Today the Senate met and passed three bills and also discussed the budget. The bills that were passed and sent on to the house were SB 188, SB 222, and SB 242.
Senate Bill 188 would correct the definition of “telehealth” in medication-assisted treatment programs.
Senate Bill 222 would relate to disqualification for unemployment benefits. Senator Trump (R-Morgan) said this bill makes it clear that those who are on strike cannot receive unemployment benefits. Other senators had concerns that this bill would make it harder for those who were locked out of their places of employment and who couldn’t work because of it to get unemployment benefits. The bill passed with a vote of 22 yeas and 11 nays.
Senate Bill 242 would relate to school calendars.
Senate bills 387-404 were introduced today.
Senate Resolution 18 was adopted which would designate the week of March 5th-11th, 2017 as MS Awareness Week. Senator Ojeda (D-Logan) said that he supported the resolution and reminded the Senate of his proposed bill to legalize medical marijuana and how much it could help those who suffer from MS.
Bills on second reading were SB 182 which had an amendment that was adopted, SB 240, and SB 330 which will lie over one day.
Many senators discussed their concerns over Governor Justice’s proposed budget bill. After encouragement of bipartisanship in this matter by both parties, Senator Palumbo (D-Kanawha) said that the Senate needs to “shut up and do our jobs” in regard to the budget.
The following committees are meeting:
Finance at 3 p.m. and tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. in 451M.
Economic Development at 1:20 p.m. in 208W.
Agriculture at 2 p.m. in 208W.
Pensions at 2 p.m. in 451M.
Judiciary at 3 p.m. in 208W.
Workforce at 10 a.m. tomorrow in 208W.
The Senate has adjourned until 11 a.m. tomorrow.
