The House convened today to pass 24 bills, nine of which completed legislative action, including Senate Bill 202. This bill would create the Benefit Corporation Act, which would allow for the creation of a corporate entity that would allow a business to consider societal and environmental purposes in addition to profit.
Senate Bill 3 completed legislative action as well, which would create the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act. This act would allow the owner of real property to pass the property to a beneficiary upon death without probate. Senate Bill 357 would provide the Logging Sediment Control Act’s civil and criminal penalties.
Other bills that with be sent back to the Senate for the concurrence of amendments include Senate Bill 434. This bill would eliminate the revocation period for DUI offenders if they are eligible for the Alcohol Test and Lock Program, apply prior to the date of revocation, agree to use the Test and Lock Device for the required length of time, and waive the right to an administrative hearing. Senate Bill 477 passed as well, which would provide that the use of a planning period can be determined by the teacher.
The following committees will meet today:
- House Education immediately following the floor session in 434M
- House Health and Human Resources immediately following the floor session in 215E-A
The House is in recess until 4:30 p.m. today.
UPDATE: The House reconvened this evening to read 47 bills a second time.
Senate Bill 6 was among those read, which would regulate the sale of drugs used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine. The bill was amended and no longer requires a prescription to receive these drugs, but instead lowers the amount one can get over the counter.
The Senate’s budget bill, Senate Bill 306, was on second reading as well. Senate Bill 317 would create a uniform regulation of firearms, ammunition and firearm accessories throughout West Virginia rather than determined by counties or municipalities. Senate Bill 391 would give a $1,000 across-the-board raise for teachers, a two percent raise and an increase in the equity supplement of $12 per month for school service personnel.
Senate Bill 461 would create the West Virginia Future Fund. Under this, 25 percent of the annual revenue in excess of $175 million from the severance tax on oil and natural gas would be deposited into the fund beginning July 1, 2014. The fund would be invested by the Investment Management Board and could not be expended or appropriated until the fiscal year 2020.
The House is adjourned until 10 a.m. tomorrow.
