The House Judiciary Committee and its subcommittees advanced several bills this morning.
House Bill 4053 would establish the Blue Envelope Program. The Blue Envelope program would assist communication between law enforcement officers and individuals with autism, dementia, or intellectual and developmental disabilities during a motor vehicle-related interaction. This bill was advanced to the floor.
House Bill 4179 would create a felony charge for individuals who assault police officers or police dogs. This bill was advanced to the floor.
House Bill 4345 would establish a protocol for preserving records and evidence in missing persons cases that are unresolved after one year by making them digital and being housed at the West Virginia Fusion Center. This bill was advanced to the floor.
House Bill 4468 would require any court or state records that contain identifying information of a victim or an arrest remain confidential. This bill would require the name and address in a criminal complaint be confidential. This bill was advanced to the floor.
House Bill 4600 would require absentee ballots mailed in to be received by 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election to be counted. This bill was advanced to the floor.
In discussion of this bill, Delegate Shawn Fluharty (D – Ohio, 5) shared concerns about this bill with the impact it will have on rural areas in the state and how this bill is based off a conspiracy.
Delegate Jim Butler (R – Mason, 18) spoke in favor of the bill that it increases voter confidence and fair results on election day. Butler said this would also increase the amount of time for votes for seven days.
In response, Delegate Evan Hansen (D – Monongalia, 79) said this does not increase the amount of time, this decreases the amount of time for voters by seven days. Hansen said this bill would result in fewer ballots being counted that are cast by the elderly, by the sick, and by military personnel.
Hansen said. “No testimony was provided by a county clerk or anyone that says this is an issue. This is a bill that will disenfranchise West Virginians.”
Delegate Mark Zatezalo (R – Hancock, 2) spoke in favor of the bill. Zatezalo said the deadline for voting in-person is election day and does not see a problem with this bill to set that ground rule for absentee ballots.
House Bill 4893 would increase the penalties for contempt of court in a magistrates’ court. This bill was advanced to the floor.
House Bill 4466 would extend the public intoxication code to include being under the influence of narcotics. This bill was advanced to markup and discussion.
House Bill 4695 would increase the criminal penalty for anyone guilty of sexual assault on a minor. This bill was advanced to markup and discussion.
Courts
House Bill 4725 would allow a court to order change the place of custody, order the animal euthanized if it is the best interests of the animal or the public health and safety. The euthanasia of the animal must be based off of a sworn testimony of a licensed veterinarian or animal control officer. This bill was advanced to Judiciary.
House Bill 4098 would reinstate jury rights to citizens with felony convictions if the felony convictions have been expunged. This bill was moved to markup and discussion.
Legal Services
House Bill 4801 would defining allowed expenditures for municipalities and counties. This bill was reported to Judiciary.
House Bill 5101 would create The Joanna Phillips Domestic Violence Prevention Act. This act would create and increase penalties for certain domestic violence and change bail requirements for domestic violence. This bill was advanced to markup and discussion.
