The House Committee on Government Organization met at 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 28 in 215-E to consider two pieces of legislation, one of which was the first Senate bill considered by the committee since the beginning of the first regular session of the 84th West Virginia Legislature.
Senate Bill 255 would add three members of the public to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, increasing the number of board members from 15 to 18.
Several delegates, such as Delegate Eric Nelson (R-Kanawha), raised concerns regarding the number of board members being even. Additionally, Delegate Nelson raised the question of just replacing 3 of the existing 15 members on the board with members of the public, instead of allocating the funds necessary to pay the 3 new members.
“The Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council meets twice a year, so the taxpayer cost would be minimal,” said Delegate Michael Angelucci (D-Marion). “The addition of these three members of the public would add a unique perspective to the board, but replacing existing members would mean getting rid of three vital experts who currently serve on the board.”
After a small discussion regarding the technical implications of the bill, Senate Bill 255 was advanced unanimously to the House Floor with the recommendation that it do pass.
The House Committee on Government Organization also had a consideration of House Bill 2679, a bill that would allow West Virginia citizens to receive valid state identification cards with the option to opt out of a photo ID if it violates an individual’s religious beliefs.
Private establishments that require the use of a photo identification, such as places serving alcoholic beverages, would not be legally bound to accept the proposed state identification cards as a replacement.
“There’s a specific reason why this bill is being considered,” said Delegate Scott Cadle (R-Mason). “Amish people in this state can’t get their checks cashed at banks without a photo ID, and we want to make it possible for these people to be able to cash their checks.”
Delegate Chris Phillips (R-Barbour), the lead sponsor of House Bill 2679, stated that he had met with his local bank president, who told him that the passage of the bill would greatly help the Amish community within the state of West Virginia.
House Bill 2679 passed unanimously, and was advanced to the House Floor with the recommendation that it do pass.
