The Senate met this morning to pass 13 bills on third reading.
Senate Bill 38 would create a five-year tax credit for new businesses locating on post mine sites.
Senator Stollings (D-Boone) said, “This will be a big tool in the tool box. The bill will grow and diversify our economy and it is only for five years.”
The bill was passed and sent to the House.
Senate Bill 40 would require inclusion of protocols for response to after-school emergencies in school crisis response plans. This would particularly relate to sports based injuries for events and practices. The bill was passed and sent to the House.
Senate Bill 57 would continue personal income tax adjustment for certain retirees. The bill was passed and sent to the House.
Senate Bill 238 would increase tax credits allowed for rehabilitation of certified historic structures. The bill was passed and sent to the House.
Senate Bill 282 would direct the Office of Administrative Hearings to amend current legislative rules relating to appeal procedures. The bill was passed and sent to the House.
Senate Bill 294 would relate to a Community Sustainability Investment Pilot Program. The program would give grants to help creative communities in West Virginia. The bill was passed and sent to the House.
Senate Bill 333 would require all DHHR-licensed facilities access West Virginia’s Controlled Substances Monitoring Program Database. The bill was passed and sent to the House.
Senate Bill 343 relates to transportation network companies. The bill was passed and sent to the House.
Senate Bill 369 would permit surface owners to purchase mineral interests when interest becomes tax lien. The bill was passed and sent to the House.
Senate Bill 399 would prohibit political subdivisions from enacting local ordinances regulating benefits employers provide to employees.
Senator Unger (D-Berkeley) said, “This bill is an example of hypocrisy in this body because the bill takes away local control.”
Senator Trump (R-Morgan) said, “Uniformity is the objective here. This would prohibit counties from enacting their own minimum wage laws different from state laws.”
The bill was passed and sent to the House.
Senate Bill 402 relates to covenants not to compete between physicians and hospitals. The bill was passed and sent to the House.
Senate Bill 406 relates to generic drug products. The bill would take the cash savings when a prescription is filled with a generic brand, and give it to the customer. The bill was passed and sent to the House.
Senate Bill 409 relates generally to the 2017 Tax Reform Act. The bill reduces the coal severance tax, has a sales tax increase, begin taxing certain services, make three tax brackets instead of five and would phase out the income tax depending upon the success of the bill.
Senator Prezioso (D-Marion) said, “I am opposed the bill. We can’t be dealing with this in a time of fiscal uncertainty. The bill is a hybrid of SB 335. This would only further complicate the budget formulation.”
Senator Hall (R-Putnam) said, “I’m going to have support something I’m not completely okay with because this is the last day to send it out. There are things I’d like to rethink but we have to keep the process moving.”
Senator Palumbo (D-Kanawha) said, “My concern every step of the way has been that we are shifting the tax burden on lower income people. That is not the tax reform this state needs.”
Senator Ferns (R-Ohio) said, “There has been more consideration on this legislation than any other this session. We have spoken with tax economists across the country and state. It has changed multiple times as it should have. The reduction of the personal income tax will result in a huge economic growth. And it won’t hurt those on a fixed income as there is a fixed income tax credit. Taking bold steps is never easy, but taking them with an evidence based approach will be great for West Virginia.”
The bill was passed and sent to the House.
Senate Resolution 59 was adopted designating March 29, 2017 as Tucker County Day.
Senate Resolution 60 was adopted recognizing Cabell Midland High School band for their exceptional accomplishments.
Senate Resolution 61 was adopted declaring WV Marching Band Invitational to be state’s official marching band championship event.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 50 was adopted urging Congress to reschedule marijuana.
The Senate is in recess until 12:30 p.m.
