Today, the House of Delegates passed four bills and amended one.

Senate Bill 4 creates the “Adopt-A-Trail” volunteer programs for public land under DNR control. The program is modeled after the “Adopt-A-Highway” and “Adopt-A-Stream” programs. Volunteer organizations would apply to adopt and maintain the trails for two years.

House Bill 2611 removes certain territorial limitations on a banking institution’s ability to offer messenger services or mobile banking facilities, except that the 2,000-foot limit to the proximity of another bank’s main or branch office remains.

House Bill 2789 removes the certificate of need requirement for birthing centers. This will allow birthing centers to begin operation without going through this application process. Proponents of the bill stated that the passage of this bill would provide more access to care for pregnant parents, especially in rural areas. Many of the centers can do prenatal and up to 28-day postnatal care. Opponents expressed concern for high-risk cases or cases that seem low risk but then have a complication. Increased risk cases would be transferred to a hospital for care. The bill passed 73 to 26.

House Bill 3055 establishes a technical transition math class.

Senate Bill 241 was on second reading and the Health and Human Resources Committee amendment was adopted.

The House is adjourned until 11 a.m. on tomorrow, Feb. 8.

Committee Meetings, Today

• The Energy and Manufacturing Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. in Room 410.
• The Committee on Technology and Infrastructure will meet at 1:30 p.m. in Room 432.
• The Committee on Economic Development and Tourism will meet at 2:30 p.m. in Room 460.
• The Sub-committee on Small Business Development will meet immediately after Economic Development and Tourism in Room 460.
• The Sub-committee on HB 2605 will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 410.
• The Health and Human Resources Committee will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 215E.

Committee Meetings, tomorrow, Feb. 7

• The Committee on Veterans Affairs ad Homeland Security will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 215E. The Committee on Volunteer Fire Departments and EMS will meet at 9:15 a.m. in Room 460.
• The Committee on Political Subdivisions will meet at 9:15 a.m. in Room 410.
• The Rules Committee will meet at 10:45 a.m. behind the House Chamber.
• The Finance Committee will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 460.
• The Judiciary Committee will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 410.
• The Education Committee will meet at 2 p.m. in Room 432.
• The Committee on Government Organization will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 215E.

Today, the House convened briefly, passing House Bill 3141.

House Bill 3141 updates the code relating to dentistry to include dental anesthesiology, oral medicine, and orofacial pain specialties.

The House also concurred to complete two pieces of legislation.

House Bill 2530 extends the expiration of temporary registration plates to 90 days.

House Bill 2533 makes permanent windshield placards valid for the duration of the applicant’s life.

The House is adjourned until 11 a.m. on tomorrow, Feb. 7.

Committee Meetings, Today

• The Finance Committee will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 460.
• The Committee on Government Organization will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 215E.
• The Education Committee will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 434.
• The Judiciary Committee will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 410.

Committee Meetings, tomorrow, Feb. 7

• The Committee on Substance Abuse will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 434.
• The Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 215E.
• The Committee on Banking and Insurance will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 410.
• The Committee on Pensions and Retirement will meet at 10 a.m. in Room 460.
• The Rules Committee will meet at 10:45 a.m. behind the House Chamber.
• The Energy and Manufacturing Committee will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 410.
• The Committee on Technology and Infrastructure will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 434.
• The Committee on Economic Development and Tourism will meet at 2 p.m. in Room 460.
• The Sub-committee on Small Business Development will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 460.
• The Health and Human Resources Committee will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 215E.

Today, the House of Delegates started early at 9 a.m. Eight pieces of Legislation were up for passage today.

House Bill 2004 prevents the use of payment card processing systems for surveillance of Second Amendment activity and discriminatory conduct.

House Bill 2007 prohibits irreversible gender assignment surgery on individuals under 18. The bill also prohibits hormonal therapy to be prescribed to minors transitioning.

Debate was long on this bill. Proponents of the bill are concerned with minors receiving life changing surgery and therapy too early in life and potentially regretting those decisions later. Opponents are concerned with minors, and their parents, having access to needed health care.

House Bill 2008 requires all state entities, local entities, and law enforcement agencies to cooperate with the enforcement of immigration laws.

House Bill 2380 removes obsolete provisions of code relating to the School Building Authority.

House Bill 2443 requires all persons hired as the director, assistant director, or coordinator of transportation to have at least five years of experience working in the transportation department of the county board or meet/obtain qualifications as a school bus operator within one year of employment.

House Bill 2768 requires all state entities and Chapter 30 boards to use “.gov” domains and email addresses.

House Bill 2941 extends the sunset date of the State Advisory Council on Postsecondary Attainment Goals to December 31, 2025.

House Bill 3091 requires counties to provide information to the State Auditor for inclusion on the financial transparency website.

House Bill 2538 was on second reading today and was referred to the Committee on Finance. The bill requires the Bureau of Social Services to implement a child welfare information technology system.

Action was postponed one day on House Bill 2832 again. House Bill 3141 was quickly amended.

The House is adjourned until 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 6.

Committee Meetings, Today

• The Finance Committee will meet at 12:30 p.m. in Room 460.

Committee Meetings, Monday, Feb. 6

• The Finance Committee will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 460.
• The Committee on Government Organization will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 215E.
• The Education Committee will meet at 2 p.m. in Room 434.
• The Judiciary Committee will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 410.