Today, the House of Delegates adopted five resolutions and passed seven bills.
House Concurrent Resolution 12 names the bridge carrying CR 008 over Hustead Fork Stream in Taylor County as the “U.S. Marine Private First-Class Calvin Lee Loudin Memorial Bridge.” Loudin served in the Marines during WWII. He has been awarded the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon bar with a star, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Purple Heart. Loudin died in the battle of Sugar Loaf Hill on the Island of Okinawa on May 22, 1945.
House Concurrent Resolution 37 names the bridge carrying WV 152 over Twelvepole Creek in Wayne County as the “U.S. Army PFC Carl. J. Osburn Bridge.” Osburn served in the U.S. Army during WWII. During his service, he was placed in a POW camp in Germany. Despite injury, being held captive, and being starved, Osburn strived to return home and complete his service. Once his service was completed, Osburn returned home to Wayne County, WV.
Senate Bill 668 increases the amount of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine a person may purchase annually to 86.4 grams.
Discussion on House Bill 4299 was lengthy as the bill was advanced to third with amendments pending. House Bill 4299 allows teachers, administrators, and personnel to carry concealed firearms and other self-defense items in elementary and secondary schools, after completing training to be a School Protection Officer.
Two amendments were offered, but only one was adopted. The adopted amendment changes the word “may” to “shall” requiring schools to allow teachers, administrators, and support personnel to be SPOs as long as they meet all the requirements and are eligible. Effectively, this bill removes the requirement for a county board to make any policy regarding SPOs.
Proponents of this amendment stated that the amendment makes the bill work. It makes the bill more than “ink on paper.” They stated this is a way to give teachers control. Opponents of the amendment stated the amendment took local control away from counties and schools to determine if they needed SPOs.
Similar to the amendment, proponents of the bill feel this bill provides a means of protection for students and teachers. They stated this gives teachers a way of protecting children should an active shooter situation arise. Opponents stated many teachers do not want this and do not feel comfortable with guns in schools. The opponents mentioned the training and vetting not being enough for SPOs. The bill advances to the Senate.
House Bill 5065 increases the compensation for guardians ad litem from $60 to $105 for out-of-court work and from $80 to $120 for in-court work for abuse and neglect cases. The bill also requires continuing education must be completed to be a guardian ad litem.
House Bill 5361 requires hospitals to offer influenza immunizations to patients prior to discharge from October 1 to March 1 each year.
The House is adjourned until tomorrow, February 22, 2023, at 11 a.m.
Committee Meetings, today, Feb. 21
The Education Committee will meet at 2:45 p.m. in Room 434.
The Finance Committee will meet at 3:15 p.m. in Room 460.
The Judiciary Committee will meet at 3:30 p.m. in Room 410.
The Committee on Government Organization will meet at 4 p.m. in Room 215E.
Committee Meetings, tomorrow, Feb. 22
The Finance Committee will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 460.
The Judiciary Committee will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 410.
The Rules Committee will meet at 10:45 a.m. behind the House Chamber.
The Committee on Technology and Infrastructure will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 434.
The Committee on Economic Development and Tourism will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 410.
The Committee on Health and Human Resources will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 215E.
