The Senate met today and passed six bills to the House. The bills were SB 80, SB 164, SB 204, SB 231, SB 330, and SB 349.
Senate Bill 80 would equalize the criminal penalty for entering without breaking regardless of the time of day.
Senate Bill 164 would relate to traffic regulations and special load limits. This bill would make it more feasible for trucks to carry telephone poles and not need special permits to do so.
Senate Bill 204 would require persons appointed to fill vacancies by the Governor have the same qualifications for the vacated office.
Senate Bill 231 would relate to the State Board of Education and Medicaid-eligible children.
Senate Bill 330 would alter language in the West Virginia Workplace Freedom Act.
Senate Bill 349 would repeal outdated code relating to the division of corrections.
Bills on second reading were SB 9, SB 125, SB 214, SB 236, SB 321, and SB 426. SB 9 and SB 236 were laid over for one day and will stay on second reading.
Senate Resolution 22 was adopted which congratulated the Cabell Midland Golf Team on winning the 2016 Class AAA golf tournament.
Senate Resolution 23 was adopted which recognized Leadership Berkeley for its service, dedication, and commitment to Berkeley County.
Senate Bills 442-457 were introduced today.
Some senators had remarks today. Senator Mullins (R-Raleigh) said that he was disappointed in the Confirmations Committee and thy should stop trying to catch people up in “gotcha questions” but work in a bipartisan manner. Senator Trump (R-Morgan) defended Senate Bill 330. Senator Karnes (R-Upshur) said Nevada has switched from an income tax to a higher consumption tax and that they have grown much more than West Virginia has since they have done that. Senator Romano (D-Harrison) said the Senate should not be interjecting themselves into the third branch of government and Senate Bill 330 would do that.
The following committees meet today:
Finance at 3 p.m. in 451M.
Judiciary at 3 p.m. in 208W.
Banking and Insurance at 2 p.m. in 451M.
Natural Resources at 1 p.m. in 208W.
Tomorrow, Transportation and Infrastructure meets at 10 a.m. in 451M.
The Senate is adjourned until 11 a.m. tomorrow.
