Today the Senate held a session at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Senate Bill 10, creating the Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act was passed in the House of Delegates with a title amendment. The Senate concurred and the bill completed legislative action. It now awaits the Governor’s final approval.
Two House Bills passed in the Senate and have also completed legislation. House Bill 2852 relates to legalizing and regulating the sale and use of fireworks, the allocation of sales tax proceeds to special funds, and the modification of criminal penalties. The House of Delegates will need to concur with the Senate amendment for the title on this bill in order for it to complete legislation. House Bill 4366 provides the payment to certain claimants who provided commodities and/or services to the state, but were not paid due to the agency reaching budget limit. This bill awaits the Governor’s approval.
Among those bills passed on third reading was Senate Bill 287. The purpose of this bill is to create the West Virginia Safer Workplaces Act, which will permit employers to perform tests for drugs and alcohol on employees and prospective employees. Also passed, Senate Bill 303, provides that all hunting and fishing licenses are valid for one year from the date issued, rather than the last day of the calendar year in which they were issued. These two, in addition to Senate Bills 47, 344, 384, 399, 435, 594, 618, 626 and 637, will be sent to the House of Delegates for further consideration.
Senate Bill 596, which would permit natural gas companies to enter upon real property, and Senate Bill 700, which would authorize Berkeley County Council to own or operate a drug treatment or rehabilitation facility, were both rejected by the Senate on the third reading with an 11-23 Y/N vote.
Senate Bills 12, 545, 641, 670 and 691, in addition to House Bill 4228, were read for the second time and advanced to the third reading.
The following committees met today:
The Committee on Finance: 3:35 p.m. in 451M
The following committees will meet tomorrow before session:
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: 10 a.m. in 451M
The Senate will reconvene tomorrow at 11 a.m.
