The Senate met briefly at Noon to convene the Second Special Session of 2017.
The body accepted the resignations of Ronald Miller and Mike Hall. They are replaced by Senators Stephen Baldwin (D- Greebrier) and Mark Drennan (R -Putnam) respectively.
The Governor called the special session to deal with issues regarding Department of Highways hiring following the approval of the road bond. There are also plans to exempt veterans’ retirement income from personal income tax.
The Senate is in recess until 2 p.m.
UPDATE:
On Monday afternoon, the Senate suspended the constitutional rules to quickly pass Senate Bill 2002, which allows certain tax information to be shared with designated DOH employee. This legislation is intended to ensure contractors on winning state highway bids are in good standing on their taxes.
Senate Bill 2003 , which implements special hiring procedures for the Department of Highways and Tax Divisions, was read a first time. The legislation is intended to expidite hiring, particularly for auditors to keep an eye on road project financing and taxes.
The Senate has adjourned until Tuesday at Noon.
