The Senate Committee on the Judiciary met Thursday afternoon to discuss three House bills, including one about the collection of tax and distribution of estates.
House Bill 2579 would clarify conflicts within the code and create uniformity relating to the collection of taxes, the priority of distribution of an estate and to limit the liability of a fiduciary charged with distribution of the estate. Speakers from the West Virginia Bankers Association were in support of the proposed legislation, while the State Tax Department opposes it.
The Committee unanimously approved the bill, and referred it to the Committee on Finance.
House Bill 2509 would make theft of a controlled substance a felony, regardless of the value of the controlled substance. Currently, theft of drugs is a larceny, and a value of less than $1,000 is a misdemeanor. The proposed legislation would penalize a violation by a fine of not more than $30,000 and/or 1-4 years in prison.
House Bill 2872 would authorize any West Virginia State Police officer, Natural Resources Police officer, or any county or municipal law-enforcement officer to assist the State Fire Marshal or any of his or her employees in any duties for which the State Fire Marshal has jurisdiction.
Both bills were approved by the Committee, and will be reported to the full Senate.
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