As of 4 p.m., Wednesday, January 17, 2007, the eighth day of the 2007 Regular Session, 123 bills have been introduced in the Senate. A sampling of those bills include:
Senate Bill 1 would prohibit the sale of candy- or fruit-flavored cigarettes. This restriction would apply to any flavoring not associated with tobacco, with the exception of menthol. Any vendor convicted of selling such cigarettes would be guilty of a misdemeanor, which carries a $500 fine on the first offense and a $1000 to $5000 fine and/or a maximum six-month jail sentence on subsequent offenses.
Senate Bill 18 would require the Public Employees Insurance Agency and Medicaid to cover testing for chronic kidney disease. This coverage would be limited to those who have diabetes, hypertension or a family history of kidney disease.
Senate Bill 25 would require elected and appointed municipal officials to attend municipal meetings unless the member is ill or a quorum is not needed to conduct business. A member who fails to show up to two or more consecutive meetings that require a quorum could be compelled to show up if a majority of the other members vote to file a writ of mandamus. An absent member could also be removed from office, subject to existing state law.
Senate Bill 27 would create a commission for a Drug-Free West Virginia. This commission would oversee the planning, coordinating and evaluation of local drug abuse programs. The commission would be comprised of 20 members who have an interest in eliminating the use of drug and alcohol in WV.
Senate Bill 29 would give a personal income tax exemption to volunteer fire department members after meeting the requirements of a performance-based point system. The member would receive a $100 tax reduction after one year of service and, after five years of service, would be eligible for a $500 reduction.
Senate Bill 33 would eliminate parole for certain parolees. Specifically, any person who has had his or her parole revoked three times would no longer be eligible for parole. The person would be forced to serve out the remainder of his or her sentence.
Senate Bill 41 would provide a one-time $1200 pay increase for civilian employees of the State Police who have been employed for a minimum of three years. The raise would go into effect July 1.
Senate Bill 45 would allow financial assistance to correctional officers who volunteer to move to a regional jail that is understaffed.
Senate Bill 49 would require insurance companies to provide coverage for acupuncture treatments. A licensed acupuncturist must administer these treatments.
Senate Bill 52 would lower the sales tax on food to 3 percent after June 30, 2007. By June 30, 2008, the food tax would be completely repealed.
Senate Bill 58 would apply the consumer sales and service tax to commercial laundries and linen and garment services. Such businesses would be considered manufacturing activities for the purposes of the tax.
Senate Bill 64 would expand the West Virginia Route 2 and Interstate 68 Authority to include Cabell, Mason and Jackson counties. Each of these counties, through their county commissions, would be able to appoint two voting members to the Authority. Currently, the Authority consists of two members each from Wood, Pleasants, Tyler, Wetzel, Marshall, Ohio, Brooke, Hancock, Marion and Monongalia counties.
Senate Bill 70 would penalize contractors and subcontractors who employ workers without the proper state credentials. The penalty for such action would be fines, the partial revoking of contracting license or complete revoking of said contractor’s license.
Senate Bill 74 would establish at least a session of three days for primitive deer hunting season. During this time, hunters could buy a primitive hunting license. Primitive weapons will be determined by the Director of Natural Resources.
Senate Bill 77 would allow the Attorney General to charge companies or other entities for selling gasoline, heating oil or any other motor fuels for more than 10 percent above its market price. Violators of this provision would be subject to a fine of less than $1,000, up to one year in jail or both.
Senate Bill 78 would legalize and regulate the sale of fireworks in the state. The bill would require citizens to take a fireworks safety class and purchase a $20 permit to be allowed to buy and detonate explosive fireworks.
Senate Bill 100 would require school employees to be reimbursed for mileage cost when they use their personal vehicle for school business. The school employees would be given the same reimbursement that state employees are given when they use their personal vehicles for work-related matters.
Senate Bill 103 would prohibit drivers from using cellular phones that require to only have one hand in control of the vehicle. This provision does not include drivers using speakerphones or headsets. The driver may be given a citation, but no points will be assigned to the driver’s license.
Senate Bill 108 would require a defendant who was deemed financially stable to pay for jailing fees for up to 30 days. Unlike current law, a hearing would be held at or before sentencing to determine his/her ability to pay.
Senate Bill 123 would prohibit drivers from driving in the passing lane of roads with a speed limit of 65 miles per hour or more, unless the driver is passing a car, turning left or is not able to safely merge into the right lane of traffic. Anyone who violates this would be subject to a maximum fine of $50.
