The Senate completed legislative action on one bill and passed 11 others on for consideration in the House of Delegates during a floor session Saturday morning.
The completed bill, House Bill 2347, will allow schools licensed to provide cosmetology and related training to hold theory classes and clinical classes at different locations.
Much of the morning’s floor debate centered around Senate Bill 492, which if completed in the House, would eliminate the requirement of every circuit court in West Virginia to participate in the state’s drug court program. Proponents of the bill argued separation of powers, in that the legislative branch should not be able to dictate both funding and method of operation to the judicial branch. Opponents pointed out the success of drug courts around the state state and the need for each citizen to be treated equally and fairly under the law.
It was noted that in counties where successful drug courts are currently operating, they, in conjuction with the State Supreme Court, will be able to continue. The bill simply elliminates the requirement that all counties participate, and will remove the burden in county circuit courts where drug courts have not been successful. The bill passed and now moves on to the House for consideration.
House Bill 2099, also known as Erin’s Law, also advanced in the Senate. This bill defines the act of leaving the scene of a crash involving death or serious bodily injury as a felony. It passed with an amended title and now goes back to the House for concurrence.
The following committees will meet today:
Government Organization: 11 a.m. in 208W
Education: 11 a.m. in 451M
Natural Resources: Noon in 208W
Transportation and Infrastructure: 1:30 p.m. in 451M
Judiciary: 2 p.m. in 208W
Finance: 2 p.m. in 451M
Select Commitee on Tax Reform: Today at 3 p.m. and Monday at 9 a.m in 451M
The Senate will reconvene Monday, March 13th at 11:00 a.m.
