Senate in Session (Senate Chamber) [Source] Translate

The meeting began with the Senate coming to order, and the Senator from Lewis requested consent to return to the fifth order of business, which was granted without objection. The select committee on school choice reported on several bills: - Senate Bill 644, which requires the state treasurer to participate in the federal tax credit scholarship program, was recommended to pass as a committee substitute. - Senate Bill 966, changing requirements for homeschool instruction, was also recommended to pass. - Senate Bill 1017, establishing a Charter School Direct Loan Program and Charter School Credit Enhancement Program, was recommended to pass but was referred to the Committee on Finance under the original double committee reference. The Senator from Lewis then requested to return to the fourth order of business, which was also granted without objection. The Committee on Finance reported on several bills: - Senate Bill 63, Creating Sustaining Opportunities for Academics and Rural Schools Act. - Senate Bill 141, Increasing West Virginia Natural Resources Police Officer Retirement System accrued benefit for certain members. - Senate Bill 194, updating the definition of disabled veteran taxpayer. - Committee substitute for Senate Bill 714, relating to the practice of veterinary medicine. All were recommended to pass. The Senator from Lewis requested immediate consideration for Senate Bills 63, 141, 194, and 714, but there were objections. The bills were read for the first time and advanced. The Committee on Banking and Insurance reported on Senate Bill 725, Creating First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account Act, recommending it pass but referred to the Committee on Finance. The Committee on Agriculture reported on Senate Bill 898, valuing certain buildings used solely for agricultural purposes, also recommending it pass and be referred to Finance. The Committee on Banking and Insurance reported on Senate Bill 954, relating to health insurance for living organ donors, recommending it pass. The Senator from Lewis requested immediate consideration, but there was an objection. The bill was read for the first time and advanced. The Committee on Finance reported on Senate Bill 1065, reforming licenses related to the sale of alcohol, recommending it pass. The Committee on Pensions reported on Senate Bill 1074, allowing newly hired emergency medical vehicle operators to participate in the EMS retirement system, recommending it pass and be referred to Finance. The Committee on Banking and Insurance reported on Senate Bill 1082, relating to the authority of the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency to investigate and prosecute fraudulent acts, recommending it pass. The Senator from Wood requested it be referred to the Committee on Judiciary due to criminal penalties, which was granted without objection. The Senator from Lewis moved to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m. Announcements were made regarding committee meetings for Education and Government Organization. The Senate was then adjourned.