The House Committee on Government Organization met today to discuss two bills.
House Bill 3013 would require an inspection or inspections of any building prior to purchase or major renovation by the state.
Delegate Hamrick (R-Harrison) moved to amend the bill by ensuring that the new buildings would receive adequate parking for the employees inside. Delegate Caputo (D-Marion) confirmed that there is a standard for the word adequate in the amendment.
The bill was referred to the Committee on Finance with the recommendation that it pass.
House Bill 2820 would abolish the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission and would give its duties and powers to the state lottery commission. There was a strike and insert amendment that would give some more specifications to the bill. The ABC is already operating in the state lottery commission building.
Delegate Marcum (D-Mingo) asked about how the state lottery commission could enforce the laws that the ABC currently does. Council confirmed that the powers of the ABC would also transfer to the lottery commission.
Council also explained the state lottery commission will most likely hire many of the old ABC workers however the bill does not specify that.
One of the differences currently in the bill and how things are done now is the lottery commission has hours of operation where ABC does not.
The bill would also eliminate the liquor ware house that the ABC currently controls. This would turn over the distribution of liquor to join beer and wine in the private sector.
HB 2519 requires the Department of Health and Human Resources to enter into a compact to ensure payment for health care services provided to other states’ Medicaid participants.
The bill was approved by the committee and will be reported to the floor.
HB 3000 creates a State Ombudsman, to investigate complaints against a state agency or spending unit of this state. It authorizes a toll free hot line for complaints, allows investigations and referrals, requires annual reports and includes penalties for obstruction.
The bill was passed by the committee, but will be reported to the floor with the recommendation that it do pass, but first be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Originating bill relating to transferring administration of the West Virginia Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Fund to the Department of Health and Human Resources.
It will be reported to the floor, with the recommendation that it do pass, but first be referred to the Committee on Finance.
