Today, the House of Delegates had its first split-floor session. Two House Concurrent Resolutions were adopted, one bill completed legislative action, and 15 bills passed the House.
House Concurrent Resolution 8 names the bridge carrying US 50 over the South Branch Potomac River in Hampshire County, the “Judy Brothers Memorial Bridge.” The six Judy Brothers served in the US armed forces: Glice in the US Navy during WWII, Kermit and Calvin in the US Army during the Korean War, Donald and Melvin in the US Army during the Korean War and Vietnam War, and Jerry in the US Army during the Vietnam War.
House Concurrent Resolution 66 names the bridge carrying I-77 over CR 29 in Kanawha County, the “U. S. Army SP4 Lonnie “Bill” Walker Memorial Bridge.” Walker served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He is the recipient of the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and Marksman Badge Rifle M14. Walker passed on April 12, 2013.
Senate Bill 658 completed legislative action and heads to the Governor. The bill adds two new line items of funds to the Public Defender Services from unappropriated funds. This mid-year appropriation has been done annually for the past several years.
House Bill 4191 modifies the requirements imposed on social media companies to prevent corruption and provide transparency of election-related content made available on social media websites. The bill upholds the integrity of elections by ensuring election-related content hosted, posted, and made available on social media websites is not monetized or manipulated.
House Bill 5520 repeals the presumption of competency for minors 14 or older and the presumption of competency for minors under 14.
House Bill 5561 updates the WV Uniform Trust Code to allow for e-signatures on trust documents.
House Bill 5593 changes the composition of BRIM to include five voting members: the Chancellor of Higher Education and four citizen members with at least 10 years of experience in the insurance industry appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate.
House Bill 5621 protects workers who defend themselves or others from an attack from being terminated.
House Bill 5662 adds “person in a position of trust in relation to a child” to code sections relating to child abuse, neglect, and female genital mutilation.
House Bill 5690 creates the WV Trask Force on Artificial Intelligence to be organized within the Governor’s Office. The appointed members are tasked with defining AI, determining which agencies should be tasked with overseeing artificial intelligence policy, determining best practices for the public sector, and recommending legislation. The bill requires the task force to meet 120 after the bill takes effect and requires a report by July 1, 2025.
The House is in recess until 6 p.m.
The House returned to session around 6:45 p.m. to hear bills on first reading and receive committee reports.
The House is adjourned until Monday, February 26, 2023 at 10 a.m.
Committee Meetings, today Feb. 23
The Judiciary Committee will meet at 3:45 p.m. in Room 410.
The Committee on Health and Human Resources will meet at 3:45 p.m. in Room 215E.
The Finance Committee will meet at 4:30 p.m. in Room 460.
Committee Meetings Monday, Feb. 26
The Committee on Political Subdivisions will meet at 9:30 a.m. in Room 434.
The Rules Committee will meet at 9:45 a.m. behind the House Chamber.
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
