The Senate Government Organization Committee has approved four bills to be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that they pass.
SB 380 would create a two-year pilot program permitting recreational vehicles on designated roads and trails in Cabwaylingo State Forest after purchase of special permits.
The bill also provides for designation of campgrounds and tent sites to be used by the ATV and ORV users.
DNR Director Steve McDaniel said the division very much supports the bill.
The bill was previously reported out of Senate Natural Resources with the recommendation that it pass.
SB 631 would clarify the process by which municipal governments may abate unsafe, unsanitary or dangerous dilapidated structures that are detrimental to the public safety or welfare.
SB 671 would reestablish the West Virginia Anatomical Board.
SB 634 would create an exemption for the Department of Health and Human Resources from having to go through the requirements of the Division of Purchasing when entering into agreements with West Virginia University or Marshall University for the provision of services, which will encourage collaboration and cost-saving between the Universities and Department of Health and Human Resources.
DHHR Deputy Secretary Jeremiah Samples said the current purchasing policies have created problems with allowing the DHHR to cooperate with WVU and Marshall in a timely manner for collaborative projects, events or activities.
Samples said there are very many universities in states throughout the nation that already have such provisions in place.
Andrew Kirkner of the West Virginia Association of Health Plans said the private sector’s main concern is ensuring that they are still able to competitively bid on certain contracts the bill deals with.
Kirkner counsel made an amendment related to the bill’s treatment of Medicaid, which the committee adopted.
The committee laid over SB 638, which would provide an exemption from taking the business and law portion of the examination for a license under the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Act when an applicant presents evidence of retaining a certified public accountant or public accountant to file business and tax filings required by the state and federal government.
Members felt that they needed more time to assess the provisions of the bill in relation to the exam to ensure those exempted from the business and law portion of the exam would still be qualified to do their jobs as needed.
David Mullins and Mitchell Woodrum of the Division of Labor were present to answer questions from members of the committee about the examination.
Members of the committee also adopted the subcommittee reports for Senate Bills 294, 534 and 501.
The committee is recessed until a time that will be announced tomorrow during the Senate floor session.
