Senate in Session (Senate Chamber) [Source] Translate

The meeting began with a prayer by Pastor Dick Corbin and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Senate journal from February 21, 2026, was approved. Several honorary pages and guests, including nurses and doctors, were recognized for their service. No communications from the House or executive were reported, and there were no committee reports. Senate Bill 1063 through Senate Bill 1079 were introduced and referred to appropriate committees. Resolutions included Senate Resolution 46, designating February 24, 2026, as West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation Day, and Senate Resolution 45, designating February 23, 2026, as West Virginia American Academy of Pediatrics Child Health Advocacy Day, which was adopted after discussion on the importance of children's health advocacy. The Senate passed several bills on third reading, including Senate Bill 59, which updated voter eligibility and residency requirements, and Senate Bill 558, which addressed school bus safety violations. Senate Bill 705 created the offense of theft by conversion, while Senate Bill 886 permitted prescribed fire control on private property without a burning permit. Senate Bill 913 repealed the annual report requirement for the West Virginia Research Trust Fund, and Senate Bill 925 ensured Future Farmers of America activities do not count toward excused absence limits. Senate Bill 927 was ordered to lie over for one day, and House Bill 4088, updating the Practice Act for certified public accountants, was passed unanimously. Further discussions included Senate Bill 54, establishing penalties for the abuse and neglect of incapacitated adults, and Senate Bill 402, the Workforce Readiness and Opportunity Act, both advancing without amendments. Senate Bill 669 was amended to require written publication of PSC decisions for transparency. Senate Bill 672 and Senate Bill 749 were discussed, with an amendment to Senate Bill 749 being rejected. Other bills, including Senate Bill 792 and Senate Bill 795, advanced without amendments. Senate Bill 862 repealed the Addiction Treatment Pilot Program, and Senate Bill 888 created the Judicial Deference Reform Act. Senate Bill 935 was postponed for one day, while Senate Bill 944 and Senate Bill 945 were advanced after amendments. The meeting included remarks from various senators. The Senior Senator from the 13th district highlighted the positive impact of Senate Bill 35 on campus safety. The Junior Senator from the 15th reported on a listening session regarding Child Protective Services, emphasizing the importance of feedback for upcoming bills. Concerns about job losses in the coal industry were raised by several senators, stressing the economic impact and the need for support for coal jobs. The Senator from Raleigh discussed the Hope Scholarship's positive effects on families with dyslexic children and expressed concerns over potential changes to the scholarship. The meeting concluded with announcements regarding committee meetings and a vote to recess until 4:30 p.m.