Numerous Senate and House Bills were featured on first reading during Thursday’s Senate floor session.
The hefty agenda comes before the Senate as the legislature approaches cross over day on Feb. 27.
Prior to first reading, six bills were passed by members of the body during third reading. Senate Bills 340, 344, 402, 510 and 635, in addition to House Bill 2324, will now be reported to the House for consideration.
When reviewing Senate Bill 635, Sen. William Ihlenfeld, D-Ohio, moved to amended the legislation on third reading. Following the Senator’s explanation of the amendment, which would ultimately move to charge individuals who trespass on the state’s coal mines with a felony, the body adopted the amendment and the bill unanimously passed.
If passed, the bill, which relates to coal mining activities, would be effective upon passage.
Senate Bill 613, which would require the DNR to include the election of organ donation on hunting licenses, was the only bill to be featured on second reading and received no amendments.
The body also recognized two resolutions prior to readings. Senate Resolution 55 recognized Mike Webb for more then 50 years of dedicated public service, while Senate Resolution 56 reaffirmed the sister-state relationship between West Virginia and Taiwan.
The following committees will be meeting today:
- The Senate Energy Committee will meet at 1 p.m. in 208W.
- The Senate Committee for Health and Human Resources will meet at 2 p.m. in 451M.
- The Senate Education Committee 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 meet at 3 p.m. in 208W.
The following committees will meet tomorrow:
- The Senate Finance Committee will meet at 9 a.m. in 451M.
- The Senate Judiciary Committee will meet at 9 a.m. in 208W.
- The Senate Committee for Natural Resources will meet half hour following floor session tomorrow in 208W.
Following recess, the Senate reconvened to read two bills for a first time.
- Senate Bill 541 which would establish priorities for expenditures for plugging abandoned gas or oil wells.
- Senate Bill 543 relating generally to automobile warranties and inspections.
