House Passes Bill to Fund Program to treat PTSD and Obesity

Today, the House of Delegates amended one bill, recommitted another, and passed eight bills, including the following:

House Bill 5014 is a supplementary appropriation to the WVU General Administration Fund for $2,000,000 to fund a Pilot Program through the Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute. The team at WVU RNI developed a tactic to use ultrasound to treat Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and opioid use. The team has received FDA clearance to expand the program to treat PTSD and obesity. The two health concerns are very prominent in West Virginia. The bill is effective from passage, and it heads to the Senate.   

House Bill 4292 provides enhanced damages for unpaid royalties on vertical wells not paid six months from the due date. The enhanced fee would be three times the amount due plus court and lawyer fees.

House Bill 4965 provides restitution to children who have lost parents/guardians due to negligent homicide or DUI causing death.

House Bill 4998 modifies penalties for a third shoplifting offense. The bill removes the requirement of one year in prison before parole is an option. The court can still sentence in the one-to-ten-year timeframe if appropriate. The bill also provides that on a third offense, an investigation shall determine if the person offending has a substance use disorder. If so, they will be ordered to undergo treatment.

Senate Bill 300 was amended. The bill clarifies the role of the Inspector General regarding the Department of Health. The IG is a separate and autonomous office. While it is housed in the Department of Health for administrative support.

House Concurrent Resolution 64 was adopted. The resolution acknowledges and supports the State of Texas.

Bills introduced today can be found here.
Resolutions introduced today can be found here.

The House is adjourned until Monday, February 5, 2023 at 11 a.m.

Committee Meetings, Monday, Feb. 5
The Rules Committee will meet at 10:45 a.m. behind the House Chamber.
 The Finance Committee will meet at 1 p.m.. in Room 460 for Budget Hearings. Feb.
 The Committee on Government Organization will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 215E.
The Education Committee will meet at 2 p.m. in Room 434.
The Judiciary Committee will meet at 2:30 p.m. in Room 410.