Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
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House Advances 15 Week Abortion Ban

Cheyenne DeBolt
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The House convened this morning for a length debate on House Bill 4004, passing it and House Bill 2598. The House recessed until 4 p.m. this evening and is expected to resume its agenda for the day.

House Bill 4004 bans abortions beyond fifteen weeks gestation, unless there is a medical emergency. The current state limit for abortions is 20 weeks. The only abortion provider in the state has a self-imposed limit of 16 weeks.

An amendment was offered to House Bill 4004 to exclude victims of rape and/or incest from this limit. It was rejected.

Proponents of the bill stated the belief that life begins at conception, regardless of the circumstances of the conception. The limit of 15 weeks was chosen because it’s when fetuses begin to feel pain, hear, and see light.

Opponents of the bills stated concern for young girls being forced to carry to term after being the victim of rape. They also stated that some women may not even know they are pregnant until close to 15 weeks.

The bill passed the House 81-18 and advanced to the Senate.

The House also passed House Bill 2598, which eliminates the 3-year inspection by a registered engineer of above-ground storage tanks. It changes the inspection to a self-inspection every year by the operator of the storage facility.

The chairman stated that most of the storage tanks contain brine salt, but there is the possibility of other oil and gas residue being in them.

Opponents are concerned about the possibility of hydrocarbon benzine being in them. The opponents stated that compromises have been made to the Above Ground Storage Act and are afraid more compromises bust drinking water at risk. Proponents believe this bill will help modernize oil and gas. They also believe it will help small oil and gas companies.

The House is in recess until 4 p.m. this evening.

Committees – Today

The Committee on Energy and Manufacturing will meet at 2:30 p.m. in Room 410.

The Committee on Health and Human Resources will meet at 2:30 p.m. in Room 215E.

The Political Subdivision Committee will meet at 6 p.m. in Room 410.

Committees – Wednesday, February 16, 2022

The Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources will meet at 8 a.m. in Room 215E.

The Committee on Banking and Insurance will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 460.

The Committee on Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse will meet at 9:30 a.m. in Room 434.

The Workforce Development Committee will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 215E.

The Committee on Fire and EMS will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 434.

The Judiciary Committee will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 410.

The Committee on Government Organization will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 215E.

The Education Committee will meet at 3:30 p.m. in Room 434.

The Committee on Technology and Infrastructure will meet at 5 p.m. in Room 410.

Public Hearing – On Thursday, February 17, 2022, at 9 a.m. the Judiciary Committee will host a public hearing on House Bill 4394 – To reaffirm and enhance the workers’ compensation exclusive remedy rule or doctrine.

Senate Passes Pay Raises for Public Employees

Christopher Marshall
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Senate Passes Pay Raises for Public Employees

The Senate approved a 5 percent pay raise for teachers, school service personnel and State Police employees during Tuesday morning’s floor session.

Senate Bill 531, which passed on a 33-0 vote with one Senator absent, costs roughly $71 million and will now advance to the House of Delegates for consideration, where it is expected to complete legislative action.

This bill only includes raises for the salaries of public employees that are stipulated in state code. Other raises are expected to be worked out in the final Budget Bill, as has been done with across the board state employee raises in the past. The final cost of the 5 percent pay increase for all public employees is projected to be between $110-$120 million.

The Senate is adjourned until tomorrow at 11 a.m.

Health will meet at 1 p.m. in 451M.

Energy will meet at 1 p.m. in 208W.

Education will meet at 2 p.m. in 451M.

Government Organization will meet at 2 p.m. in 208W.

Finance will meet at 3 p.m. in 451M.

Judiciary will meet at 3 p.m. in 208W.

 

 

House Judiciary Meets Twice Today

Cheyenne DeBolt
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House Judiciary Meets Twice Today

The Judiciary Committee met this morning and this afternoon, advancing several bills.

House Bill 4340 allows the DHHR as a guardian to make an organ donation without a court order. It clarifies the duties of the medical examiner when procuring the organ. The bill requires the state medical examiner to cooperate with procurement organizations to maximize the opportunity to recover organs for donation. The bill authorizes the procurement organizations to conduct a test or examination which is reasonably necessary to evaluate the medical suitability of the body or part of its intended purpose. The bill authorizes the state’s chief medical examiner to enter into contracts and agreements with a procurement organization when necessary to facilitate the efficient and economical recovery of organ donations. The bill advances to the floor.

House Bill 2910 updates the allocation of magistrates serving in each county and provides for the adjustments of those numbers of magistrates every 10 years following the census. Amendments were offered and rejected. The bill advances to the floor.

House Bill 4583 clarifies that a person who is incarcerated or in detention outside of the US may select a power of attorney to handle affairs while incarcerated or detained.

House Bill 4077 adds classes of consumer credit protection. The bill advances to the floor.

House Bill 4314 excludes a “solicitor” from the definition of “investor adviser” under the definition in the Uniform Securities Act.

House Bill 4559 provides for the final disposition of unidentified and unclaimed remains in the possession of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The bill advances to the floor.

House Bill 4524 reduces the rate of interest on delinquent property taxes.

House Advances Extended Supervision Bill

Cheyenne DeBolt
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House Advances Extended Supervision Bill

The House convened today, adopting several resolutions, and passing one bill.

House Concurrent Resolution 15 names the bridge, locally known as Cottageville Arch over Mill Creek in Jackson County the “Thomas Brothers Memorial Bridge.”

House Concurrent Resolution 58 recognizes February 14, 2022, as National Donor Day.

House Concurrent Resolution 59 names the bridge, locally known as Claysville Bridge over New Creek in Mineral County, the “Warrant Officer James Gilbert Bosley Memorial Bridge.”

House Concurrent Resolution 60 names the bridge, locally known as Sandy Creek Bridges carrying I-11 over Sandy Creek in Jackson County, the “Fire Chief Lee Thomas Memorial Bridge.”

House Resolution 11 urges the members of the US Congress to enact federal legislation designating May 4 as Firefighters’ Day.

House Bill 2257 extends supervision for drug offenders on the second or subsequent offense from 6 months to 10 years. The bill would apply to those transporting, selling, or having the intent to sell fentanyl.

Opponents of the bill note the bill will create barriers when it comes to reentry to society. Opponents state that additional supervision will not decrease the number of overdoses. They believe this bill will make it more difficult for people to move on with their lives after serving time for these offenses. Proponents of the bill note that the bill applies to individuals selling fentanyl, a dangerous drug, which is killing many in our state. Proponents of the bill state there are drug dealers who are knowingly selling fentanyl and believe they should be under supervision if they reoffend.

The bill advances to the Senate.

Several bills were on second reading today. House Bill 4004 and House Bill 4005 with amendments pending.

The House is adjourned until 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 15, 2022.

Committees – Today

The Committee on Technology and Infrastructure will meet at 1:20 p.m. in Room 215E.

The Committee on Veterans and Homeland Security will meet at 1:20 p.m. in Room 410.

The Committee on Pensions and Retirement will meet at 1:20 p.m. in Room 460.

The Committee on Government Organization will meet at 3 p.m. in 215E.

The Finance Committee will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 460.

The Judiciary Committee will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 410.

The Education Committee will meet at 3:30 p.m. in Room 434.

The Select Committee on Tourism and Economic Diversification will meet at 5 p.m. in Room 460.

The Select Committee on Coalfield Communities will meet at 5 p.m. in Room 434.

Committees – Tuesday, February 15, 2022

The Judiciary Committee will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 410.

The Rules Committee will meet at 10:45 a.m.

The Committee on Energy and Manufacturing will meet at 2 p.m. in Room 410.

Senate Completes Action on Three Bills

Admin
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Senate Completes Action on Three Bills

Today in the Senate, Senators completed action on three pieces of legislation.

Senate Bill 450, which updates definitions of the West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act, was completed following concurrence of a House Amendment.

House Bill 4024 was also completed, and seeks to create a cosmetology apprentice program that allows companies to train employees for practical real-world experience.

Finally, House Bill 4301, a bill reforming membership requirements of Huntington Park and Recreation District Board, was also completed following the Senate’s refusal to concur with a House title Amendment.

The Senate also passed nine Senate Bills, including Senate Bill 509, which relates to county Board of Education employee personal leave, after it was amended on third reading.

The Senate and House Bills on 2nd and 1st Reading on the Senate Calendar were all advanced.

The Senate is adjourned until tomorrow, February 15th, 2022 at 11 a.m.

Scheduled Committee Meetings Today:
1 p.m.: Natural Resources (208W)

2 p.m.: Banking and Insurance (451M)

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

Scheduled Committee Meetings Tomorrow:

10 a.m.: Military (208W)

10 a.m.: Transportation and Infrastructure (451M)

House Passes Tax Reduction Bill

Cheyenne DeBolt
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The House convened this morning passing several bills and completing legislative action on three.

The Rules Committee met before the floor session today moving House Bill 4264 and House Bill 4483 to the House Calendar. The committee also advanced HCRs 15, 58, 59, and 60.

The House adopted House Concurrent Resolution 23, which requests the Division of Highways to place at least 10 additional signs along highways entering WV honoring fallen veterans and Gold Star Families. Gold Star families are families who have family members who died or were killed serving in the armed forces.

Three bills completed legislative action.

House Bill 4074, Meghan’s Law, requires boards of education to train all public-school employees and volunteers on students’ self-harm behaviors and eating disorders. The bill requires middle and high school students to receive yearly education regarding self-harm behavior and eating disorder signs, preventions, and treatment.

Senate Bill 279 authorizes the DEP to make rules relating to air quality standards, new stationary sources, air pollution from combustion of solid waste, emission standards, coal combustion residual management, water quality standers, and underground injection control.  

Senate Bill 451 updates the definition of federal taxable income in the West Virginia Corporation Net Income Act.

Eight other bills advanced from the House to the Senate today. The two receiving the most discussion were House Bill 4007 and House Bill 4535.

House Bill 4007 reduces personal income tax rates and creates a fund into which one half of each fiscal year’s general revenue surplus will be deposited to offset any loss of revenues determined by the Legislature to have resulted from this and any future reductions of those rates instead of using that portion of the surplus to fund the state’s Rainy Day Fund.

Opponents of this bill stressed that this reduction helps the higher income brackets more than the lower income brackets. They also stated that just because the state has a surplus now, doesn’t mean the state will have one in the next couple of years. Proponents stated that with a surplus, the state should be returning funds to the citizens. They feel this will help their constituents, who are struggling during the pandemic.

The bill advances to the Senate for consideration.

House Bill 4535 removes the requirement of school attendance and satisfactory academic progress as conditions of receiving a driver’s license.

Opponents of this bill stated that this requirement may be the only reason students are staying in school. Proponents state that the removal of this requirement will help students who are struggling to make it to work and school to help provide for their families.

The bill advanced to the Senate with a vote of 68-25.

The House is adjourned until 11 a.m. on Monday, February 14, 2022.

Committees – Monday, February 14, 2022

The Judiciary Committee will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 410.

The Rules Committee will meet at 10:45 a.m.

The Committee on Technology and Infrastructure will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 215E.

The Committee on Veterans and Homeland Security will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 410.

The Committee on Pensions and Retirement will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 460.

The Education Committee will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 434.

The Committee on Government Organization will meet at 3 p.m. in 215E.

The Select Committee on Tourism and Economic Diversification will meet at 5 p.m. in Room 460.

Senate Passes Harsher Penalties for Ransomware Attacks

Christopher Marshall
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Senate Passes Harsher Penalties for Ransomware Attacks

The Senate met briefly Friday morning, quickly passing six bills before adjourning for the weekend.

Among the bills passed Friday, Senate Bill 520 would increase the financial penalties for ransomware attacks. The legislation calls for fines of between $10,000 and $100,000 based on the severity of the crime and damage. The bill now heads to the House of Delegates for consideration.

The Senate is adjourned until Monday, Feb. 14 at 11 a.m.

Broadband Bill Advances to Finance

Cheyenne DeBolt
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Broadband Bill Advances to Finance

The Committee on Technology and Infrastructure met this evening.
House Bill 4001 creates the Legislative Oversight Commission on Department of Economic Development Accountability. The bill provides for several special revenue funds, which will need to be appropriated from the Legislature.
Department of Economic Development is focused on last-mile services. There are 300,000 addresses in WV, which do not have access to Broadband.
There was an attempt to amend the amended bill to remove the commission creation. The amendment to the amendment was a loss due to a tie (9-9). The bill advances to the Finance Committee.

Judiciary Committee Advances Bills and Resolution to Floor

Cheyenne DeBolt
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Judiciary Committee Advances Bills and Resolution to Floor

The Judiciary Committee met this afternoon.

House Joint Resolution 102 proposes a Constitutional Amendment to clarify that the rules and policies created by the State Board of Education are subject to legislative review, approval amendments, or rejection. This proposed amendment would be voted on in the 2022 general election.

The State Board of Education opposes this amendment because they feel adds too much. This is the only Board the legislature doesn’t have rule-making authority over. The resolution advances to the House floor.

House Bill 4329 adds the definition of an “interested person” for purposes into the West Virginia Small Estate Act. This is to identify those who have a property right in or claim against the state of a decedent or property. The bill was amended and advances.

House Bill 4553 clarifies that exempt any wholesale generator is a permitted use in any zoning district.

House Bill 4331 allows for intergovernmental relations with urban mass transportation systems. These systems will qualify for federal funding through the US Department of Labor. The bill ensures that federal funding purposes, deductions are defined in code.

Halfway Mark of the 2022 Regular Session

Cheyenne DeBolt
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Halfway Mark of the 2022 Regular Session

On Day 30, the House convened and passed four bills, adopted 12 resolutions, and postponed action on House Bill 4483.

Of the 12 resolutions, 11 were naming resolutions for roads and bridges. House Resolution 6 urges the Army Corps of Engineers to support hydroelectric power generation at the Summersville Dam.

House Bill 4032 modifies the criminal penalties imposed on a parent, guardian, or custodian for child abuse or neglect. For subsequent offenses, the bill makes abuse or neglect a felony.

House Bill 4098 clarifies and defines geothermal energy in the state. It designates the DEP to authorize permits and create oversight.

House Bill 4297 allows for exceptions of confidentiality to allow DHHR to share financial records with the State Auditor to investigate financial abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult.

House Bill 4522 creates an auto expungement mechanism for individuals who have been acquitted or whose case has been dismissed with prejudice. Persons may apply or petition for expungement now. This would simply do so without the additional steps of the individual.

The House is adjourned until 11 a.m. on Friday, February 11, 2022.

Committees – Today

The Sub Committee on HB 4006 will meet at 2:15 p.m. in Room 410.

The Committee on Health and Human Resources will meet at 2:30 p.m. in Room 215E.

The Judiciary Committee will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 410.

The Finance Committee will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 460.

The Education Committee will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 434.

The Committee on Technology and Infrastructure at 6 p.m. in Room 215E.

Committees –Thursday, February 10, 2022

The Committee on Prisons and Jails will meet at 8 a.m. in Room 410.

The Sub Committee on HB 2910 will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 434.

The Rules Committee will meet at 10:45 a.m.

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