House Judiciary and its subcommittees met this morning.
Judiciary
House Bill 4865 would create a program to allow students who are juniors or seniors, in addition to homeschool students, to work as poll workers. This bill was advanced to the floor.
House Bill 4881 would remove the requirement that the loan value of a motor vehicle be less than $9,500 to allow an automobile dealer, licensed automobile auction, motor vehicle repair facility, or towing company to obtain the title and registration for the abandoned motor vehicle. This bill was advanced to the floor.
House Bill 4996 would create mandatory bail conditions for people charged with making terrorist threats against a school. This bill was reported to the floor.
House Bill 4997 would prohibit persons convicted of felony terroristic threats towards schools or children from residing within 1,000 feet of a school. This bill was reported to the floor.
Senate Bill 208 would make certain military records unable to be requested by FOIA in West Virginia. This bill was reported to the floor.
House Bill 4106 would allow constitutional carry for 18 to 20-year-olds. This bill was advanced to markup and discussion.
House Bill 4405 would allow for the creation of a second public defender corporation when a public defender company hires six or more assistant public defenders, including the chief public defender. This bill is intended to improve availability and address conflicts of interest. This bill was advanced to markup and discussion.
House Bill 4452 would remove Mortmain restrictions on religious organizations. This would allow churches and other religious organizations to hold more real estate. This bill was advanced to markup and discussion.
House Bill 4999 would change the criminal and administrative penalties for assault or battery on athletic officials and participants, including, but not limited to, players, scorekeepers, coaches, and referees. This bill was advanced to markup and discussion.
Legal Services
House Bill 4710 would increase the amount of time a candidate could switch parties before filing to run for office from 60 days to 180 days before an election. This bill was reported to the Judiciary.
House Bill 5166 would require a notice to be given to any political committee violating the filing requirements before assessing any civil fines. This bill would also give the Secretary of State authority to grant additional time for compliance, but not exceed an additional 14 days. This bill was reported to the Judiciary.
House Bill 4990 would create the crime of gift card fraud, providing definitions and establishing punishments. This bill was advanced to markup and discussion.
Homeland Security
House Bill 5025 would allow the burning of certain farm structures as long as the Department of Environmental Protection approves said burning. This bill was reported to the Judiciary.
House Bill 5182 would relate generally to authorizing security personnel employed by the State Treasurer to carry concealed weapons while performing their official duties. This bill was reported to the Judiciary.
Courts
House Bill 4568 would prohibit service of process in Family Court and civil actions on county property. This bill was reported to the Judiciary.
House Bill 4709 would recognize the legal standing of the West Virginia Legislature in court actions in case there are unauthorized changes to election laws and rules. This bill was reported to the Judiciary.
