Floor Session [Source] Translate

The meeting began with a prayer by Commissioner of Corrections David Kelly and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Delegate Phillips. The journal from the previous session was approved without further reading. Introductions included former Delegate Danielle Walker and members of the Black Lung Association. The House recognized Corrections Day 2026, honoring individuals from the corrections community, including Deputy Commissioner Marvin Plumley and Assistant Commissioner Shelby Saros. Special pages from local schools were introduced, and West Virginia Professional Educators Day was acknowledged. The committee reported on several bills. House Bill 4563, requiring EasyPass transponders to be registered to individuals, passed with 91 votes in favor. House Bill 4537, mandating municipalities to act on water and sewer service applications, also passed with 91 votes. House Bill 4591, recognizing school athletic directors with national certification, passed with 88 votes. House Bill 4603, establishing a pre-adjudicatory alternative disposition process for abuse and neglect cases, passed unanimously with 96 votes. House Bill 4656, addressing chronic absenteeism with a focus on preventive interventions, was discussed and recognized for needing further debate. A committee substitute for House Bill 4656 passed with 96 votes, removing criminal penalties for chronic absenteeism for 18-year-olds and providing wraparound services. House Bill 4663, which repealed the requirement for a special license for multi-vendor private fairs and festivals, passed unanimously. House Bill 4799 established a cold case task force within the West Virginia State Police and passed unanimously. House Bill 4842 amended laws regarding civil remedies for unauthorized disclosure of intimate images, adding sexual extortion, and passed unanimously. House Bill 4850 required the West Virginia State Bar to provide free online educational materials for estate executors by 2028, passing unanimously. House Bill 5341 created a domestic violence offender registry for individuals convicted of domestic violence against intimate partners, passing unanimously. A constituent's proposal regarding protective orders was discussed, leading to support for a bill aimed at preventing similar situations, which passed with 96 votes in favor. The title of the bill was amended and adopted. Other bills related to budget, education, health, and public safety were advanced, including an amendment regarding funding for electric substations for industrial parks, which sparked debate. Multiple bills were advanced without amendments, including those related to drug screening for TANF applicants and driving under the influence. Leaves of absence were granted for several delegates. The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and a motion to adjourn until the following day at 11 a.m., which was adopted.