A bill which would establish a specialized military court was unanimously passed by the Senate during Wednesday’s floor session.
Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, rose to discuss Senate Bill 40, potentially legislation which would establish a Military Service Members Court program similar to a program which was disbanded in 2017. According to the Senator, the bill would right the wrongful closure of the previous program due to a false statement which described a lack of funding for the program.
The court would work similarly to the state’s court system while also providing specialized treatment programs to service members who have violated the law.
Weld stated that court would greatly impact the state’s veterans, many of who suffer with post traumatic stress disorder. National average shows that 20 service members take their life every day due to the effects of PTSD.
Following passage of the bill, the body reviewed Senate Bills 47, 153, 285, 291, 296, 345, 405, 461, 481 and House Bill 2446; all pieces of legislation were passed.
- Senate Bill 153 would provide greater flexibility for making infrastructure project grants.
- Senate Bill 296 would provide a 11-month window to permit members of PERS to purchase credited service.
The Senate took Senate Resolution 41, which recognizes the WV Kids Cancer Crusaders for their dedication and commitment to battling childhood cancer, under consideration. Senator Glen Jefferies, D-Putnam, rose in support of the resolution and urged passage by the body.
Prior to readings, three pieces of unfinished business were referred to committees following the introduction of Senate Bills 591 through 604.
- Senate Bill 597 would conform state law to federal law for registration of appraisal management companies.
- Senate Bill 600 relating to the preservation and disposal of biological evidence.
The following committees will meet today:
- The Senate Committee for Agriculture Development will meet at 2 p.m. in 208W.
- The Senate Committee for Pensions will meet at 2 p.m. in 451M.
- The Senate Finance Committee will meet at 3 p.m. in 451M.
- The Senate Judiciary Committee will met at 3 p.m. in 208W.
The following committees will meet tomorrow:
- The Senate Committee Transportation and Infrastructure will meet at 9:30 a.m in 451M.
- The Senate Committee for Health and Human Resources will meet at 1 p.m. in 451M.
- The Senate Education Committee will meet at 2 p.m. in 451M.
