Today, the House of Delegates adopted four resolutions and passed 12 bills, completing action on one bill.
House Concurrent Resolution 21 names a bridge that carries I-70 over US 53 and Gabe’s Creek in Kanawha County as the “Louie Patton Memorial Bridge.” Patton served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. Patton helped construct I-19 from Charleston to Flatwoods and assisted in the construction of the Toyota Plant in Buffalo, WV. Patton passed away on July 11, 2020.
House Concurrent Resolution 67 names the bridge that carries US Route 60 over Hurrian Creek near the intersection of US Route 60 and State Route 34 as the “U.S. Army SGT Kenneth R. Lucas Memorial Bridge.” Lucas served in the US Army as a Sergeant in the Tank Company, 14th Armored Cavalry. After his service, he returned to WV and worked at Union Carbide for many years. Lucas passed away on February 28, 2023.
House Bill 600 completed legislative action. The bill amends the criteria for reenlistment and retention bonuses for the WV National Guard. The bill allows the Adjutant General to determine eligibility for bonuses based on satisfactory service and military training and expertise.
House Bill 4999 expands the exception of spousal privilege to include cases of crime against grandchildren, minors, or any person with a mental disability.
House Bill 5031 adds human smuggling under the section of the code related to human trafficking and provides for the same penalties. The bill defines “illegal aliens,” and states illegal aliens are not eligible for restitution. However, the state can receive the restitution.
House Bill 5105 removes the requirement that students attending virtual public schools and private or parochial schools be vaccinated unless they want to participate in WVSSAC-sanctioned athletics. The bill was amended Friday to provide for a religious exemption to vaccinations.
Proponents of the bill stated the amended bill gives parents the choice for their child’s health. Proponents stated whether they chose to vaccinate should be between them and their God. They also stated that just because there is an exemption doesn’t mean people won’t vaccinate.
Opponents stated that having this exemption puts the state at risk of spread of nearly eradicated diseases. They stated vaccines are needed to protect children. Other opponents felt the bill didn’t go far enough for religious freedom.
The bill passed with 57 in favor and 41 opposed. The bill advances to the Senate.
Resolutions introduced today can be viewed here.
The House is in recess until 4 p.m.
Committee Meetings, today Feb. 26
The Committee on Government Organization will meet at 2:30 p.m. in Room 215E.
The Finance Committee will meet at 2:45 p.m. in Room 460.
The Judiciary Committee will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 410
The Education Committee will meet at 3:30 p.m. in Room 434.
Committee Meetings tomorrow, Feb. 27
The Committee on Economic Development and Tourism will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 410.
