As of 4 p.m., Wednesday, February 6, the 21st day of the 78th Legislature, 596 bills have been introduced in the Senate. Of these, a total of 16 have passed the Senate and will go to the House for its consideration. Some of the bills that have passed this week include:

Senate Bill 217 would reduce the length of time that must occur before a magistrate or municipal court must notify the Division of Motor Vehicles regarding unsatisfied traffic-related tickets of nonresidents. Parking tickets would not fall under “traffic-related” tickets. If a non-resident fails to respond or appear in court after being charged with a traffic violation, after 80 days the municipal or magistrate court would be able to report this individual to the Division of Motor Vehicles, which would then be able to suspend the privileges of the nonresident driver.

Senate Bill 292 would allow bond claims by the Commissioner of Banking to collect unpaid civil administrative penalties and examination invoices. This bill would also require that consumer claims be resolved before any payments may be made for the unpaid penalties or examination invoices.

A Sampling of Bills Introduced In the Senate

Senate Bill 508 would authorize the state boards of examination or registration to conduct criminal background checks through the Federal Bureau of Investigations on applicants and current licensees.

Senate Bill 510 would require the Whitewater Commission to produce an annual report containing statistics such as the number of fatalities and injuries occurring during whitewater river use.

Senate Bill 513 would allow approved pharmacists to administer hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia and tetanus immunizations to individuals 18 years of age or older. The pharmacist would have to have completed a course, established by the Board of Pharmacy, on immunization administration. The board would be required to approve treatment guidelines established by a physician, including how to spot an adverse reaction to an immunization. The pharmacist would also be required to complete an American Red Cross or American Heart Association course to become certified in life-support training.

Senate Bill 516 would allow emergency medical services personnel, certified emergency medical technician-basic or at a higher level of training, to administer the drug epinephrine to a person suffering an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.

Senate Bill 527 would create the Restroom Access Act. This act would require retail establishments with private restrooms to allow access to individuals with certain medical conditions or who utilize an ostomy device if a public restroom is not readily available. Any retail establishment or employee that violates these provisions would be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined no more than $100.

Senate Bill 544 would establish a pilot program within the West Virginia Health Information Network to promote electronic data sharing. This pilot program would involve at least two hospitals, which would use existing sources of electronic health information to achieve clinical decision support.

Senate Bill 548 would require that all United States and West Virginia state flags that are purchased with state dollars be manufactured in the United States.

Senate Bill 549 would require West Virginia to provide health insurance for workers on public improvement projects. These public improvement projects would be defined as construction which may be let to contract by the state, including projects which are wholly or partially funded by public funds.

Senate Bill 556 would place limitations on towing companies involved in the towing of vehicles without the consent of the motor vehicle operator or owner. For example, if a vehicle were being towed from private property, without the vehicle owner or operator’s consent, the towing company would be required to obtain written authorization from the owner of the private property from which the vehicle was towed. Upon reaching the towing destination, the towing company would also be required to notify local law enforcement of the personal articles in the motor vehicle involved in the tow, as well as the make, model and license plate number of the vehicle.

Senate Bill 566 would make it a felony offense to have any involvement in, whether it be managing, financing, conducting or betting on an animal fighting venture. Violators would be guilty of a felony, fined between $1,000 and $5,000, imprisoned for no less than one year, or both.

Senate Bill 568 would establish the “Green Buildings Act,” which would call for the adoption of green building standards for the construction and renovation of public buildings over 50,000 square feet in size.

Senate Bill 573 would increase public school teachers’ and service personnel annual salaries. The bill would also call for a $400 annual bonus for teachers with less than 20 years experience, and a $1000 annual bonus for teachers with over 20 years of teaching experience.

Senate Bill 583 would require any director, or member of a board of directors for a non-profit organization which receives state or federal funding, to complete at least three hours of training in the administration and operation of non-profit organizations. The state or federal agency that provides funding to the non-profit organization would be responsible for providing the training. Any person required to complete this training would be reimbursed for any expenses incurred during the training.

Senate Bill 586 would give licensed pharmacists the authority to remotely dispense and deliver prescription drugs. Patients would be able to be counseled by a licensed pharmacist via the telephone or video link. This bill would also give qualified pharmacists the authority to give flu shots.

Senate Bill 591 would prohibit smoking in and on the grounds of medical facilities. Medical facilities would be required to post signs, written in English and Spanish, informing people of this prohibition. Any person who does not comply would be guilty of a misdemeanor, and would be fined between $50 and $500 for each separate offense.

Senate Bill 594 would reduce school violence and disorderly conduct by creating a Bill of Rights for Students and School Personnel. This bill would require county boards of education to hold meetings with parents, students, school employees and other interested individuals regarding effective disciplinary actions. The bill specifies that counties must hold these meetings in varying locations in order to increase attendance.