The House passed 13 bills today and adopted nine resolutions.
House Bill 4408 extends the existing authority of the Director of Natural Resources to enter into third-party contracts for the financing, construction, and operation of recreational, lodging, and ancillary facilities to all West Virginia state parks, state forests, and state rail trails.
House Bill 4510 provides for a multi-tiered system of support intervention for grade-level literacy and numeracy by the end of third grade. The bill requires the retention of a student in the third grade if the student isn’t on the level to move on to the fourth grade.
This bill had plenty of floor discussion. It was said there is already $5.7 billion in the K-12 budget for this kind of intervention system.
Opponents worry about the increased workload on K-3 teachers due to extra paperwork, meets with parents, etc. Opponents also stated this isn’t the way to fix the problem. One opponent stated the change should be happening at the curriculum level. Some feared holding a student back could make them feel bad.
Proponents of the bill stated the importance to get the K-3 foundations in before being propelled forward. If a child does not have the basics, it will be difficult for them to excel in fourth grade and beyond. They stated that the system will provide tools for both parents and teachers. Proponents felt this is an opportunity to put one piece of the puzzle in place to help children excel.
After a lengthy debate, the bill advanced 84 to 11.
House Bill 4657 creates the Rare Earth Element and Critical Mineral Investment Tax Credit.
House Bill 4660 establishes the status of beds when an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities germanely closes.
The House is adjourned until 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 1, 2022.
Committees – Today
The Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources will meet at 2:45 p.m. in Room 215E.
The Committee on Pensions and Retirement will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 460.
The Judiciary Committee will meet at 2 p.m. in Room 410.
The Committee on Government Organization will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 215E.
The Committee on Technology and Infrastructure will meet at 3:45 p.m. in Room 410.
The Education Committee will meet at 4 p.m. in Room 434.
Public Hearings
The Government Organization Committee will hold a Public Hearing on February 28, 2022 at 6 p.m. in the House Chamber for House Bill 4840 – Relating to Office of Miners Health.
Committees – Tuesday, March 1, 2022
The Rules Committee will meet at 8:45 a.m.
The Committee on Energy and Manufacturing will meet at 2 p.m. in Room 410.
