Today, House Gov. Org met and discussed four bills. All will be reported to floor with recommendation that they do pass; two bill will be referred to House Finance.
HB 2343 would require the State Police lease rather than buy vehicles, if its cost effective. The cars would be “wrapped” in state police colors. Wraps are a temporary paint job and could possibly be done at a cost between $500-$1,000; much cheaper than an actual paint job.
“If the leasing was cheaper, State Police would have a new fleet,” Chairman Howell said. Because most leasing companies have vehicles no more than five years old.
This bill will be reported to the floor to be referred to the Finance Committee for farther consideration.
HB 2475 would require the Auditor and other state, county, district or municipal officers to certify to the Tax Commissioner the identity of payees prior to issuance of payments, and authorize the Tax Commissioner to identify those payees who are not in good standing with the Tax Department and to require the Auditor or issuing officer to forward to the Tax Commissioner the lesser of the amount of tax interest and penalty owed or the remaining amount of payment. This bill requires the Auditor or issuing officer or agent to notify the vendor or contractor of the amount being withheld and requires payment be withheld until the vendor or contractor is in good standing.
This does not apply to income tax; only other fees owed to the state.
State Auditor John McCuskey said, “We will not hire new people, because the current staff is capable. We will not increase the cost to the state.”
This bill will be reported to the floor to be referred to the Finance Committee.
HB 2502 would allow a licensed professional in another state to apply for licensure in West Virginia, if certain conditions are met. It would allow for the use of experience in work in another state to fulfill education requirements in certain occupations.
This bill will be reported to the floor.
HB 2630 would authorize the Board of Medicine and the Board of Osteopathic Medicine to share staff when it is efficient and practical to do so.
The bill will be reported to the floor.
