Senate in Session (Senate Chamber) [Source] Translate

The meeting began with a prayer by Dr. Jess Wagner and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Senator Taylor. The Senate journal from February 19, 2026, was approved. Guests included students from various Career Technical Education (CTE) programs across the state. Communications from the House included the passage of several bills, such as House Bill 4599 on background checks, House Bill 4638 on voter registration, and House Bill 4765 concerning pay raises for teachers and school personnel. Reports from standing committees included recommendations for Senate bills related to criminal penalties, workforce readiness, and military service obligations, with many referred to the Committee on Finance. Senator from Lewis requested unanimous consent for the introduction of Senate Bill 1015 through Senate Bill 1037, which was granted. Resolutions introduced included a Taxpayers Bill of Rights Amendment and a study request on the security of West Virginia elections. The third reading of the Engrossed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 243 was discussed, establishing a tax credit for disaster repair and recovery efforts. Eligible taxpayers can claim a credit against the severance tax for disaster-related expenditures, capped at 20% of the severance tax for the year repairs are completed, with a total annual limit of $5 million and a per occurrence cap of $500,000. The bill requires an application to the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection and includes record-keeping requirements, effective January 1, 2026. Senators expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the coal and gas industries' role in recovery efforts. The Senate then discussed Senate Bill 250, the budget bill, appropriating over $21 billion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. Key components included a 10% personal income tax reduction, a 3% average pay raise for state employees, additional funding for the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA), and fully funded Medicaid and higher education funding formulas. The budget also pre-funds the Hope Scholarship for the first time. Senators discussed the fiscal implications, including a $386 million increase in spending and a tax cut offset through an increased vape tax. The budget passed with 33 votes in favor and none against. Further discussions included acknowledgments of former members and the reading of the budget bill. Concerns were raised about prioritizing funding for public schools, with some senators expressing opposition to the tax cut, arguing it would hinder funding for essential services. Others defended the budget, highlighting investments in education and job creation. The meeting concluded with a vote on the budget, which passed with 28 votes in favor and 4 against. A motion was made for the bill to be effective from passage, which passed unanimously. The discussion then shifted to a bill aimed at reducing personal income tax by 10%, with adjustments to vapor product taxes to offset revenue loss. Several bills were passed, including Senate Bill 553, Senate Bill 690, Senate Bill 719, Senate Bill 752, Senate Bill 799, Senate Bill 814, and Senate Bill 828, all receiving significant support. Engrossed Senate Bill 841 appropriating $16,977,752 from the lottery surplus to the Hope Scholarship Program passed with 31 votes in favor. Engrossed Senate Bill 871, appropriating $12,664,710 from the excess lottery surplus to the same program, also passed. Several bills advanced to third reading without amendments, and Engrossed House Bill 4575 was introduced, making a supplemental appropriation to the State Board of Education. An amendment to clarify the appropriation name was adopted. The meeting included first readings of several bills, and a senator shared a personal story about the Hope Scholarship's impact. The meeting concluded with announcements about upcoming committee meetings and a motion to adjourn until the following day at 9 a.m., which was approved.