The House Rules met this morning, moving HJR 102, HB 2910, HB 4331, and HB 4627 from the Special Calendar to the House Calendar. They moved HB 4568 and HB 4264 to the Special Calendar. They advanced HCRs 35, 45, 62, 63, 64, 65, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, and 76 to the floor.
Four bills were passed in the House today.
House Bill 4025 encourages economic development by providing a 5-year severance tax exemption for severing rare earth elements.
House Bill 4329 updates the definition of an “interest person” in the West Virginia Small Estate Act. The bill states that an interested person would be any person or entity having a property right in or a claim against the estate of the decedent or property in a small estate.
House Bill 4562 clarifies the process of the suspension and dismissal of school personnel by the board and the appeals process. Once a fact-finding investigation alleges conduct that would jeopardize the health, safety, or welfare of students, the affected employee shall be suspended, placed on administrative leave, or reassigned to duties that do not involve direct interaction with pupils.
House Bill 4578 authorizes the superintendent of the State Police to oversee the administration and implementation of the state’s Handle with Care program.
Several bills were reported from committees, including House Bill 4019 and House Bill 4021, both originated in House Education.
House Bill 4019 delays deadlines for public charter schools to execute a charter contract and the last day for the primary round of student enrollment application, lottery, and enrollment for charter schools intending on opening on July 1, 2022.
House Bill 4021 revises the Medical Student Loan Program. The bill authorizes medical schools to make loans and use special revolving funds for program use. Certain schools may set eligibility requirements and maximum loan amounts. It requires agreements with participating individuals to select a service commitment area.
The House is adjourned until 11 a.m. Friday, February 18, 2022.
Committees – Today
The Committee on Energy and Manufacturing will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 410.
The Committee on Health and Human Resources will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 215E.
The Judiciary Committee will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 410.
The Committee on Government Organization will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 215E.
The Finance Committee will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 460.
The Education Committee will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 434.
The Select Committee on Tourism and Economic Diversification will meet at 5 p.m. in Room 215E.
Committees – Friday, February 18, 2022
The Select Committee on Prisons and Jails will meet at 8 a.m. in Room 410.
The Education Committee will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 434.
The Committee on Seniors, Children, and Family Issues will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 215E.
The Judiciary Committee will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 410.
