During floor session on Thursday, the Senate suspended the constitutional rules requiring a bill be read on three separate days, to complete action on two yearly tax update measures that become the first two bills completed during the 2021 Regular Session.
The legislation, House Bill 2358 and House Bill 2359, update the meaning of federal adjusted gross income and federal taxable income as it relates to the West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act and the West Virginia Corporation Net Income Tax Act.
Also on Thursday, the body passed Senate Bill 14, which would provide additional options for alternative certification for teachers and Senate Bill 15, which relates to in-field master’s degrees for teachers.
Senate Bill 15 prohibits teachers from receiving a pay increase “for any education level above A.B. plus 15” unless they have received a master’s degree that directly connects to their field. This would not affect teachers who are currently teaching and have already received a master’s degree, regardless of field.
The intent is to encourage teachers to pursue master’s degrees in the subjects they teach to help strengthen their effectiveness. They would receive a salary increase once the degree is attained.
These bills now head to the House for consideration.
The Senate also introduced 35 bills on Thursday.
The Senate has adjourned until tomorrow, Feb. 19 at 11 a.m.
The Senate has a full committee schedule this afternoon as follows:
Health and Human Resources will meet at 1 p.m. in 451M.
Government Organization will meet at 2 p.m. in 208W.
Education will meet at 2 p.m. in 451M.
Judiciary will meet at 3 p.m. in 208W.
Finance will meet today at 3 p.m. and tomorrow at 9 a.m. in 451M.
