House Judiciary met today and discussed several bills.
HB 2799 would prohibit the superintendent of schools from requiring a physical examination to be included to the application for a minor’s work permit unless it is required by the prospective employer. The bill will be reported to the floor with recommendation that it do pass.
SB 239 would protect an employee’s wages or salaries from being withheld or diverted for political activities without the express, written authorization of the employee. The bill makes clear that it is unlawful for any person to coerce or intimidate any employee into making a political contribution or engaging in political activities. This bill was removed from the agenda after today’s session.
HB 3020 would provide that the penalty for hunting, trapping, or fishing on the lands of another, entering upon posted lands, or destroying posted land signs shall be equivalent to the penalty for criminal trespassing. The bill will be reported to the floor with recommendation that it do pass.
HB 3101 would create a misdemeanor and criminal penalties for fishing within 200 feet of agency personnel while stocking fish into public waters. The bill was introduced to provide safety for stocking personnel, because some fishermen are casting their poles during the stocking process, which personnel at risk of being hooked. The bill will be reported to the floor with the recommendation that it do pass.
HB 2794 would require proof of mailing of notices to debtors that consumers are represented by legal counsel. This is to have concrete evidence that notification was given.
HB 2869 would provide that certain state employees may be granted a leave of absence with pay while providing assistance as an essential member of an emergency aid provider during a declared state of emergency. The bill will be reported to the full House with the recommendation that it do pass.
HB 2548 would allow non-intoxicating beer licensees to have speakers outside of licensed premises as long as their use does not disturb the peace and quietude of the community where the business is located. The bill will be reported to the House with the recommendation that it do pass.
HB 2654 would expand county commissions’ ability to dispose of county or district property and eliminate the requirement that property conveyed to volunteer fire department or volunteer ambulance service reverts back to county commission.
HB 2109 would include a municipal land bank as an agency within the West Virginia Land Reuse Agency Authorization Act and that a municipal land bank may acquire tax delinquent property. The bill will be reported to the floor with recommendation that it do pass.
HB 2453 would expand the list of persons the Commissioner of Agriculture may license to grow or cultivate industrial hemp. It will be reported to the floor with recommendation that it do pass.
