The Senate met this morning to pass nine bills on third reading.
Senate Resolution 51 designated March 24, 2017 as Jefferson County Day and Senate Resolution 52 designated March 24, 2017 as firefighter’s day.
Senate Bill 18 would require a new comprehensive statewide student assessment.
Senator Prezioso (D-Marion) said, “This bill is a total assault on public education. I oppose it.”
Senator Romano (D-Harrison) also opposed it and said, “If we don’t have a strong education system, then the American dream is nothing but a puff of smoke.”
Senator Karnes (R-Upshur) was for the bill and said, “Taxpayers need to know that their dollars are being invested wisely.”
The bill passed with a vote of 18 yeas and 16 nays.
Senate Bill 61 would Provide consumers sales and service tax and use tax exemption for certain services and tangible personal property sold for repair, remodeling and maintenance of aircraft.
Senate Bill 76 would create the West Virginia Second Chance for Employment Act.
Senator Jeffries (D-Putnam) said, “This gives us an opportunity to welcome able, trustworthy citizens back into a normal life.”
Senator Gaunch (R-Kanawha) said, “I believe in personal responsibility but I also believe in mercy and this bill strikes a great balance between both.”
Senate Bill 183 would transfer the Division of Forestry from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Agriculture.
Senate Bill 419 would create special revenue fund sources for the Division of Labor to meet statutory obligations.
Senate Bill 464 would eliminate taxation on annuity consideration received by life insurer.
Senate Bill 486 relates to health care provider taxes.
Senate Bill 535 would reorganize the Division of Tourism and rename it to the West Virginia Tourism Office. The bill also allows for increased flexibility to market the state with a more strategic and results driven approach.
Senate Bill 538 would create special conditions of parole.
The following committees meet today:
Select Committee on Tax Reform at 2:15 p.m. in 451M.
Energy, Industry and Mining at 2:15 p.m. in 208W.
Government Organization at 3:15 p.m. in 451M or 208W.
Judiciary at 4:15 p.m. in 208W.
Finance at 4:15 p.m. in 451M.
The following committees meet tomorrow:
Natural Resources at 8 a.m.
Government Organization at 8 a.m.
Education at 9 a.m.
The Senate is adjourned until 10 a.m. tomorrow.
