During today’s morning floor session, the House adopted House Resolution 126 in celebration of the life and long career of West Virginia’s 27th governor, Hulett C. Smith. Smith was born in Beckley, West Virginia and recently passed away at the age of 93 in his home in Arizona. Smith was active in banking, insurance, and the arts throughout the duration of his life and was also instrumental in establishing West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
A total of 11 bills completed legislation in the House. Among those was Senate Bill 204 , which relates to the removal of vehicles from the highway in an emergency situation, and Senate Bill 166 , which would make it a felony to disarm or attempt to disarm a correctional officer.
Six bills were reported from committee and read for the first time including Senate Bill 676 which would extend the grant funding application date for Chesapeake Bay watershed compliance projects, and Senate Bill 493 , which would exempt certain unmarked law-enforcement vehicles from sun-screening restrictions.
The House is in recess until 2 p.m. today.
The House met again this afternoon to advance 4 bills to third reading and continue bills on first reading. Bills being advanced to third reading include Senate Bill 408, which would make it a criminal offense to deface public and private property, and Senate Bill 211, which restricts texting while driving. The floor also adopted an amendment that would make both texting and talking on the phone while driving a primary offense.
Near the conclusion of today’s afternoon session, House Clerk Greg Gray honored members who have served from between five to 25 years in the House of Delegates with pins. The Speaker also announced members who will not be returning to serve next year including Delegates Butcher, T. Campbell, Carmichael, Crosier, Doyle, Frazier, Givens, Hall, Mahan, MIchael, J. Miller, Rodighiero, Savilla, Sigler, Snuffer, and Varner.
The House is adjourned until 11 a.m. tomorrow.
