The Senate has completed legislation on nine bills now to be sent to the governor for further action.
SB 174 would eliminate the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission over the transportation of household goods.
SB 239 would protect an employee’s wages or salaries from being withheld or diverted for political activities without the express, written authorization of the employee.
SB 388 would identify additional persons who may possess firearms on school property in parking lots or other traffic areas near the school.
SB 523 would make statutory changes related to converting to a biweekly pay cycle from a monthly or semimonthly cycle for state employees.
SB 547 would modify fees to be paid to the Secretary of State.
SB 622 would require the Tax Commissioner to issue a certificate of release of lien upon the expiration of ten years from the date a tax, additions to the tax, or penalties and interest are due and payable.
SB 656 would allow ACT or the College Board to only receive payment or other consideration for certain information if they secure the affirmative written consent of the parent or student, given in response to clear and conspicuous notice, solely for providing the student access to employment, educational scholarships or financial aid and post-secondary educational opportunities.
SB 686 would exempt facilities providing direct patient care that are managed, directed, controlled and governed by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Resources. from the otherwise required oversight and review by the Purchasing Division of the Department of Administration, and require the Legislative Auditor to audit purchasing made by such facilities and report the findings to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.
SB 691 would define “off-highway vehicle” and “off-road vehicle,” and create a digital road map that may be searched by road and vehicle type.
The Senate passed a bill that would modify the law requiring parental notification of abortions performed on unemancipated minors.
The bill, HB 2002, had been advanced with the right to amend. Health Chair Tom Takubo, R-Kanawha, amended the bill on behalf of the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee to make changes regarding certain term definitions, the time period for notifications and the waiver process.
Senator Corey Palumbo, D-Kanawha, proposed an amendment to the Health amendment that would restore a “tightened,” revised physician waiver option to the bill, rather than only offering a judicial waiver in the bill. The amendment was rejected, since most senators felt it would overcomplicate the waiver procedure. Those who supported the bill said it would simply provide more support and protection for girls who may be better benefitted by a physician’s opinion on parental notification.
The Senate refused to concur with House amendments to Senate Bills 202 and 621, which will now be sent back to the House.
The Senate amended House amendments to Senate Bills 116, 134, 333, 441 and 606 and Senate Joint Resolution 6 to be sent back to the House for concurrence.
The Senate refused to recede their amendments to Senate Bills 172, 204, 224 and 554 and House Bills 2329, 2579 and 2585. All bills, except for SB 172, were then referred to conference committees to reconcile differences between the Senate and House on the bills.
The Senate is in recess until 2 p.m. this afternoon.
