House Bill 2002 was discussed today in a public hearing. People from around the state addressed the committee with their personal stories, opinions, and facts about parental notification in regards to a minor seeking abortion.
Those who supported HB 2002 believe that stronger notification laws would help communications between minor and parent, help discover cases of sexual assault and abuse, and protect young women.
Those who oppose HB 2002 believe that the current law is strong enough and any stronger law is unnecessary. They believe that if passed, this bill would put young women at risk of getting “backdoor” abortions, an illegal and unsafe abortion which could lead to complications or death for the young woman. They also pointed out that only four minors had notification waivers in 2015 and 92 percent of West Virginia teens notify themselves about having abortions.
HB 2002 would strength laws requiring parental notification of abortions on minors, who are not emancipated. The bill was referred to a subcommittee.
HB 2850 would limit the product liability action against the seller to the manufacturer of the product. This is to protect the “mom and pop” shops from being liable for product issues and holds the manufacturer accountable for the issue. This would include car dealers; the car manufacturer would be held accountable, but a dealer may not be. Committee Substitute was approved and will be reported to the full house.
HB 2966 would create the West Virginia Sentencing Commission. The members would serve without compensation. The members would consist of: two delegates appointed by the Speaker of the House, two senators appointed by the President of the Senate, five current or retired circuit judges, magistrates, or municipal judges appointed by the Governor, two West Virginia citizens appointed by the Governor, the Chief Justice of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, one county prosecutor and one public defender appointed by the Governor.
Delegate Byrd (D-Kanawha) amended the bill to focus on drug recovery as well as sentencing due to the addiction problem in the state. Delegate Fleischauer (D-Monongalia) amended the bill to state the attorneys would be selected by the President of the West Virginia Bar Association. Delegate Pushkin (D-Kanawha) amended the bill to state that the West Virginia Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors President would appoint two members to serve on the commission. All amendments were adopted. The bill was approved and will be reported to the floor.
HB 2520 would prohibit minors (those under the age of 18) from using tanning devices. The bill was approved by the committee and will be reported to the full House.
HB 2679 would permit the carrying of a concealed, uncased firearm within state parks and park facilities for self-defense; county park commissions cannot prohibit it in state parks. This does not apply to recreational areas of the park. For example, you cannot have the firearm in the pool area, but you can have it in the park area. The bill will be reported to the full house with the recommendation that it do pass.
HB 3018 would add correctional employees to the list of persons against whom an assault is a felony. The bill also states that an incarcerated person commits a crime against a correctional employee will serve consecutive sentences. The bill will be reported to the floor with recommendation that it do pass.
