Floor Session [Source] Translate

The meeting commenced with a call to order and a prayer led by Pastor Randy Burdett, accompanied by John Burdett signing in American Sign Language. The prayer emphasized guidance for state leaders and unity in service to the people of West Virginia. Following the prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The journal from the previous meeting was approved without objection. Various groups were introduced, including ninth graders from Oak Hill High School and students from Cabell County for the Youth and Government Program. Reports from committees included the Judiciary Committee recommending passage for several bills: House Bill 4603 on pre-adjudicatory alternative dispositions, House Bill 4656 on chronic absenteeism, and House Bill 5341 to create a domestic violence registry. The Education Committee reported on House Bill 4693 regarding community and technical education teaching positions and House Bill 4591 recognizing school athletic directors with national certification. The Government and Organization Committee reported on House Bill 4663 to repeal special licensing requirements for multi-vendor fairs. The Energy and Public Works Committee discussed House Bill 4537 on water and sewer service applications and House Bill 5511 concerning payments to County Board of Education employees' estates. Executive messages included the appointment of Betsy Kelly as a delegate to fill a vacancy. Senate messages regarding various bills passed by the Senate were referred to appropriate committees. House Resolution 18 was introduced to recognize the West Virginia 82nd Airborne for winning Chapter of the Year. The reading of resolutions was dispensed with, and they were referred to committees. The meeting included a discussion on Senate Bill 207, which clarifies sheriff's compensation for tax collection, reinstating the requirement for county commission approval. The bill passed with 94 votes in favor, 0 against, and 6 members absent. House Bill 4599, concerning the West Virginia CARES background check variance process, was discussed and passed with 94 votes in favor, 0 against, and 6 members absent. House Bill 4638, allowing individuals to register as organ donors when updating voter registration, passed with 88 votes in favor, 5 against, and 7 members absent. House Bill 4712, known as Bailey's Law, increasing penalties for DUI causing death, passed with 95 votes in favor, 0 against, and 5 members absent. House Bill 4765 proposed a pay raise for teachers and state police, passing with 95 votes in favor, 0 against, and 5 members absent. House Bill 4990 addressed crimes related to gift cards, passing with 95 votes in favor, 0 against, and 5 members absent. The committee substitute for Senate Bill 256 was discussed, authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate legislative rules. An amendment regarding fair market value in land valuation was adopted without debate. An amendment concerning the Water Quality Standards Rule 47-CSR-2, addressing selenium levels, was debated but ultimately rejected. Senate Bill 309, authorizing the Department of Transportation to promulgate legislative rules, and Senate Bill 640, prohibiting the release of certain personal information of political campaign contributors, were discussed. An amendment to protect the address and employer information of campaign treasurers was adopted, while another amendment regarding employer information for donors was debated but not adopted. The meeting included testimony about harassment faced by individuals due to their association with political figures, emphasizing the need for privacy in political donations. The discussion on transparency in elections continued, but no additional amendments were adopted. House Bill 4355 proposed a new hunting license stamp for upland game birds, with amendments adopted to exempt lifetime license holders and allow individuals not hunting in designated areas to avoid purchasing the stamp. The meeting advanced several bills related to financial aid for post-secondary education and criminal records in professional licensing. Introductions were made for guests, and announcements regarding upcoming committee meetings were shared. The session concluded with a motion to adjourn until the following day.