The Senate convened at 11:00 AM today to discuss Senate Concurrent Resolution 4. The purpose of this resolution is to urge Congress to hold a convention of the states, under the authority given to the states in Article V of the Constitution. This convention would propose an amendment to the Constitution to create term limits for those elected to the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives.
The presentation of the resolution sparked an hour-long debate in the Senate concerning the possible ramifications of such an action. Some expressed concern about the potential undermining of the Constitution due to the amendment, while others posed the argument that doing so under Article V is to exercise the freedom of the states under the Constitution. Others argued that allowing this could open a Pandora’s box and change multiple parts of the Constitution. After much deliberation, the resolution was adopted, and will advance to the House for further consideration. Should the resolution be approved in the House, West Virginia would be the 16th state to adopt the resolution, out of the 38 states required to approve it.
The Senate also passed two bills on third reading to advance to the House. The first of these bills is SB 307, which simply corrects internal citations of the WV code relating to certain tax liens. SB 322 also passed, which clarifies the prequalifications of state contract vendors.
Senate bills 192 and 297 were read for the second time, and after amendments correcting technical language, will be up for a vote tomorrow.
The Senate also approved Senate Resolution 11, which designates January 22nd as Disability Advocacy Day. The Senate held a brief recess for the presentation of this resolution.
Senate bills 575-597 were introduced and referred to the appropriate committees.
The Senate is adjourned until 11:00 AM tomorrow.
The Senate Committee on Agriculture will meet at 2:00 PM in room 208W.
The Senate Pensions Committee will meet at 2:00 PM in room 451M.
The Senate Finance Committee will meet at 3:00 PM in room 451M.
The Senate Judiciary Committee will meet at 3:00 PM in room 208W.
The Senate Select Committee on Children and Families will meet at 10:00 AM tomorrow in room 208W.
