As of 4 p.m., February 8, 2012, the 29th day of the 80th Legislature’s 2nd Regular Session, 545 bills have been introduced in the Senate. Of those, 12 have passed the Senate this week. 11 will move on to the House for further consideration and one has completed legislative action. Bills passed by the Senate this week include:
Senate Bill 54 would prohibit minors under the age of 16 from obtaining a tattoo. In order for minors age 16 to 18 to obtain a tattoo, the bill would require a parent or legal guardian be present at the tattoo studio. Photo identification as well as written consent also would be required.
Senate Bill 191 would provide for the protection of nonfamily or nonhousehold members who do not qualify for protection under the domestic abuse statute. It would establish procedures for filing petitions and would provide for hearings, entry of orders and contents of orders statewide. It would also establish means of service of process, make proceedings confidential and make rules of evidence applicable to proceedings.
Senate Bill 211 relates to cell phone use while driving and would create a secondary offense of operating a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device without hands-free technology, and a primary offense of texting while operating a motor vehicle.
Senate Bill 360 would grant a personal property purchaser at a foreclosure sale the right of disposal with the provision that proper notice has been given to the original owner.
Senate Bill 414 would add more professions to the definition of “medical services applicant” under the Volunteer for Nonprofit Youth Organizations Act. Additional professions would include practitioners of podiatry, chiropractors, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, practitioners of optometry, pharmacists, professional counselors, practitioners of psychology, radiologic technologists, and social workers.
Senate Bill 427 would amend the corrections law relating to the exhaustion of administrative remedies for inmates’ complaints as a way to bring it into compliance with Federal laws and court opinions.
Senate Bill 429 would expand the definition of Class A vehicles to include larger pickup type trucks registered between 8,000-10,000 pounds and would allow these vehicles to display special license plates and would also allow sheriffs to renew these registrations in their offices. Additionally, the bill would designate class farm trucks as “Class X”.
Senate Bill 436 would facilitate and encourage collaboration between the public school system and public higher education in order to promote programs of study and seamless curricula. The bill would also establish the West Virginia EDGE initiative and the Collaboration Degree Completion Program.
Senate Bill 470 would require teachers to undergo a medical examination showing that they are mentally or physically totally incapacitated for service and that the disability is likely to be permanent in order to be eligible for retirement allowance. This procedure is consistent with current practice by the Consolidated Public Retirement Board.
A Sampling of the Bills Introduced in the Senate
Senate Bill 494 would conform West Virginia code to federal requirements for the provision of Presidential office ballots to registered voters moving from the state.
Senate Bill 518 would prohibit certain persons from being elected or appointed to positions under the laws of the State of West Virginia, adding definitions of “felony” and “under conviction.”
Senate Bill 519 concerns the suspension or revocation of driver’s licenses. The bill would reduce the periods of driving suspension from 90 days down to 30 days for all offenses, with the exception of driving under the influence.
Senate Bill 522 would create the Shale Research, Education, Policy and Economic Development Center at West Virginia University in order to improve efficient development of shale resources, generate and document best practices covering environmental, safety, business and health practices, advance environmental performance and develop effective outreach and engagement of affected communities.
Senate Bill 528 would create the Scrap Metal Theft Prevention Act and would prohibit the possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained scrap metal and would also hold scrap metal dealers accountable by prohibiting the purchase of certain items of scrap metal without proof of lawful possession.
Senate Bill 541 would require proof of U.S. citizenship as one of the prerequisites to obtaining a state license to carry a concealed weapon.
