a national audience may have extreme benefits for the state’s tourism industry. The ability to showcase not only athletic talent, but also a strong will to succeed and an unwavering commitment may change any negative perceptions of West Virginia some residing outside the Mountain State might hold.
March is always a time of madness at the State Capitol. The lawmakers and staff members will be forever grateful to the 2004-2005 West Virginia University basketball teams, who produced a spirit and a success that made this the most memorable March Madness to date.
In the Senate
As of 4 pm, Wednesday, March 23, 2005, the 43rd day of the Regular Session, 740 bills have been introduced in the Senate. Of those, 30 have passed since March 17 and have been sent to the House for its consideration. These include:
Senate Bill 30 would discontinue the use of a prior approval system for insurance rate and form filing. It also states that policy terms, which require a policyholder to repair or replace fire-damaged structures, are valid.
Senate Bill 121 would allow a West Virginia citizen to renew his or her hunting license or stamp by providing a State of West Virginia resident or nonresident hunting license from the previous hunting season that displays a certificate of training.
Senate Bill 147 would require that drugs which contain as their single active ingredient ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine be sold behind a pharmacy counter and be dispensed only by a pharmacist or pharmacy technician. This measure is designed to limit access to drugs used in the manufacturing of methamphetamines.
Senate Bill 159 would authorize a city, county or metropolitan government to form a consolidated local government with another city, county or metropolitan government. Citizens of the affected area would have to vote to approve the measure before consolidation could take place.
Senate Bill 166 would authorize the Secretary of Administration to sell 2.25 acres of land on Buffalo Creek in Logan County. Money from the sale of the property would be deposited into a special fund within the Department of Administration and would be used to improve or renovate the State Capitol Complex.
Senate Bill 191 would authorize the state Supreme Court and the Department of Health and Human Resources to set up mental hygiene programs in a limited number of counties. People who have been hospitalized twice for a mental illness within the last 24 months or convicted of a violent crime where mental illness played a significant role could be temporarily ordered to take a prescribed medication, be hospitalized or participate in other treatments.
Senate Bill 253 would allow the Insurance Commissioner to waive or reduce a penalty against an insurer for filing a late tax return.
Senate Bill 256 would require insurance companies to inform policyholders upon issuing or renewing a fire insurance policy if flood damage is not covered. In addition, information on flood insurance from the insurer’s agent or the National Flood Insurance Program would have to be provided. It also adds a new section that would specify that the Insurance Fraud Prevention Act apply to Farmers’ Mutual Insurance Companies.
Senate Bill 262 would provide that a member of the State Police Retirement System, who is partially disabled, could still receive benefits if he or she is employed in an administrative law enforcement position only, such as Sheriff or Chief of Police. Also, newly hired law enforcement employees would receive a physical examination that would be placed in their file upon entry into the system. As well, the bill would provide that employees may use unused leave at the end of retirement to acquire additional credited service but may not use it to purchase Public Employee Insurance Agency (PEIA) insurance until the age of 55.
Senate Bill 264 would make it mandatory for those eligible for the Teacher’s Defined Contribution Retirement System to participate in the system. Also, contributions that are withheld by the employer would have to be paid into the system within 15 days at the end of a pay period. Permanent total disability would be redefined for new hires after July 1, 2007.
Senate Bill 270 would increase from 10 to 30 days the amount of time an insurance company, health care corporation, examined rating organization or advisory organization has to prepare any rebuttal to findings contained within a report by the Insurance Commission examining the company or corporation’s financial records or organization’s relevant books and records. The number of required examinations is reduced from once every four years to once every five years.
Senate Bill 278 would require any bank holding company which controls a state banking institution to maintain a list of all stockholders who own or control more than five percent of the company’s outstanding shares.
Senate Bill 425 would clarify that all deputy sheriffs’ credited service from the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) was transferred to the Deputy Sheriff Retirement System when it was created. It also would establish the procedures and payments for an employee and employer when a member has another job that requires membership in another retirement plan under the Consolidated Public Retirement Board (CPRB).
Senate Bill 433 would increase the membership of the Environmental Protection Advisory Council from seven to nine council members. It also would allow a meeting to be called at the written request of four council members.
Senate Bill 456 would define a cure offer as an offer of one or more items of value sent from a merchant or seller by certified mail to a consumer that claims to have suffered a loss as a result of a consumer transaction. A consumer would have 20 days to respond and 10 days to accept or decline.
Senate Bill 467 would authorize the Director of the Division of Protective Services to assess, charge and collect fees for the Division to provide safety and security to the State Capitol Complex and other state property.
In the House
As of 4 pm, Wednesday, March 23, 2005, the 43rd day of the 2005 Regular Session, 1,181 bills have been introduced in the House of Delegates. Of those, 19 have been passed by the House since March 16th and sent to the Senate for its consideration. These include:
House Bill 2229 would provide for the temporary detention of juveniles who are named in an emergency domestic violence protective order. Created in response to situations in which a juvenile is accused of domestic violence and magistrates are unwilling to detain the accused, this legislation would provide that a law enforcement official could take custody of a juvenile who is named in an emergency protective order by the juvenile’s parent or guardian. The detaining officer would be required to notify the Department of Health and Human Resources immediately and could detain the juvenile only in a non-secure or staff-secure facility.
House Bill 2522 would permit the operation of mini-distilleries, establishments that produce less than 20,000 gallons of alcoholic liquor annually, in West Virginia. The bill would require that at least 25 percent of the ingredients used to make the product are grown on the premises and would provide that no more than 25 percent of the ingredients used originate outside of the state. Under this legislation, mini-distilleries would be treated similar to farm wineries by allowing distillers to offer samples of and sell their products at the distillery, provided that sales are for off-site consumption only.
House Bill 2619 would provide that funds from revenues allocated to volunteer and part volunteer fire companies and departments may be expended for the payment of dues to national, state and county associations.
House Bill 2626 would allow active-duty military personnel stationed in West Virginia to hunt, fish or trap in the state without a license. The Director of the Division of Natural Resources would propose rules to verify that applicants qualify and to determine the type of identification required to be carried in place of a license while hunting, fishing or trapping.
House Bill 2783 would authorize the Director of the Division of Rehabilitation Services to allow school groups and other youth or civic organizations to use state vocational rehabilitation facilities. The Director also would be responsible for charging and collecting reasonable rent, provided that this money would be used exclusively for the maintenance of these buildings.
House Bill 2837 would charge the State Board of Education with prescribing personal finance instruction in secondary schools. The instruction would be integrated into the curriculum of appropriate existing courses for all students in secondary schools. This legislation is intended to provide students with a basic understanding of personal finances to prepare them for the future because, as outlined in the findings of the bill, individuals who have an understanding of personal finance are better equipped to manage money.
House Bill 2885 would reduce the number of tuberculosis skin testing required by school personnel, thereby reducing the cost and burden of repeated testing for these employees. Under current law, skin testing is required every other year and according to the findings in the bill, records show that this group of people has been a low-risk population for tuberculosis. Additionally, it would allow a physician or local health officer to seek an individualized course of treatment for people with tuberculosis, which would reduce their risk of developing multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.
House Bill 2914 would restrict actions against doctors who are board certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility for in-vitro fertilization attempts that fail to result in live birth. Doctors would not be held liable in these situations, unless there is evidence of willful actions or gross neglect against the doctor.
House Bill 2936 would establish certain standards for the advertising of dental services by licensed dentists to prohibit false or misleading information. Among other provisions, the standards would ensure that the dentist’s licensing is clearly communicated in the advertisement and require general dental practitioners to disclose that they practice general dentistry. Any licensed dentist in West Virginia failing to comply with the new provisions would be subject to disciplinary action.
House Bill 3018 would designate the Mountaineer Challenge Academy, which is operated in Preston County by the Adjutant General, as a special alternative education program for students who are at risk of not succeeding in conventional schooling. Under this legislation, the State Board of Education would enact rules applicable only to this Academy that would, among other provisions, set precedence for National Guard policies and procedures in the program; provide that students participating in the special alternative education program at the Academy would be at full enrollment status in the county; and, provide for consideration of General Education Development (GED) eligibility in special circumstances.
House Bill 3105 would create a special revenue fund for the operation of the Occupational Safety and Health Program within the Division of Labor. The Commissioner of Labor would make expenditures from the fund to obtain federal money for the management of this program under contract with the federal Department of Labor.
Completed Legislation
Senate Bill 153 relates to ethical standards of public officers and employees. The bill will modify confidentiality provisions in relation to complaints filed with the Ethics Commission. A provision that requires persons filing a complaint to not disclose any information regarding the complaint during an investigation by the Ethics Commission will be removed. The bill also will prohibit the submission of false information and provide penalties for providing such information.
Senate Bill 411 will extend the time given to the Tyler County Commission to submit for approval or rejection by the Tyler County voters an excess levy that will finance vital public services.
Senate Bill 413 will encourage competitive equality for state-chartered banking institutions with federally chartered institutions and other financial services providers in West Virginia. The process will be regulated by the West Virginia Commissioner of Banking.
Senate Bill 476 will allow hunters to use a red-colored artificial light when hunting coyotes. Current law allows for the usage of only amber-colored lights.
House Bill 2478 will remove provisions from current law mandating brewers of nonintoxicating beer to require distributors to submit certain balance sheets or financial records. Mandating these records are currently required for brewers to retain their franchise.
House Bill 2869 will allow a domestic corporation to convert to a domestic limited liability company. The corporation’s Board of Governors will be required to submit a plan for conversion to the company’s shareholders and adoption of such a plan will require approval from each shareholder.
House Bill 2510 will allow some public sector monies to be used to meet the requirements of the Workforce Development Initiative, a program that encourages working partnerships between educational institutions and the business community. This measure was drafted during the Interims and proposed by the Legislative Oversight Commission on Workforce Development for Economic Development.
Varied Demographics of Legislature Reflect Diverse Citizenry
Representatives gather every January under the state’s Capitol dome in Charleston to take part in West Virginia’s democratic process; each individual earning his or her respective seat by a margin of victory through an election by the people. A glance at the members of the West Virginia Legislature returns no striking observation, but upon closer examination, that collective body is a reflection of the diverse citizenry it is sent to represent.
A vibrant picture of West Virginia’s residents is reflected through the analysis of the professions pursued by members of the Legislature. Being a legislator is more than attending legislative sessions and voting on proposed laws. State legislators spend large amounts of time assisting constituents, studying state issues during the interim and campaigning for elections, but West Virginia’s Legislature is considered a part-time citizen Legislature, since the members hold jobs outside politics throughout the year.
This type of citizen Legislature is traditionally found in more rural states with smaller populations, such as Vermont and Kansas. The legislators found most commonly in this year’s session are attorneys and businessmen and women. Eighteen members are retired, from such various fields as nursing, education, business ownership and broadcasting and 12 members are current educators. Three members claim farming as their business along with three bankers. There are members who are pharmacists, physicians, professional drivers and public relations specialists.
Most religions are represented through this Legislature as well. Forty members are Methodist, 26 Catholic, 14 Protestant and 13 are Presbyterian. There are members who are also Jewish, Mennonite, Wesleyan, Serbian Orthodox and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
A 2003 U.S. Census Bureau estimate of West Virginia’s population is 1,810,354. At 134 members, the Legislature represents a tiny faction, but is very representative through the convergence of each member’s individuality. Only 3.2 percent of West Virginia’s population in 2000 consisted of African American persons and 14.8 percent of West Virginians held a Bachelor’s Degree or higher; two members of the Legislature in 2005 are African American and 121 of the 134 members hold a Bachelor’s Degree or higher, by comparison. Of those members, 32 received that degree from an institution outside the state.
Membership in various organizations is also represented through the members of the WV Legislature, including 24 members of the National Rifle Association and 35 members who served in the U.S. Military. Eleven members are also Masons, and many members belong to the Lions Club, Moose Club, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Members of the Senate often get a start by serving in the House of Delegates first. Fourteen of the current 34 Senators were Delegates first, and an interest in politics could have been cultivated even earlier for the six members of the Legislature who had a parent or grandparent in the Legislature. Eighteen members were appointed to a position in the Legislature at some time and 25 of the current membership were born outside of West Virginia.
No population would be complete without interesting quirks and the Legislative members are no different. Some member belong to the Harley Owners Association, are former WVU Football stand outs, Herndon Interns, delegates to the Peoples Republic of China, Hunter’s Safety Class instructors, Civil Air Patrol members, Knights of Columbus, horse trainers, Amateur Radio Club members, volunteer fire fighters, lay preachers and sons and daughters of the American Revolution.
Each member relocates for 60 days out of the year to participate in the very public service of serving in the Legislature. Members leave homes, families, jobs and other lives; the true definition of a citizen legislature. Each individual’s experience and perspective is brought to the bargaining table as an ensemble which wholly represents the population who have elected these citizens to make the best decisions for the state.
In the Senate
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday March 16th, 2005, the 36th day of the Regular Session, 563 bills have been introduced in the Senate. Of those, three have been passed by the Senate since March 9th and sent to the House for its consideration. These were:
Senate Bill 222 would define business members for the purpose of the state’s Workforce Investment Board. The state’s Workforce Investment Board consists of 39 members who are appointed by the Governor with advice and consent from the Senate. Since the members must be representatives of business in the state, this bill clarifies who is considered to be a “business representative.”
Senate Bill 235 would allow the Commissioner overseeing the actions of West Virginia’s participation in the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Identification System to propose rules to govern the collection of data. This bill also would exempt animal identification data from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.
Senate Bill 413 would allow the Commissioner of Banking to create an application and approval process for state-chartered banking institutions. The bill also would afford the opportunity for state-chartered banking institutions to become equally competitive with federally chartered institutions and other financial services providers operating in West Virginia.
A Sampling of Bills Introduced In The Senate
Senate Bill 505 would create the Indigent Defense Commission. This eight-member commission, would advise the executive director who has the power to reduce or reject vouchers and, with the consent of the commission, may remove certain board members of corporation for negligence.
Senate Bill 506 relates to the salaries of rehabilitation counselors. The bill would require rehabilitation counselors employed by the Division of Rehabilitative Services to be paid equal to public school counselors.
Senate Bill 510 would establish the Infection Control Act of 2005. This act would allow for the creation of the Infection Control Advisory Panel, which would promote a voluntary program to control and prevent infections in hospitals and other health facilities in the state.
Senate Bill 517 would waive the one-year residency requirement for filing a name change for certain individuals. The exemption would apply to people who have lived in this state longer than anywhere else, but who have moved to another state and have not yet established residency.
Senate Bill 521 would establish a study on flood insurance. The study would focus on the possibility of requiring flood insurance and /or general property insurance on all buildings owned by a county board as well as the contents of those buildings.
Senate Bill 523 would allow for certain children to be exempt from mandatory immunizations. This would apply to children whose parents do not want the immunization on the basis of moral or religious beliefs. The parents of the children would have to state their beliefs in an affidavit and complete an informed consent form provided by the Bureau of Public Health.
Senate Bill 527 would require insurance companies to provide information to people who were denied homeowners’ insurance. This would only be done upon the request of the applicant and with payment of a processing fee.
Senate Bill 532 would revise the West Virginia Public Employees Retirement Act. The addition would allow state employees who were unable to convert accumulated sick leave, due to illness, into credited service for retirement to have the option to purchase it back by having withholdings taken from future pay checks.
Senate Bill 534 would specify which items should not be delivered or possessed by individuals who are being held in a state jail, correctional facility or juvenile center. The bill also establishes criminal penalties for transporting certain items onto the grounds or aiding in an escape.
Senate Bill 539 would allow the Board of Dental Examiners to immediately suspend or revoke the license of a dentist if the board determines it should protect the public from an immediate danger.
Senate Bill 543 would give tax incentives to non-residential owners of managed timberland. The tax break would be granted to allow the general public to use the land for recreational purposes, such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and photography.
Senate Bill 547 would allow the Division of Motor Vehicles to create and sell sports’ compact license plates. The license plate can bear the logo or trademark of any sporting team or franchise for which the commissioner has obtained consent.
Senate Bill 552 would make it a misdemeanor to sell an unstable horse. An unstable horse is defined in the bill as any riding horse that is more than two years old that exhibits dangerous qualities, of which the seller is aware, such as kicking, biting or lunging.
Senate Bill 563 would protect consumers from financial losses due to the fraudulent activities of individuals selling vehicles. The bill would require a salesperson to receive a license from the Division of Motor Vehicles. The bill also adds authority for the Division to do a background check.