The Senate adopted 3 resolutions today. Through the adoption of links: House Resolution 35, the Senate is honoring John Joseph Kenneth Cole, WVU Chief of Staff. House Resolution 37 was adopted to honor Dr. C. Peter Magrath, WVU Interim President.
House Resolution 36 was adopted to designate March 20, 2009 as “Higher Education Day.” Representatives of each college and university were present in the Senate to accept a copy of the resolution during the floor session today. Each of the colleges and universities across the state were also in attendance to give presentations in the well area surrounding the House and Senate.
One bill was passed today. Senate Bill 279 would relate to industrial accidents and emergency response regulations. The bill will be taken up for consideration in the House in the coming weeks.
Ten bills were presented on second reading today. Senate Bill 581 would permit 16-year-olds to donate blood with parental consent. This bill was held over yesterday and today, to be presented again on the calendar on Monday. Also presented on second reading were Senate Bill 521, which would include telecommunications devices as jail contraband, and Senate Bill 75, which would establish alcohol use by minors as a juvenile delinquent offense.
20 bills were presented on first reading today. Among these were Senate Bill 399, which would create a senior hunting, fishing and trapping license and Senate Bill 648, which would require manual vote counting in certain counties.
Finally, 14 bills were introduced today. This brings the total of bills that have been introduced in the Senate since the beginning of this session to 662. Senate Bill 651 would increase teacher salaries. Senate Bill 657 would clarify terroristic threats as a felony.
The following committees will meet on Monday:
Natural Resources – 1:00 p.m. – 208W
Pensions – 2:00 p.m. – 451M
The Senate will reconvene Monday, March 23 at 11:00 a.m.
