Members of the Senate met today to begin business of the 2009 Regular Session. On the first day, members adopted a resolution, House Concurrent Resolution 3, to join with House members to hear the State of the State address in the House Chamber at 7 p.m. Members also introduced 149 bills and referred them to committees for debate. Bills introduced included: Senate Bill 9, which would provide some volunteer fire department members state income tax exemption; Senate Bill 142, to create a Small Tourism Business Development Act; and Senate Bill 144, to increase the Employee Suggestion Award Board’s cash award limit.
The following Senate Committees will meet today:
Finance – 1:30 p.m. – 451M
Judiciary – 1:30 p.m. – 208W
Banking and Insurance – 1:45 p.m. – 208W
Transportation – 1:45 p.m. – 451M
Agriculture – 2:00 p.m. – 208W
Economic Development – 2:00 p.m. – 451M
Education – 2:15 p.m. – 451M
Government Organization – 2:15 p.m. – 208W
Health and Human Resources – 2:30 p.m. – 451M
Energy, Industry & Mining – 2:45 p.m. – 208W
Pensions – 3:00 p.m. – 451M
Interstate Cooperation – 4:00 p.m. – 451M
Military – 4:00 p.m. – 208W
Confirmations – 4:15 p.m. – 451M
Natural Resources – 4:15 p.m. – 208W
The Finance Committee will also meet tomorrow, February 12, at 9:30 a.m. in 451M.
The Senate will reconvene at 6:45 p.m. for the State of the State address.
The 79th West Virginia Legislature will reconvene Wednesday, February 11 at noon to initiate its Regular 60-day Session. Following orders of business of each chamber, the House of Delegates and the Senate are expected to recess until 7 p.m. at which time a Joint Assembly will be conducted so that lawmakers may hear from the governor during the State of the State address.
Members of the West Virginia Legislature met today for the final round of interim meetings of the 2008-2009 interim session, during which members study issues which often are addressed during the legislative session. 
Looking West from the intersection of Kanawha Boulevard and California Avenue the Capitol Dome glistens with midday sun following a break in snow showers. The Statue of Stonewall Jackson sits in the foreground on the Capitol grounds. Snow has blanketed the state recently including here in Charleston as the Legislature readies for the upcoming 2009 Regular Session of the 79th Legislature.
