The House Judiciary Committee passed four bills and rejected one measure, which dominated discussion in the Monday afternoon meeting, relating to pyramid schemes.
House Bill 2198 provides new amended definitions and language relating to pyramid promotional schemes. This bill was highly discussed and much confusion was found in the bill’s new definitions and context. After questions had been asked and all discussion was finished, the committee voted not to pass the bill. Those against the bill argued that it would allow pyramid schemes already in place to thrive and would provide scapegoats for new pyramid schemes. Delegates also argued the language in the new bill was confusing and ambiguous and that it was a solution searching for a problem.
The committee reviewed a total of seven bills. One of these, discussed very briefly, was House Bill 2527, which relates to forgery and other crimes concerning lottery tickets. The committee advanced the bill and reported it to the House floor.
House Bill 2509 relates to theft of a controlled substance. This bill only adds clarification and some additional language. The committee advanced the bill and reported it to the House floor.
House Bill 2319 creates a state-administered wholesale drug importation program. The committee looked over this bill and voted to move the bill forward as a resolution for further study and research.
House Bill 2083 provides an identification card for released inmates who do not have a West Virginia identification card. Without having an identification card, it can be very hard for inmates once they are released, to find a job or set up a bank account. These identification cards would be temporary for 90 days, this would allow the inmates to go to a DMV and get their license. The committee voted to send this bill to the House but first go to Finance for further discussion.
House Bill 2446 relates to the Blue Alert plan. This bill would establish a Blue Alert plan in West Virginia and it is similar to silver and amber alerts. This program is already codified in more than 30 states. The program is voluntary and in order for the alert to be initiated, an officer must be killed, critically injured, or missing. The committee passed this bill and reported it to the House floor.
The last item on the agenda was House Bill 2467, which relates to permitting nonresidents to obtain state licenses to carry a concealed and deadly weapon. This bill was not discussed by the committee and instead it was recommended to a sub-committee.
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