On Tuesday morning, the Senate introduced Senate Bills 960-978, adopted Senate Resolution 43 regarding Local Food and Farm Day and Senate Resolution 44 regarding the St. Joseph Central High School Boys Soccer Team.
The Senate also passed several bills, including House Bill 4433, regarding human smuggling and trafficking.
House Bill 4433 would make human smuggling and human trafficking a felony and add a definition for the term “illegal alien”.
Human Smuggling is defined in the bill as the act of knowingly transporting, transferring, receiving, isolating, enticing, or harboring an undocumented individual to avoid law enforcement. This does not include an immediate family member of the undocumented individual.
An illegal alien is defined in the bill as an individual who has entered the United States without authorization, has violated the terms of their admission, or is without a legal status and is subject to removal if apprehended. Further definitions from the bill can be found in code §61-14-1.
Senator Joey Gracia (D – Marion, 13) proposed an amendment to add language to the bill that would exempt good Samaritans from being threatened by a felony when attempting to lawfully help an illegal immigrant if it involves their immediate health, safety, and welfare.
The Senator also proposed within the same amendment to strike through language in the bill that allows immediate family members of an illegal immigrant to be an exception in terms of human smuggling. The Senator raised concerns regarding family involvement in human smuggling. Stating the International Organization for Migration has stated that 41 percent of the trafficking of illegal immigrants is done by immediate family members.
Those opposing the amendment raised concerns about the amendment potentially welcoming more undocumented immigrants into the country.
“If you would provide shelter or relief for people who entered this country illegally and are causing harm to this country, you should be prosecuted, and I think the gentlemen’s amendment would get us away from that,” stated Eric J. Tarr (R – Putnam, 04).
Following the discussion, the amendment was rejected.
Senator Ryan W. Weld (R – Brooke, 01) also proposed an amendment to add language to the bill stating the word “willfully” along with knowingly when regarding the definition of human smuggling.
The amendment was intended to clarify the intentions of human smuggling in hopes of not incriminating those who are doing a good deed without participating in a crime.
Following discussion, the amendment was adopted.
The bill, as amended, passed the full Senate and was sent to the House of Delegates for consideration.
House Bill 4474 would extend the Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia Advisory Council’s sunset date, allowing the group to remain active beyond its original expiration.
The council advises the state on policies, programs, and resources for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their families. The council would continue to bring coordination, expertise, and accountability in how West Virginia responds to those with Alzheimer’s and other Dementias by bringing together advocates, health professionals, caregivers, and state agencies to advise on how to handle those directly and indirectly impacted by the disease.
The Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia Advisory Council would be able to continue implementing the State Alzheimer’s Plan and supporting initiatives in the state of West Virginia.
The bill completed legislative action and now heads to the Governor’s desk.
Afternoon Meetings:
Health and Human Resources at 1 p.m. in Room 451M
Economic Development at 2 p.m. in Room 208W
Finance at 3 p.m. in Room 451M
Judiciary at 3 p.m. in Room 208W
Morning Meetings for Feb. 18:
Natural Resources at 9:30 a.m. in Room 208W
The Senate is adjourned until Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 11 a.m.
