The House Committee on Government Organization convened Wednesday to consider three house bills.
House Bill 2203, which aims to revise the licensing requirements for West Virginia contractors, was first on the agenda. This bill would move the administration and registration process for contractors from the West Virginia Division of Labor to the jurisdiction of Chapter 30 of state code.
This would put West Virginia contractors under the same umbrella as other licensed state professionals such as architects and physicians. Contractors in West Virginia, under this bill, would have to follow licensing procedure similar to that of 41occupations covered under code. Contractors would be required to annually renew their licenses, report to an executive board, and have a certificate with a seal displayed openly in order to be a licensed contractor within the state.
Due to definitional debates among the committee and discussion about implications for state contractors, the bill was laid over until the next House Government Organization committee meeting.
House Bill 2311 is a proposed revision to how West Virginia citizens with short term licenses would have to report to the State Tax Commission.
Currently, people in the state who receive a short term merchant license to sell beer, fireworks, or other miscellaneous merchandise can get a short term, 90-day license to sell these items. After their license has expired, these temporary merchants have to fill out tax information for the remainder of the fiscal year. This bill would stop requiring short-term licensees to fill out tax paperwork after their term is over and after they’ve paid all of their required fees.
House Bill 2311 was advanced to the House floor.
House Bill 2346 revises the licensure requirements for state casino workers. This bill would allow certain casino workers, including service workers, to opt for a registration rather than a license. This bill was laid over until the next House Government Organization committee meeting, whereas the committee is seeking more information regarding the employment implications for the West Virginia Lottery.
