A bill intended to authorize railroad and commercial watercraft claims for refundable exemption on motor fuel excise taxes was postponed indefinitely during Thursday’s finance committee.
Senate Bill 456, which had come before the committee twice prior to the decision, spurred caution among members. During the bill’s latest review on Feb. 19, committee chair, Sen. Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, expressed concern over the legislation and requested for more testimonies to come before the committee before a decision would be given.
Thursday’s committee welcome Jason Wazelle, a representative from the Norfolk Southern Corp, to help briefly answer questions concerning the legislation. Following a brief recess of members, members unanimously voted on the decision.
The committee opened the meeting by reviewing and reporting an originating bill which would allow TeleStroke in Telemedicine. If passed, the legislation would ultimately require for a full time neurologist to be implemented in the Charleston Area Medical Center to help assist in the treatment of stroke patients.
Following reading of the bill, Sen. Ron Stollings, D-Boone, addressed members to explain that although the bill was needed, a longstanding concern associated with the bill was a fiscal impact of $1 million which would require a well qualified neurologist to fill the position.
Committee chair, Blair addressed the Senator to state that although the bill contained a large fiscal impact, he was more than happy to include the legislation in the fiscal year’s budget.
“With this bill we’ll be able to save lives and improve the quality lives in the state. That will far recede the cost of $1 million,” Blair said.
Members also reviewed Senate Bills 592, 316, 535 and 421 and reported each to the Senate with the recommendation of passage.
Senate Bill 522, which would create a Special Road Repair Fund for the state, also sparked debate among members prior to being laid over until tomorrow’s 9:30 a.m. meeting.
If passed, the bill would establish a program which would allow counties to submit requests for certain road repairs. If accepted by the program, money would then be allocated from the Department of Highways to one of ten districts within the state. After review by the districts, funding would then be directed to a contractor within the county which has requested the repair.
