The House reconvened today at 11 a.m. and sent nine bills to the Governor for consideration.
The House completed legislative action on Erin’s Law, which will increase the penalty for failing to stop and render aid after a motor vehicle accident. If a person does not comply and the accident results in a physical injury that person is guilty of a misdemeanor and will serve up to one year in jail, or be fined up to $1,000, or both. If the negligence results in death, the person will be guilty of a felony and will serve between one to five years in a correctional facility, be fined up to $5,000, or both. The convicted person’s driver’s license will also be revoked for one year following conviction or release from incarceration.
The House also passed several bills with amendments, which will be sent to the Senate for further consideration. The amended bills included Senate Bill 219, which would authorize the establishment of the Fleet Management Office within the Department of Administration. It would also repeal certain exemptions to rules pertaining to vehicles and aircraft owned or possessed by the state.
Additionally, the House honored the late Joseph Paul Albright, former Speaker of the House of Delegates. A resolution was adopted, which paid tribute to “the character, outstanding career and extraordinary public service” of the former lawmaker. Albright also was a former Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia.
The following committees will meet today:
Rules- immediately after adjournment- Speaker’s Office
The House will reconvene at 2 p.m. this afternoon.
