The Senate reconvened this morning to advance bills on Friday’s calendar.
One of the highlights of the morning was the discussion of three of the bills on third reading today: Senate Bill 771, Senate Bill 772 and Senate Bill 773. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, all of these bills appropriate federal funds to agencies in the state in hopes of stimulating the economy. Many members expressed concern and asked questions about how the money will be used throughout the state. These bills have passed and have been sent to the House for consideration.
Seven other bills were presented on third reading today. Among these were House Bill 2419, which provides inmates a reduction in sentence for completion of education and rehabilitation programs and House Bill 2719, which would allow the sale and distribution of craft beers with 12 percent alcohol content in the state. Only House Bill 2695 was sent to the House for concurrence.
Members also heard messages from the House. In this manner, 17 bills were presented. Fifteen passed, have completed legislative action and have been sent to the Governor for his signature. Among these were Senate Bill 600, which relates to coal reclamation tax and Senate Bill 239, which allows a majority vote for certain metro government approval.
House Bill 2819 and House Bill 2968 were both requested to return from the House for the Senate to make changes on title amendments and effective dates. The Senate then sent the bills back to the House for concurrence.
A total of 25 bills completed legislative action this evening and now await the governor’s approval.
Finally, the Senate adopted nine concurrent resolutions. Most of these dealt with the Joint Committee on Government and Finance being requested to conduct studies. Senate Concurrent Resolution 64, for instance, requested the committee to study carbon dioxide cap and trade proposals. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 71, which would recognize the importance of the oil and natural gas industry in West Virginia.
The following committees will meet today:
Confirmations – 2:00 p.m. – 208W
Judiciary – 2:45 p.m. – 208W
The Senate is in recess until 3:00 p.m.
