The Senate convened at 9:30 a.m to pass several pieces of legislation prior to the the committee of the whole.
Sen. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, urged passage of Senate Bill 72 which would create a Sexual Assault Victims’ Bill of Rights. Woelfel rose to inform his fellow Senators on the specific workings of the proposed bill which would include the right to have a personal representative of choice to accompany a victim of assurances throughout the medical process, the right to receive a medical evaluation, the right to be informed by investigators of any test results, as well as many more.
According to the Senator, the bill is intended to help battle the annual average of one in six of the state’s girls falling victim to sexual assault, as well as the one in 22 boys who also fall victim as well.
Senate Bill 149 would exempt certain veterans from carrying concealed weapons license fees and Senate Bill 243 would require racetracks to participate in the WV Thoroughbred Development Fund.
House Bill 2351 relates to regulating prior authorizations.
The Senate also introduced Senate Bills 468 through 484.
– Senate Bill 468 would eliminate the requirement for schools be closed on election days.
– Senate Bill 470 would provide for periodic payment of verdict awards under Medical Professional Liability Act .
