Source: http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bulletin_Board/2007/RS/s_journal/sdj-45th%20day.htm
Timestamp: 2018-01-17 22:51:18
Document Index: 250881606

Matched Legal Cases: ['§17', '§61', '§33', '§31', '§31', '§61', '§44', '§5', '§5', '§9', '§33', '§33', '§33', '§33', '§33', '§18', '§18', '§18', '§18', '§18', '§18', '§22', '§61', '§61', '§47', '§47', '§47', '§11', '§11', '§11', '§11', '§18', '§18', '§18', '§3', '§3', '§3', '§3', '§3', '§3', '§3', '§3', '§3', '§3', '§3', '§3', '§3', '§3', '§22', '§22', '§22', '§22', '§22', '§22', '§22', '§22', '§22', '§5', '§5', '§5', '§5', '§5', '§5', '§5', '§5', '§5', '§5', '§17', '§31']

Charleston, W. Va., Friday, February 23, 2007
Prayer was offered by the Reverend Michael Seely, First Presbyterian Church, Parkersburg, West Virginia.
Pending the reading of the Journal of Thursday, February 22, 2007,
A message from The Clerk of the House of Delegates announced that that body had receded from its amendment to, and the adoption as amended by deletion, of
Eng. House Bill No. 2568--A Bill to amend and reenact §17G-2-3 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to extending the sunset provision regarding racial profiling analysis by two years.
Eng. Com. Sub. for House Bill No. 2748--A Bill to amend and reenact §61-3-49 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; relating to the receipt and transfer of scrap metal; imposing of additional reporting and record retention requirements for certain purchasers of nonferrous metal or steel railroad track and track material; clarifying procedure by which law enforcement officers authority may take custody of items made of such metals upon reasonable belief that a crime had been committed; providing for the inspection of records and materials by investigators employed by public utilities and railroads; providing for the return of such metals under certain conditions; and increasing criminal penalties for violations.
Eng. Com. Sub. for House Bill No. 2764--A Bill to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-12-37, relating to criminal history checks for applicants for insurance producer licenses; defining terms; requiring applicants to submit to criminal history records checks; authorizing Insurance Commissioner to establish and collect fees; requiring the Insurance Commission to transmit requests to the State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation; requiring certain records be confidential; exempting certain information from disclosure pursuant to subpoena or discovery; and authorizing Insurance Commissioner to promulgate emergency and legislative rules.
Eng. Com. Sub. for House Bill No. 2776--A Bill to amend and reenact §31-17-1 and §31-17-11 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, all relating to defining a loan originator to include individuals working for licensees the majority of whose business consists of brokering; and permitting the commissioner to enter into information sharing agreements with other mortgage regulators
Eng. Com. Sub. for House Bill No. 2932--A Bill to amend and reenact º61-2-29 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend said code by adding thereto four new sections, designated º61-2-29a, º61-2-29b, º61-2-29c and §61-2-29d, all relating to protecting incapacitated persons and the elderly; defining terms; increasing the penalty for abuse or neglect; establishing offenses and penalties for death by refusal or failure to supply necessities; establishing the offenses and penalties for death by abuse or neglect; and establishing offenses and penalties for sexual assault and abuse.
Eng. House Bill No. 3018--A Bill to amend and reenact §44-1- 14a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to limiting the duplication of publication costs in the administration of certain estates.
House Concurrent Resolution No. 11--Requesting that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance authorize the study of the effects of underground injection of coal slurry on human health and the environment.
Whereas, The effects of the underground injection of coal slurry may present serious environmental questions; therefore, be it
(1)An analysis of the chemical composition of coal slurry, including an inventory of organic and inorganic compounds;
(2)A hydrogeological study of the migration of coal slurry or its constituent contaminants from injection wells into the ground waters or surface waters of West Virginia;
(3)A toxicological analysis of the effects of the coal slurry and its constituents on human health;
(4)An epidemiological study of the effects of coal slurry and its constituents on public health in communities where it is determined that coal slurry or its constituents have migrated into ground waters currently or historically used for domestic purposes;
(5)An environmental assessment of the effects on surface water and aquatic ecosystems of the migration of coal slurry or its constituents into surface waters; and
(6)Any other considerations that the Department of Environmental Protection and the Bureau for Public Health deem to be important; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Environmental Protection and the Bureau for Public Health ensure through multiple sampling dates and locations that the resulting data identify possible regional variation in the contents of coal slurry; and collect samples of sufficient quantity to provide testable quantities; and, be it
Referred to the Committee on Energy, Industry and Mining; and then to the Committee on Rules.
House Concurrent Resolution No. 35--Requesting the Joint Standing Committee on Pensions and Retirement study the effects of the contested merger between the Teachers' Defined Contribution Retirement System and the State Teachers Retirement System.
Whereas, Providing a stable retirement system assists the state in the retention and recruitment of dedicated and hard- working teachers and education service personnel; and
Senators McCabe, Foster and Unger offered the following resolution:
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 46--Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study sustainable funding methods to conserve land important to West Virginia's natural resources and economy.
Whereas, The State of West Virginia's rural character, natural wonders, scenic beauty and recreational opportunities combine to create an exceptional quality of life for its citizens; and
Whereas, West Virginia's landscapes serve to support vibrant timber and agricultural industries and draw tourists from around the world; and
Whereas, West Virginia's lands provide all West Virginians hunting, fishing, rafting, hiking and other recreational opportunities important to their health and well-being; and
Whereas, West Virginia's lands are critical to the continued health of the state's wildlife habitats which are some of the richest places on earth for freshwater fish, deciduous trees and other types of plants and animals found only in the Appalachians. West Virginia's Wildlife Conservation Action Plan, mandated by Congress and accepted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, recognizes that habitat loss is a key issue confronting conservation of the state's valuable fish and wildlife resources; and
Whereas, West Virginia is lagging behind land conservation investments made by over 40 other states, including large investments in adjoining states, and a lack of sustainable funding for conserving West Virginia's lands threatens the very resources that contribute to West Virginia's quality of life; and
Whereas, Repeated polling shows that more than two thirds of West Virginia voters support public spending to help preserve forests, mountains and natural areas in West Virginia; therefore, be it
That the Legislature hereby requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study sustainable funding methods to conserve land important to West Virginia's natural resources and economy; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study potential funding mechanisms and sustainable sources of revenue to support the conservation of West Virginia's unique natural resources and important lands that provide economic, health, environmental and other quality of life benefits of the forests, farmlands, natural areas, wildlife habitat, rivers, streams and other open spaces of West Virginia; and, be it
Senators Bailey, McCabe, Edgell, McKenzie, Oliverio, Stollings, Unger, Kessler and Hunter offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 36--Remembering President Lyndon B. Johnson for his efforts to uplift the poor and downtrodden of America through his "War on Poverty".
Whereas, Forty years ago in his first State of the Union address, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a "War on Poverty" just weeks after succeeding to the White House upon the assassination of President John F. Kennedy; and
Whereas, President Johnson's "War on Poverty" led Congress to pass the Economic Opportunity Act and establish the Office of Economic Opportunity to administer the local application of federal funds targeted against poverty; and
Whereas, President Johnson's "War on Poverty" resulted in the creation of such important programs as Head Start, food stamps, work study, Medicare and Medicaid which still exist today; and
Whereas, The programs initiated through President Johnson's "War on Poverty" brought about reduced poverty rates and improved living standards for America's poor; and
Whereas, In recent times the issue of poverty in America has assumed a less prominent role in the national agenda and the living standards of America's poor have stagnated or declined; and
Whereas, It is in this context that we remember President Johnson's "War on Poverty" and we look to his great charge as a reminder that there is still much to do in our country to alleviate the scourge of poverty; therefore, be it
That the Senate hereby remembers President Lyndon B. Johnson for his efforts to uplift the poor and downtrodden of America through his "War on Poverty"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum.
Senate Resolution No. 37--Encouraging colleges and universities adopt an Academic Bill of Rights.
Whereas, The central purposes of a college or university are the pursuit of truth, the discovery of new knowledge through scholarship and research, the study and reasoned criticism of intellectual and cultural traditions, the teaching and general development of students to help them become more creative individuals and productive citizens of a constitutional republic and the transmission of knowledge and learning to a society at large; and
Whereas, Free inquiry and free speech within the academic community are indispensable to the achievement of the central purposes of a university; and
Whereas, Academic freedom is most likely to thrive in an environment of intellectual diversity that protects and fosters independence of thought and speech; and
Whereas, It has long been recognized that intellectual independence means the protection of students and faculty members from the imposition of any orthodoxy of a political, ideological or religious nature; and
Whereas, To secure the intellectual independence of faculty members and students, protect the principles of academic freedom, promote intellectual diversity and support the pursuit of knowledge and truth as a fundamental purpose of the college or university, the Senate strongly recommends that public colleges and universities in the State of West Virginia create and adopt an Academic Bill of Rights; therefore, be it
That the Senate hereby encourages colleges and universities adopt an Academic Bill of Rights; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Higher Education Policy Commission, the president of every public college and university in this state, the Governor and the Attorney General.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 45, Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance reconstitute Select Committee A on Children, Juveniles and Other Matters.
Eng. Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 18, Requiring third party reimbursement for kidney disease screening.
On the passage of the bill, the yeas were: Bailey, Barnes, Boley, Bowman, Caruth, Chafin, Deem, Edgell, Facemyer, Foster, Green, Hall, Helmick, Hunter, Jenkins, Kessler, Love, McCabe, McKenzie, Minard, Oliverio, Plymale, Prezioso, Sprouse, Stollings, Sypolt, Unger, Wells, White, Yoder and Tomblin (Mr. President)--31.
Absent: Fanning, Guills and Sharpe--3.
So, a majority of all the members present and voting having voted in the affirmative, the President declared the bill (Eng. Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 18) passed.
Eng. Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 18--A Bill to amend and reenact §5-16-7 and §5-16-9 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §9-5-20; to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-15-4i; to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-16-3s; to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-24-7i; to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-25-8g; and to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-25A-8h, all relating to modifying required insurance benefits; modifying required benefits for public employees insurance, accident and sickness insurance, group accident and sickness insurance, hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, dental service corporations, health service corporations, health care corporations and health maintenance organizations; requiring insurance policies and medical benefit plans to include certain coverages when medically appropriate and consistent with relevant national guidelines; requiring coverage from Medicaid for testing for chronic kidney disease; public education of providers on management of chronic kidney disease; defining diagnostic criteria for chronic kidney disease; ensuring the Public Employees Insurance Agency will continue and maintain medical and prescription drug coverage for Medicare-eligible retired employees; and providing that if a Medicare/Advantage Prescription Drug Plan should fail, the Public Employees Insurance Agency will take all Medicare-eligible retired employees back into the existing Public Employees Insurance Agency plan or provide another plan of equal or better coverage.
Eng. Senate Bill No. 149, Repealing code section relating to Child Assessment or In-State Placement Fund.
So, a majority of all the members present and voting having voted in the affirmative, the President declared the bill (Eng. S. B. No. 149) passed with its title.
Eng. Senate Bill No. 207, Providing fine for violating terms of bond.
So, a majority of all the members present and voting having voted in the affirmative, the President declared the bill (Eng. S. B. No. 376) passed with its title.
Eng. Senate Bill No. 388, Relating to medical support provisions in child support orders.
So, a majority of all the members present and voting having voted in the affirmative, the President declared the bill (Eng. S. B. No. 388) passed with its title.
Eng. Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 479, Authorizing county commissions expend funds to repair certain orphan roads.
So, a majority of all the members present and voting having voted in the affirmative, the President declared the bill (Eng. Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 479) passed with its title.
Eng. Senate Bill No. 484, Finding and declaring certain claims against state.
On this question, the yeas were: Bailey, Barnes, Boley, Bowman, Caruth, Chafin, Deem, Edgell, Facemyer, Foster, Green, Hall, Helmick, Hunter, Jenkins, Kessler, Love, McCabe, McKenzie, Minard, Oliverio, Plymale, Prezioso, Sprouse, Stollings, Sypolt, Unger, Wells, White, Yoder and Tomblin (Mr. President)--31.
On third reading, coming up in regular order, with the right having been granted on yesterday, Thursday, February 22, 2007, for amendments to be received on third reading, was reported by the Clerk.
On pages five through seven, section eighteen-b, by striking out all of subsection (f) and inserting in lieu thereof a new subsection (f), to read as follows:
(f) Dedication of tax to highways. -- All tax collected under the provisions of this section, after deducting the amount of any refunds lawfully paid, shall be deposited in the "road fund" in the State Treasurer's office and used only for the purpose of construction, reconstruction, maintenance and repair of highways, and payment of principal and interest on state bonds issued for highway purposes: Provided, That notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, any tax collected on the sale of aviation fuel, after deducting the amount of any refunds lawfully paid, shall be deposited in the State Treasurer's office and transferred to the State Aeronautical Commission to be used for the purpose of matching federal funds available for the reconstruction, maintenance and repair of public airports and airport runways: Provided, however, That if, upon completion of a study relating to the feasibility of the planning, development, construction and operation of the intermodal facility at Prichard, West Virginia, the Public Port Authority concludes that the planning, development, construction and operation of the intermodal facility is sustainable, and notwithstanding any provision of the code to the contrary, up to four million three hundred thousand dollars of all tax collected, annually, under the provisions of this section from the motor fuel excise tax on special fuels used in railroad locomotives after deducting the amount of any refunds lawfully paid shall be deposited in the special fund hereby created and established in the State Treasury and designated as Special Railroad and Intermodal Enhancement Fund and transferred to the Public Port Authority. The money deposited in the fund shall be used only for the purpose of construction, reconstruction, maintenance and repair of railways, the construction of railway- related structures and payment of principal and interest on state bonds issued for railway purposes, as approved by the Public Port Authority: Provided further, That the Public Port Authority is hereby authorized to promulgate rules pursuant to article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code to implement the provisions of this subsection. The study relating to the feasibility of planning, development, construction and operation of an intermodal facility at Prichard, West Virginia, shall not be considered completed pursuant to this section until the study has been completed by the Public Port Authority. Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection to the contrary, all provisions of this subsection relating to requiring the deposit of moneys in the Special Railroad and Intermodal Enhancement Fund shall expire on the thirtieth day of June, two thousand sixteen.
The question being "Shall Engrossed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill No. 569 pass?"
So, a majority of all the members present and voting having voted in the affirmative, the President declared the bill (Eng. Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 569) passed with its title.
Thereafter, at the request of Senator Jenkins, and by unanimous consent, the remarks by Senator Plymale regarding the passage of Engrossed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill No. 569 were ordered printed in the Appendix to the Journal.
Eng. Senate Bill No. 589, Expanding powers and duties of Director of Personnel.
Eng. Senate Bill No. 596, Requiring municipal elections' personnel participate in training.
On the passage of the bill, the yeas were: Bailey, Barnes, Boley, Bowman, Caruth, Chafin, Deem, Edgell, Facemyer, Foster, Green, Hall, Helmick, Hunter, Jenkins, Kessler, Love, McCabe, McKenzie, Minard, Oliverio, Plymale, Prezioso, Sprouse, Stollings, Sypolt, Unger, Wells, White and Tomblin (Mr. President)--30.
Eng. Senate Bill No. 611, Relating to Division of Natural Resources' long-term contracts with third parties.
Eng. Senate Bill No. 613, Relating to crossbow restrictions.
So, a majority of all the members present and voting having voted in the affirmative, the President declared the bill (Eng. S. B. No. 613) passed with its title.
So, a majority of all the members present and voting having voted in the affirmative, the President declared the bill (Eng. Com. Sub. for H. B. No. 2791) passed with its title.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 66, Relating to WV Community Corrections Fund.
On page twenty-five, section three, line thirty-two, after the word "default" by inserting a comma, striking out the remainder of the subdivision and inserting in lieu thereof the words "as permitted by subdivision (1) of this subsection, or that the remedy is contrary to law or not proper or available at law, the administrative law judge may deny the default, or modify the remedy to be granted to comply with the law or otherwise make the grievant whole.";
On page twenty-five, section three, line forty, by striking out the words "prior to" and inserting in lieu thereof the words "at or before";
On page twenty-nine, section three, lines one hundred twenty- seven through one hundred twenty-nine, by striking out the words "The chief administrator may allow witnesses during a conference or hearing if a request is made by a party to bring one or more witnesses." and inserting in lieu thereof the following: At level one, the chief administrator may call witnesses and may allow parties to call witnesses during a conference or hearing upon request.
The bill (Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 442), as amended, was then ordered to engrossment and third reading.
On page nine, section twelve, line twenty-seven, by striking out the word "relative" and inserting in lieu thereof the word "relevant";
On page nine, section twelve, line thirty-two, after the word "dealer" by changing the period to a colon and inserting the following proviso: Provided, That a new motor vehicle dealer of the same line-make within the affected relevant market area shall not be permitted to bring such an action if the proposed relocation site would be further from the location of the new motor vehicle dealer of the same line-make than the location from which the dealership is being moved.
The bill (Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 601), as amended, was then ordered to engrossment and third reading.
On page twelve, section five, line one hundred eighty-one, after the word "act" by changing the semicolon to a period and inserting the following: "The indicators for student progress in reading and mathematics in grades kindergarten through second grade shall be measured by the informal assessment established by the West Virginia Department of Education or other assessments, as determined by the school curriculum team. If the school fails to meet adequate yearly progress in reading or mathematics for two consecutive years, the county superintendent, the school principal and the school curriculum team shall decide whether a different assessment should be used to verify that benchmarks are being met. If the county superintendent, the school principal and the school curriculum team differ on what assessment is used, then each entity shall have one vote;".
The bill (S. B. No. 657), as amended, was then ordered to engrossment and third reading.
(S. B. No. 142), Providing penalty for illegally possessing, possessing with intent to distribute or distributing an iodine matrix.
(S. B. No. 205), Clarifying violations of protective orders.
(S. B. No. 360), Extending time local levying bodies may meet.
Senate Bill No. 23, Providing corporate tax credit for certain qualified health insurance policies.
At the request of Senator Prezioso, unanimous consent being granted, the bill (S. B. No. 23) contained in the preceding report from the Committee on Health and Human Resources was taken up for immediate consideration, read a first time, ordered to second reading and, under the original double committee reference, was then referred to the Committee on Finance.
At the request of Senator Bowman, as chair of the Committee on Government Organization, unanimous consent was granted to dispense with the second committee reference of the bill contained in the foregoing report from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
At the request of Senator Unger, unanimous consent being granted, the bill (S. B. No. 64) was taken up for immediate consideration, read a first time and ordered to second reading.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 95 (originating in the Committee on Education), Relating to requiring county boards of education make available certain training to teachers' aides.
Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 95 (originating in the Committee on Finance)--A Bill to amend and reenact §18-20-2 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; to amend and reenact §18A-4-8a of said code; and to amend and reenact §18A-5-8 of said code, all relating to requiring county boards of education to make certain training available to all regularly employed teachers' aides; increasing the pay grade for autism mentors; and, subject to other provisions, prohibiting an aide or autism mentor from transferring to another position after the fifth day prior to the beginning of the instructional term.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 650 (originating in the Committee on Education), Relating to school bus transportation schedules.
And reports back a committees substitute for same with the following title:
Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 650 (originating in the Committee on Finance)-- A Bill to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §18-5-48; and to amend and reenact §18-9D-2 and §18-9D- 16 of said code, all relating to time levels for bus routes of students in grades prekindergarten through five; providing for the establishment, maintenance and adherence to schedules for one-way bus transportation time levels under normal weather operating conditions; prohibiting the creation of new bus routes in the wake of a closure or consolidation of an existing school facility in which the travel time levels for students in certain grades exceed certain levels; allowing for county school boards to seek a waiver from the prohibition from the State Board of Education and the School Building Authority; defining certain terms; and providing that the School Building Authority and State Board of Education cannot approve any facilities plan until it approves any waiver requested by a county board.
Senate Bill No. 337, Establishing greenhouse gases inventory program.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 337 (originating in the Committee on Energy, Industry and Mining)--A Bill to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §22-5-19, relating to the establishment of a program to inventory emissions, reductions and carbon sequestrations of greenhouse gases; creating a voluntary registry for the reporting of voluntary reductions of greenhouse gas emissions if the reductions are made before they are required by law; providing public recognition of voluntary reduction or avoidance of greenhouse gases; providing definitions; and providing consideration of the reductions under future federal greenhouse gas emission reduction programs.
Senate Bill No. 622, Including theft of oil, natural gas, telecommunications service or solid waste service as crimes against property.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 622, (originating in the Committee on Energy, Industry and Mining)--A Bill to amend and reenact §61-3-45 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §61-3-59, all relating to the theft of oil, natural gas, water, telecommunications, electric and solid waste service; and providing criminal penalties.
Senator Hunter requested unanimous consent that the bills (Com. Sub. for S. B. Nos. 337 and 622) contained in the preceding report from the Committee on Energy, Industry and Mining be taken up for immediate consideration.
On motion of Senator Hunter, the bills (Com. Sub. for S. B. Nos. 337 and 622) were each taken up for immediate consideration, read a first time, ordered to second reading and, under the original double committee references, were then referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
At the request of Senator Helmick, unanimous consent being granted, the bill (S. B. No. 406) contained in the preceding report from the Committee on Finance was taken up for immediate consideration, read a first time and ordered to second reading.
Senate Bill No. 498, Relating to liquefied petroleum gas-consuming equipment and appliances.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 498 (originating in the Committee on Government Organization)--A Bill to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new article, designated §47-10A-1, §47-10A-2 and §47-10A-3, all relating to liquefied petroleum gas-consuming equipment and appliances and the business of selling at retail, supplying, handling or transporting certain types of liquefied petroleum gas; requiring certification of design, construction and performance of domestic and commercial liquefied petroleum gas-consuming equipment and appliances; requiring installation of liquefied petroleum gas-consuming appliances, equipment or other components of a liquefied petroleum gas delivery system in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer of the appliance, equipment or component; prohibiting the alteration, modification, maintenance or repair of liquefied petroleum gas-consuming appliances, equipment or other components of a liquefied petroleum gas delivery system unless done in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer; providing protections from liability for persons engaged in the business of selling at retail, supplying, handling or transporting liquefied petroleum gas for acts in which they did not participate; requiring compliance by any person who installs, fuels, maintains or services any fuel gas system to a one- or two-family dwelling; and providing exemption for the owner of a single-family dwelling who resides in such dwelling.
At the request of Senator Bowman, unanimous consent being granted, the bill (Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 498) contained in the preceding report from the Committee on Government Organization was taken up for immediate consideration, read a first time, ordered to second reading and, under the original double committee reference, was then referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Senate Bill No. 527, Allowing health insurance personal income tax deduction.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 527 (originating in the Committee on Health and Human Resources)--A Bill to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §11-21-12h, relating to allowing a federal adjusted gross income deduction for the amount spent on health insurance; and defining terms.
At the request of Senator Prezioso, unanimous consent being granted, the bill (Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 527) contained in the preceding report from the Committee on Health and Human Resources was taken up for immediate consideration, read a first time, ordered to second reading and, under the original double committee reference, was then referred to the Committee on Finance.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 541 (originating in the Committee on Education), Relating to public school finance.
Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 541 (originating in the Committee on Finance)--A Bill to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §11-1C-5b; to amend and reenact §11-8-6f of said code; to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §11- 21-23; to amend and reenact §18-9A-2 and §18-9A-11 of said code; and to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §18-9A-2a, all relating to public school finance; requiring local share to be calculated assuming properties are being assessed at sixty percent of market value; eliminating the one-percent limit on revenue generated by the regular school board levy; freezing the school board levy rates at their current rate; amending "growth county" definition and clarifying what new property values to include for the purposes of the Growth County School Facilities Act; increasing state aid to financially impacted counties and counties assessing at a minimum of fifty-seven percent of market value by reducing the percentage used to calculate levies for general current expense purposes; providing for a refundable property tax credit for real property taxes paid in excess of a certain percent of income; requiring that a library funding obligation created by special act be paid from certain funds; limiting a library funding obligation; allowing, under certain conditions, a transfer of the library funding obligation so that the obligation is paid from excess levy revenues; and voiding the library funding obligation under certain conditions .
Senate Bill No. 606, Distributing application for absentee voting by electronic mail.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 606 (originating in the Committee on the Judiciary)--A Bill to amend and reenact §3-3-5 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to absentee voting; providing that the application for absentee voting may be distributed and returned by electronic mail; providing procedures for distribution and return of absentee ballots by electronic mail; providing for distribution and return by facsimile of ballots for an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter; and providing procedures for tabulating facsimile ballots.
Senate Bill No. 607, Providing elected political party executive committee members' term of office.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 607 (originating in the Committee on the Judiciary)--A Bill to amend and reenact §3-1-9 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to political party executive committees; requiring clerk of county commission to report election of members of and vacancies on executive committees; establishing definite terms of office for executive committee members; providing time after election of executive committee members for holding organizational meeting; changing time to fill vacancies on executive committees; setting time for submission of changes in executive committee membership to the Secretary of State; removing deadline for chair of executive committee to fill vacancies; and providing for chair of state executive committee to fill vacancy on district executive committee where chair of county executive committee fails to fill vacancy.
Senate Bill No. 619, Relating to election day procedures and preparation.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 619 (originating in the Committee on the Judiciary)--A Bill to amend and reenact §3-1-34 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend and reenact §3-4A-16 and §3-4A-30 of said code, all relating to election day procedures and preparation; providing for handicapped individuals to vote on election day; providing that clerks must assure voter privacy by placement of voting devices and/or booths; and providing for sufficient space and notice of precinct consolidation.
Senate Bill No. 713, Relating to campaign finance filings.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 713 (originating in the Committee on the Judiciary)--A Bill to amend and reenact §3-8-1a, §3-8-2, §3-8-2b, §3-8-3, §3-8-4, §3-8-5, §3-8-5a, §3-8-5b and §3-8- 5e of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, all relating to campaign finance filings; defining terms; setting value for in-kind contributions; permitting a political committee created by a membership organization to solicit contributions only from its members; requiring expedited filings of independent expenditure filings within fifteen days of election; requiring certain independent expenditures to be filed as electioneering communications; lowering the threshold of electioneering communications to be reported fifteen days prior to an election; modifying requirements for political committee treasurers of candidates from offices larger than one county; modifying the reporting periods; requiring certain information for contributions in excess of two hundred fifty dollars; clarifying that details of third-party expenditures must be filed; requiring electronic filing for statewide candidates; and clarifying where campaign finance reports are filed.
Now on second reading, having been read a first time and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary on February 20, 2007;
At the request of Senator Hunter, unanimous consent being granted, the bill (S. B. No. 667) contained in the preceding report from the Committee on Military was taken up for immediate consideration, read a first time, ordered to second reading and, under the original double committee reference, was then referred to the Committee on Finance.
At the request of Senator Unger, unanimous consent being granted, the bill (S. B. No. 669) contained in the preceding report from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure was taken up for immediate consideration, read a first time, ordered to second reading and, under the original double committee reference, was then referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senate Bill No. 679, Relating to Water Resource Protection and Management Act.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 679 (originating in the Committee on the Judiciary)--A Bill to amend and reenact §22-26-1, §22-26-2, §22-26-3, §22-26-5 and §22-26-6 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend said code by adding thereto four new sections, designated §22-26-7, §22-26-8, §22-26-9 and §22-26-10, all relating to the Water Resources Protection and Management Act; establishing legislative findings; defining certain terms; continuing the water resources survey; continuing mandatory registration of certain water users; requiring reports to the Legislature; requiring development of county, regional and state water resources plans; setting forth powers and duties of the Secretary of Department of Environmental Protection with regard to development of water resources plans; creating county water resources boards and establishing powers and duties; creating regional water resources planning commissions and establishing powers and duties; establishing criteria for state, regional and county water resources plans; authorizing development of critical area water resources plans; and establishing criteria for critical area water resources plans.
At the request of Senator Kessler, unanimous consent being granted, the bill (Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 679) contained in the preceding report from the Committee on the Judiciary was taken up for immediate consideration, read a first time and ordered to second reading.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 681 (originating in the Committee on Finance)--A Bill to repeal §5E-1-6, §5E-1-7, §5E-1-17 and §5E-1-22 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; to repeal §5E-2-5 of said code; and to amend and reenact §5E-1-1, §5E-1-2, §5E-1-4, §5E-1-5 and §5E-1-8 of said code, all relating generally to West Virginia Capital Company Act; renaming the act the Community Redevelopment Act; eliminating authority to grant tax credits to capital companies, economic development and technology advancement centers and West Virginia business development corporations; modifying declaration of policy; removing, deleting, amending or adding definitions of certain terms; allowing tax credits to be awarded to certified West Virginia small business investment companies and certified community development venture capital funds; extinguishing authority of Economic Development Authority to promulgate legislative rules relating to economic development and technology advancement centers; authorizing the Department of Commerce to promulgate rules to measure the economic and social impacts of the investments; requiring the authority to prepare an annual report on the economic and social impacts of the investments; specifying amount of tax credits that may be awarded in the aggregate and to any one company of fund; specifying internal dates; and repealing obsolete language.
At the request of Senator Helmick, unanimous consent being granted, the bill (Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 681) contained in the preceding report from the Committee on Finance was taken up for immediate consideration, read a first time and ordered to second reading.
Senate Bill No. 738, Requiring WV Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority present proposed toll revision to Joint Committee on Government and Finance.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 738 (originating in the Committee on Government Organization)--A Bill to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §17-16A-6a, relating to the West Virginia Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority; requiring the authority to report a proposed toll or a toll revision to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance; and requiring the Legislature to vote on the proposed toll or a toll revision.
At the request of Senator Bowman, unanimous consent being granted, the bill (Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 738) contained in the preceding report from the Committee on Government Organization was taken up for immediate consideration, read a first time, ordered to second reading and, under the original double committee reference, was then referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senate Bill No. 744, Creating Highway Corridor Infrastructure Assistance Program.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 744 (originating in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure)--A Bill to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §31-15A-25, relating to infrastructure planning for new roads; and creating a Highway Corridor Infrastructure Assistance Program.
At the request of Senator Unger, unanimous consent being granted, the bill (Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 744) contained in the preceding report from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure was taken up for immediate consideration, read a first time, ordered to second reading and, under the original double committee reference, was then referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 15, Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the effects of coal slurry.
Com. Sub. for Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 15 (originating in the Committee on Energy, Industry and Mining)-- Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study effects of underground injection of coal slurry on human health and the environment.
Whereas, The effects of the underground injection of coal slurry may present serious public health and environmental questions; therefore, be it
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the effects of underground injection of coal slurry on human health and the environment; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Environmental Protection and the Bureau for Public Health shall jointly design and conduct, or contract to have conducted, a comprehensive study on the effects of underground injection of coal slurry, including the following:
(3)An analysis of the effects of the coal slurry and its constituent contaminants on human health;
(4)A study of the effects of coal slurry and its constituent contaminants on public health in communities where it is determined that coal slurry or its constituent contaminants have migrated into ground waters currently or historically used for domestic purposes;
(5)An environmental assessment of the effects on surface water and aquatic ecosystems of the migration of coal slurry or its constituent contaminants into surface waters; and
Further Resolved, That the Department of Environmental Protection and the Bureau for Public Health ensure, through multiple sampling dates and locations, that the resulting data identify possible regional variation in the contents of coal slurry and collect samples of sufficient quantity to provide testable quantities; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Environmental Protection shall submit its findings for evaluation by the Bureau for Public Health and report to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance on its findings, conclusions and recommendations on or before December 31, 2007; and, be it
Further Resolved, the Bureau for Public Health report to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance on its findings, conclusions and recommendations on or before December 31, 2008; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Environmental Protection and the Bureau for Public Health prepare and submit a request to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance setting forth the anticipated time necessary to conduct each phase of the study and, if any funds in addition to the current amounts appropriated to the Department of Environmental Protection and the Bureau for Public Health may be necessary to carry out the study required herein, a specific proposal for additional funds; and, be it
The resolution (Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 15), under the original double committee reference, was then referred to the Committee on Rules.
Remarks were made by Senators Hall, Sypolt and Bowman.
Thereafter, at the request of Senator Caruth, and by unanimous consent, the remarks by Senators Hall and Sypolt were ordered printed in the Appendix to the Journal.
On motion of Senator Chafin, leaves of absence for the day were granted Senators Fanning, Guills and Sharpe.
On motion of Senator Chafin, the Senate adjourned until Monday, February 26, 2007, at 11 a.m.