The House of Delegates passed two Senate bills without amendment, making Senate Bill 17 and Senate Bill 119 the first two pieces of legislation to complete legislative action for the regular session of the 84th West Virginia Legislature.
The House of Delegates convened at 11 a.m. Tuesday to consider pieces of legislation, seven of which were on third reading.
Senate Bill 17, if approved by Gov. Jim Justice, would allow for the option of psychological examinations to be available to certain criminals seeking parole in West Virginia. Currently, according to statute, those seeking probation must go through a series of treatments and studies. This bill would add the option of a psychological exam with the proper documentation to that list.
Senate Bill 119 was also passed through the House of Delegates without amendment, making it the second bill that has been passed by both the House and the Senate this session.
This bill would specify that documents prepared by a licensed health care provider for the purpose of improving the quality, delivery, or efficiency of health care is confidential, and is not subject to discovery in a civil action or administrative proceeding. Assessments, tests, procedures, and quality controlled documents would also be privileged information.
Senate Bill 272 is a bill that would update the code for the Committee on Special Investigations. A similar bill was passed unanimously by both the House and the Senate last year but was ultimately vetoed by the governor because of a defective title.
This bill would clarify the procedures of interviews, presentation of evidence, and executive session for the Committee on Special Investigations. It also clarifies that the Senate President and Speaker of the House must be the chairs of these committees, and it establishes criminal offenses for obstructing the work of the commission. Senate Bill 272 passed with a title amendment.
House Bill 2083 also passed the House today and was advanced to the Senate for consideration. This bill would provide temporary state identification cards to recently released inmates that are West Virginia citizens. The state identification cards would be valid for 90 days, allowing recently released inmates to have time to go to their Department of Motor Vehicles and get a valid ID cards.
“Currently, these released inmates have trouble reintegrating into society and this is a large reason why,” said Delegate John Shott, R-Mercer. “This bill would allow them to open bank accounts, get jobs, things of that nature.”
House Bill 2191 would allow licensed West Virginia Lottery operators to be also be licensed as lottery retailers in ten state locations. The bill would also remove restrictions on bill denominations accepted by limited video lottery terminals, and also fix the video lottery revenues at 50 percent. This bill also passed, and was voted to be effective from passage.
House Bill 2514 would permit pawn brokers to voluntarily disclose if an item has been sold or pledged, as long as the pawn broker does not break confidentiality or give identifying information.
Delegate Dianna Graves, R-Kanawha, spoke in defense of House 2514, saying “Not passing this bill would defend pawn brokers as fences against stolen property.”
House Bill 2514 ultimately passed the House, despite questions regarding how it would make pawn brokers responsible for issues of personal conflict.
House Bill 2602 also was passed. This bill would clarify that possession of stolen items is larceny under state law. According to statute currently, larceny is only applicable in instances where stolen items are transferred.
Two bills on second reading, House Bill 2324 and House Bill 2407, were amended. The remainder of bills on second reading were advanced to their appropriate committees.
The House of Delegates is adjourned until 11 a.m. tomorrow, Jan. 30th.
Committees Meeting Today:
The House Committee on Political Subdivisions will meet at 1 p.m. today, Jan. 29, in 434-M.
The House Committee on Energy will meet at 2 p.m. today, Jan. 29, in 410-M.
The House Committee on Health and Human Resources will meet at 2 p.m. today, Jan. 29, in 215-E.
The House Committee on Pensions and Retirement will meet at 4 p.m. today, Jan. 29, in 410-M.
Committees Meeting Tomorrow Before Floor Session:
The House Committee on Finance will meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow in 460-M for two budget hearings.
The House Committee on Government Organization will meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow in 215-E.
The House Committee on the Judiciary will meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow in 410-M.
The House Rules Committee will meet at 10:45 tomorrow behind the House Chamber.
