As of 4:00 p.m. Wednesday April 3, 2013, 1164 bills have been introduced in the House and 143 bills have been passed. A sample of the bills passed by the House this week:
House Bill 2108 would make failure to wear a safety belt a primary offense. Any person in violation of this bill would be fined $25.
House Bill 2513 would improve enforcement of drugged driving offenses. Anyone who drives a motor vehicle in this state, by doing so, implies consent to a “preliminary breath analysis and a secondary chemical test of either his or her blood, breath, or urine for the purposes of determining the controlled substance and drug content of his or her blood”.
House Bill 2521 relates to the West Virginia Contraband Forfeiture Act. This bill would create an alternative method for forfeiture of “moneys, securities, negotiable instruments, conveyances and other personal property” through an quicker process.
House Bill 2357 relates to sexting by minors. This bill would establish an educational diversion program to be put in place of prosecuting a minor for sexting. Minors engaged in transferring sexually explicit photos of themselves or others through the use of computers of interactive wireless communication devices would be required to attend this program.
House Bill 2548 would increase criminal penalties for assault and battery against athletic officials. If a person recommits a battery offense the penalty would be a jail confinement of between 10 days and 12 months, increased from 24 hours to 30 days. A fine of $100-$500 would also be due.
House Bill 2550 would add a criminal offense for receiving materials portraying minors in sexually explicit conduct. It would increase the fines and penalties upon first conviction, enforce penalties for second or subsequent sentences or if a first offender had been previously convicted for an early sexual offense.
House Bill 2563 would reduce the daily administrative time required of school counselors and increase the time spent counseling at-risk students. It would increase their time with at-risk students from 75% to at least 90%. It would also require that at-risk students be included in this direct counseling in addition to other pupils.
House Bill 2571 would revise the qualifications to serve on the Environmental Quality Board. It would authorize those who have received a substantial portion of income from state departments and agencies that are NPDES permit holders or applicants to serve on the board.
House Bill 2727 relates to the school aid formula. This bill would restrict school bus systems to use either compressed natural gas or propane as an alternative fuel.
House Bill 2759 relates to the standards for emergency medical service personnel. It states no fee can be charged for EMT certification or re-certification. It also states an applicant whose certification has lapsed for more than 6 months may be required to complete a cognitive and skills examination prior to renewing their certificate.
House Bill 2766 would create the “West Virginia Winner” program. This program would help promote healthy and active lifestyles for West Virginians. It would be composed of athletic competitions and cultural events around the state.
House Bill 2787 would allow for family court judges and magistrates to carry concealed handguns without a permit.
House Bill 3145 would take away the existing maximum quantities of beer that a retailer may sell for consumption off premises.
House Bill 3163 would require all debt obligations of the West Virginia parkways authority to be satisfied by February 1, 2020. It would remove tolls on turnpikes when the bonds obtained by those tolls are fulfilled.
