WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE
SENATE JOURNAL
SEVENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE
REGULAR SESSION, 2006
SIXTEENTH DAY
____________
Charleston, W. Va., Thursday, January 26, 2006
The Senate met at 11 a.m.
(Senator Tomblin, Mr. President, in the Chair.)
Prayer was offered by Dr. James E. Lutz, First Baptist Church
of Hurricane, Hurricane, West Virginia.
Pending the reading of the Journal of Wednesday, January 25,
2006,
On motion of Senator Hunter, the Journal was approved and the
further reading thereof dispensed with.
The Senate proceeded to the second order of business and the
introduction of guests.
At the request of Senator Chafin, and by unanimous consent,
the provisions of rule number fifty-four of the Rules of the
Senate, relating to persons entitled to the privileges of the
floor, were suspended in order to grant First Lady Gayle Manchin
privileges of the floor for the day.
The Senate proceeded to the third order of business.
A message from The Clerk of the House of Delegates announced
the passage by that body and requested the concurrence of the
Senate in the passage of
Eng. House Bill No. 2329--A Bill to amend and reenact
§61-11A-4 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating
to authorizing a court to order a defendant to contribute
monetarily or through hours of service to a local crime victim's
assistance program or juvenile mediation program which meets
certain requirements.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
A message from The Clerk of the House of Delegates announced
the passage by that body and requested the concurrence of the
Senate in the passage of
Eng. Com. Sub. for House Bill No. 2448--A Bill to amend the
Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new
section, designated §61-3-59, relating to criminal offenses
involving the theft of mail matter.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and then to the
Committee on Finance.
A message from The Clerk of the House of Delegates announced
the passage by that body and requested the concurrence of the
Senate in the passage of
Eng. Com. Sub. for House Bill No. 3212--A Bill to amend and
reenact §61-5-27 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended,
relating to the crimes of intimidation or retaliation against
informants; establishing a misdemeanor offense for first offense
intimidation of an informant; establishing felony for second and
subsequent offense of intimidation of an informant; establishing
the felony offense of retaliation against an informant; defining "informant" for the purposes of these offenses; and establishing
related criminal penalties.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and then to the
Committee on Finance.
A message from The Clerk of the House of Delegates announced
the passage by that body and requested the concurrence of the
Senate in the passage of
Eng. Com. Sub. for House Bill No. 3213--A Bill to amend the
Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new
section, designated §61-2-16a, relating to creating crimes against
common carriers; and providing penalties.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and then to the
Committee on Finance.
A message from The Clerk of the House of Delegates announced
the passage by that body, to take effect from passage, and
requested the concurrence of the Senate in the passage of
Eng. Com. Sub. for House Bill No. 4021--A Bill to amend the
Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new
section, designated §5-16-6a; to amend said code by adding thereto
a new article, designated §16-5U-1, §16-5U-2, §16-5U-3, §16-5U-4,
§16-5U-5, §16-5U-6, §16-5U-7 and §16-5U-8; to amend said code by
adding thereto a new article, designated §16-5V-1, §16-5V-2,
§16-5V-3, §16-5V-4, §16-5V-5, §16-5V-6, §16-5V-7, §16-5V-8,
§16-5V-9 and §16-5V-10; to amend said code by adding thereto a new
article, designated §16-29G-1, §16-29G-2, §16-29G-3, §16-29G-4,
§16-29G-5, §16-29G-6, §16-29G-7 and §16-29G-8; and to amend said code by adding thereto a new article, designated §33-15D-1, §33-
15D-2, §33-15D-3, §33-15D-4, §33-15D-5, §33-15D-6, §33-15D-7, §33-
15D-8, §33-15D-9 and §33-15D-10, all relating to health care
availability and access by requiring the finance board of the
Public Employee Insurance Agency to analyze the value of
transferring retirees to a Medicare Advantage Plan from both the
benefits and cost saving perspective; identifying findings by the
Legislature, establishing guidelines for health care reform,
establishing goals for health care reform, establishing a process
for attaining health care goals, establishing a schedule and
benchmarks for attaining health care goals including establishing
a pilot program for participating health care clinics and private
medical practitioners to provide primary and preventive health
services for a prepaid fee; establishing dates for providing
primary and preventive care to all citizens of the state;
establishing a basic health care package for all citizens of the
state after certain benchmarks are reached; establishing goals and
creating a commission on health care reform, defining its
membership, establishing responsibilities, creating the authority
to hire necessary staff, creating the Appalachian State Health Plan
to provide health care coverage to the citizens of the state,
establishing an advisory committee to work with the Health Care
Authority and establishing specific requirements; establishing the
West Virginia Health Information Network by establishing its
purpose, establishing the members of the network, its powers and
duties, an account to receive funds and disperse funds, protection from liability, property rights, rules, resolution of disputes,
privacy and protection of information; establishing individual
limited health benefits insurance plans focusing on preventive and
primary care services; declaring legislative intent; requiring
approval of plans by Insurance Commissioner; providing eligibility
requirements for individuals; setting forth statutory or regulatory
provisions that do not apply to such plans; providing underwriting
standards; establishing criteria for filing and approval of premium
rates; requiring certification of creditable coverage; authorizing
Insurance Commissioner to promulgate emergency rules; mandating
disclaimer on policies; exempting plans from premium taxes;
providing for severability; and providing rule of construction.
At the request of Senator Chafin, and by unanimous consent,
reference of the bill to a committee was dispensed with, and it was
taken up for immediate consideration, read a first time and ordered
to second reading.
A message from The Clerk of the House of Delegates announced
the passage by that body and requested the concurrence of the
Senate in the passage of
Eng. House Bill No. 4069--A Bill to amend and reenact §18B-16-
6b of the Code of West Virginia, 1931 as amended, relating to
continuation of the Rural Health Advisory Panel.
Referred to the Committee on Government Organization.
The Senate proceeded to the fourth order of business.
Senator Bowman, from the Committee on Government Organization,
submitted the following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Government Organization has had under
consideration
Senate Bill No. 7, Establishing Flood Protection Planning Act.
And reports back a committee substitute for same with the
following title:
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 7 (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 §29-29-1, §29-29-2, §29-29-3, §29-29-4, §29-29-5 and
§29-29-6, all relating to state flood protection planning;
providing legislative findings; defining terms; establishing the
State Flood Protection Planning Council and authorizing certain
duties; establishing State Flood Protection Planning Advisory
Committee and setting forth its duties; and reporting to the Joint
Legislative Oversight Commission on Water Resources.
With the recommendation that the committee substitute do pass;
but under the original double committee reference first be referred
to the Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted,
Edwin J. Bowman,
Chair.
At the request of Senator Helmick, as chair of the Committee
on Finance, unanimous consent was granted to dispense with the
second committee reference of the bill contained in the foregoing
report from the Committee on Government Organization.
Senator Kessler, from the Committee on the Judiciary, submitted the following report, which was received:
Your Committee on the Judiciary has had under consideration
Senate Bill No. 51, Eliminating one-year residency requirement
for name change for certain persons.
And reports back a committee substitute for same with the
following title:
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 51 (originating in the Committee
on the Judiciary)--A Bill to amend and reenact §48-25-101 of the
Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to permitting
persons to file for a name change who were born in, married in and
previously were residents in the county for at least fifteen years
where the petition is brought.
With the recommendation that the committee substitute do pass.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeffrey V. Kessler,
Chair.
Senator Edgell, from the Committee on Agriculture, submitted
the following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Agriculture has had under consideration
Senate Bill No. 113, Creating personal property tax exemption
for farm equipment and livestock.
And reports the same back with the recommendation that it do
pass; but under the original double committee reference first be
referred to the Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted,
Larry J. Edgell,
Chair.
The bill, under the original double committee reference, was
then referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Kessler, from the Committee on the Judiciary,
submitted the following report, which was received:
Your Committee on the Judiciary has had under consideration
Eng. House Bill No. 4037, Correcting definitions applicable to
the assessment of real property.
And reports the same back with the recommendation that it do
pass; but under the original double committee reference first be
referred to the Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeffrey V. Kessler,
Chair.
The bill, under the original double committee reference, was
then referred to the Committee on Finance.
The Senate proceeded to the sixth order of business.
On motions for leave, severally made, the following bills were
introduced, read by their titles, and referred to the appropriate
committees:
By Senators Kessler, White, Unger and Love:
Senate Bill No. 277--A Bill to amend and reenact §60-3-22a of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to providing
the offense of underage drinking.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Senators Kessler, Minard and Foster:
Senate Bill No. 278--
A Bill to amend the Code of West
Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new article,
designated §5-1F-1, §5-1F-2, §5-1F-3, §5-1F-4 and §5-1F-5, all
relating to the creation of the office of State Energy Coordinator
in the office of the Governor; findings and purposes; power and
duties; definitions; and reports to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.
Referred to the Committee on Government Organization; and then
to the Committee on Finance.
By Senators Prezioso, Bailey, Barnes, Guills, Hunter, Minear,
Caruth, Minard, White, Jenkins, Unger and Foster:
Senate Bill No. 279--
A Bill to amend the Code of West
Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new article,
designated §49-6F-1, §49-6F-2, §49-6F-3, §49-6F-4, §49-6F-5, §49-
6F-6, §49-6F-7, §49-6F-8 and §49-6F-9, all relating to creating the
office of Family and Child Protection Ombudsman; powers and duties
of the office of Family and Child Protection Ombudsman;
qualifications, term of office and salary of the ombudsman;
authority for the ombudsman to hire staff; providing the ombudsman
and staff of the office of Family and Child Protection Ombudsman to
investigate and monitor the Department of Health and Human
Resources' Division of Child Protective Services; access to child
protective services records and information; communication with
children involved in child protective services investigations;
confidentiality of information; immunity from liability; sunset
provision; and defining terms.
Referred to the Committee on Health and Human Resources; and
then to the Committee on Finance.
By Senators Prezioso, Hunter, Sharpe, Caruth, Minard, Dempsey,
Jenkins, Unger, McCabe, Foster, Love and Plymale:
Senate Bill No. 280--
A Bill to amend the Code of West
Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section,
designated §16-5R-7, relating to establishing an Alzheimer's
Disease Registry within West Virginia University to act as a
central information database for policy and planning relative to
Alzheimer's disease.
Referred to the Committee on Finance.
By Senators McCabe, Bowman, Chafin, Helmick, Oliverio,
Plymale, Prezioso, Unger, Facemyer, McKenzie, Minear, Jenkins and
Deem:
Senate Bill No. 281--
A Bill to amend the Code of West
Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new article,
designated §20-15-1, §20-15-2, §20-15-3, §20-15-4, §20-15-5 and
§20-15-6, all relating to creating the All-Terrain Vehicle
Responsibility Act.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure; and then to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Senator Hunter:
Senate Bill No. 282--
A Bill to amend and reenact §29-3-12 of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to requiring
fire inspections for all residential rental properties.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and then to the Committee on Finance.
By Senators Hunter and Unger:
Senate Bill No. 283--A Bill to amend and reenact §18A-4-2 of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to increasing
teachers' salaries by six percent.
Referred to the Committee on Education; and then to the
Committee on Finance.
By Senator Hunter:
Senate Bill No. 284--
A Bill to amend and reenact §61-3-4 of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to deterring
street couch fires by defining fires in public rights-of-way as
arson in the fourth degree with corresponding penalty.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Senator Kessler:
Senate Bill No. 285--
A Bill to amend and reenact §36-8-2,
§36-8-7, §36-8-8, §36-8-12, §36-8-15, §36-8-17 and §36-8-23 of the
Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; to amend said code by
adding thereto three new sections, designated §36-8-5a, §36-8-5b
and §36-8-15a; to amend and reenact §36-8A-4 of said code; and to
amend and reenact §42-1-3c of said code, all relating to unclaimed
property; shortening the abandonment period for stock, for bonds,
mineral proceeds and demutualization proceeds; waiving notary
requirements for unclaimed property reports and requiring holders
to submit electronically; authorizing administrator to require that
holders liquidate securities and report proceeds as unclaimed
property; authorizing administrator to sell safe-deposit box contents through electronic auction or other methods; waiving
notary requirements for claims under five hundred dollars and
limiting administrator's liability for duplicate claims payment;
authorizing any state agency, board or commission owed delinquent
funds by any person to claim that person's property to offset
delinquent amounts owed the agency; applying provisions of the act
to preabandoned property; authorizing administrator to cooperate
with state agencies or with other states to locate property or pay
claims; allowing property with no taker to be administered under
the unclaimed property act; and allowing unclaimed stolen property
to be auctioned electronically or through other methods.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Senators Hunter, Edgell, White and Deem:
Senate Bill No. 286--
A Bill to amend the Code of West
Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section,
designated §7-1-3oo; to amend said code by adding thereto a new
section, designated §8-12-5e; and to amend and reenact §29-22B-402,
§29-22B-403 and §29-22B-1101 of said code, all relating to limited
video lottery; authorizing counties and municipalities to restrict
limited video lottery locations; to freeze the issuance of new
limited video lottery retailer licenses; and to reduce the number
of limited video lottery terminals to four thousand five hundred
through attrition and restrictions on the sale and transfer of
licenses.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and then to the
Committee on Finance.
By Senator Edgell:
Senate Bill No. 287--
A Bill to amend and reenact §7-7-4 of the
Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to prosecuting
attorneys generally; and providing that the prosecuting attorney of
Wetzel County shall serve as a part-time prosecuting attorney
regardless of the classification of the county.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and then to the
Committee on Finance.
By Senators White and Hunter:
Senate Bill No. 288--A Bill to amend and reenact §5-16-2, §5-
16-5 and §5-16-25 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended,
all relating to clarifying that county board of education employees
who work full time for more than thirty consecutive days qualify
for Public Employees Insurance Agency coverage; eliminating the 80-
20 requirement which requires payment of twenty percent of the
aggregate premium by active employees; and increasing the amount
that Public Employees Insurance Agency can have in its reserve fund
from fifteen percent to twenty percent.
Referred to the Committee on Education; and then to the
Committee on Finance.
By Senators Hunter, Dempsey, White and Unger:
Senate Bill No. 289--
A Bill to amend and reenact §61-11A-8 of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend said code
by adding thereto four new sections, designated §61-11A-9, §61-11A-
10, §61-11A-11 and §61-11A-12, all relating to establishing a
Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification System.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and then to the
Committee on Finance.
By Senators White, Barnes, Weeks, Caruth, Hunter and Unger:
Senate Bill No. 290--
A Bill to amend the Code of West
Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new article,
designated §15-13-1 §15-13-2, §15-13-3, §15-13-4, §15-13-5 and
§15-13-6, all relating to the creation and establishment of a crime
victim notification system.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and then to the
Committee on Finance.
By Senators Edgell, Bailey, Dempsey, Facemyer and Guills:
Senate Bill No. 291--
A Bill to amend the Code of West
Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new article,
designated §19-9B-1, §19-9B-2, §19-9B-3, §19-9B-4, §19-9B-5,
§19-9B-6, §19-9B-7, §19-9B-8, §19-9B-9, §19-9B-10, §19-9B-11,
§19-9B-12, §19-9B-13, §19-9B-14, §19-9B-15, §19-9B-16, §19-9B-17,
§19-9B-18, §19-9B-19, §19-9B-20, §19-9B-21, §19-9B-22 and
§19-9B-23, all relating to regulating the sale, possession and
breeding of exotic animals; stating legislative purpose; defining
certain terms; creating Exotic Animal Regulation Board and
Technical Advisory Committee; establishing duties; establishing a
special revenue account and authorizing expenditures; providing
rule-making authority; delineating the jurisdiction of member
agencies; providing owner liable for the cost of care of a seized
exotic animal and bonding requirements; requiring pet shop
registration, renewal and fee; requiring pet shop to keep records and provide certain notification; requiring permit to possess or
breed exotic animal and providing permit application process and
permit requirements; providing for exemptions; requiring
identification number on an exotic animal; establishing caging,
care and treatment requirements; requiring liability insurance;
authorizing certain inspections; providing for denial of a permit;
specifying conditions under which an exotic animal may be seized;
and establishing civil and criminal penalties.
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture; and then to the
Committee on the Judiciary.
By Senators White, Hunter, Sharpe, Dempsey and Unger:
Senate Bill No. 292--A Bill to amend and reenact §5A-3-37 and
§5A-3-37a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, all
relating to providing a two and one-half percent preference on bids
for certain state and local government contracts to resident West
Virginia vendors who qualify for veteran status over nonveteran
resident vendors.
Referred to the Committee on Military; and then to the
Committee on Finance.
By Senator Hunter:
Senate Bill No. 293--
A Bill to amend the Code of West
Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new article,
designated §62-1E-1, §62-1E-2, §62-1E-3, §62-1E-4, §62-1E-5 and
§62-1E-6, all relating to establishing the Eyewitness
Identification Reform Act.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Senators Foster, Sharpe, Dempsey, Jenkins, Hunter, Unger
and Love:
Senate Bill No. 294--
A Bill to amend and reenact §11-21-12 of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to the
reduction of state income taxes for state and federal retirees by
increasing the exemption on retirement income in calculating the
federal gross income for state personal income tax purposes.
Referred to the Committee on Pensions; and then to the
Committee on Finance.
Senators White, Hunter,
Bailey, Barnes, Boley, Bowman, Caruth,
Chafin, Deem, Dempsey, Edgell, Facemyer, Fanning, Foster, Guills,
Harrison, Helmick, Jenkins, Kessler, Lanham, Love, McCabe,
McKenzie, Minard, Minear, Oliverio, Plymale, Prezioso, Sharpe,
Sprouse, Unger, Weeks, Yoder and Tomblin, Mr. President
offered the
following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 7--Recognizing the tragic chain of
events which began January 2, 2006, in the Sago Mine near
Tallmansville, Upshur County.
Whereas, On January 2, 2006, around 6:30 a.m., two crews of
miners entered the Sago Mine, near Tallmansville, Upshur County, to
resume coal production after the New Year's Day holiday. Soon
after, an underground explosion occurred and 13 members of the
first crew were trapped approximately two miles from the mine
entrance and 280 feet from the surface; and
Whereas, Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and methane gas
delayed rescue teams from entering the mine. Crews began to drill in an attempt to monitor air quality in the mine and provide fresh
air to the trapped men; and
Whereas, Family and friends of the missing miners gathered at
a nearby church to pray for their safe return and to comfort each
other as they waited for news of their loved ones; and
Whereas, Shortly after 9 p.m., January 3, 2006, discouraging
news came from the rescue crew that the body of one miner was found
and the fate of the 12 others remained unknown; and
Whereas, Just before midnight January 3, 2006, unconfirmed
reports indicated the remaining 12 miners were found alive.
However, in the early morning hours of January 4, 2006, jubilation
turned to grief when it was reported that 11 of the 12 missing men
had, in fact, perished; and
Whereas, The only survivor, Randal McCloy, Jr., was evacuated
to a West Virginia University hospital for treatment for various
ailments brought on by carbon monoxide poisoning; and
Whereas, Family and friends were devastated at the news of the
deaths of their loved ones, especially after the erroneous reports
that the 12 other miners had survived; and
Whereas, Thomas Anderson, Alva Martin Bennett, Jim Bennett,
Jerry Groves, George Junior Hamner, Terry Helms, Jesse Jones, David
Lewis, Martin Toler, Jr., Fred Ware, Jr., Jackie Weaver and
Marshall Winans, who perished in the Sago Mine disaster, should be
remembered as brave men who died providing not only for their
families, but also providing the nation with energy; and
Whereas, America should be proud of these 13 brave men who placed themselves in the dark and dangerous environment of coal
mining in order to provide fuel for the nation's energy sources;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes the tragic chain of events
which began January 2, 2006, in the Sago Mine near Tallmansville,
Upshur County; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate hereby remembers the brave
men who perished in the Sago Mine disaster and extends its sincere
sympathy to the families of Thomas Anderson, Alva Martin Bennett,
Jim Bennett, Jerry Groves, George Junior Hamner, Terry Helms, Jesse
Jones, David Lewis, Martin Toler, Jr., Fred Ware, Jr., Jackie
Weaver and Marshall Winans; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate hereby expresses hope for
the recovery of Randal McCloy, Jr.; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to the families of the 13 brave West
Virginians involved in the Sago Mine disaster.
At the request of Senator Chafin, unanimous consent being
granted, the resolution was taken up for immediate consideration,
reference to a committee dispensed with, and adopted.
Thereafter, at the request of Senator Love, and by unanimous
consent, the remarks by Senator White regarding the adoption of
Senate Resolution No. 7 were ordered printed in the Appendix to the
Journal.
At the request of Senator Minear, unanimous consent being granted, the remarks by Senator Hunter regarding the adoption of
Senate Resolution No. 7 were ordered printed in the Appendix to the
Journal.
At the request of Senator White, and by unanimous consent, the
remarks by Senator Barnes regarding the adoption of Senate
Resolution No. 7 were ordered printed in the Appendix to the
Journal.
Senators Bowman, Oliverio, Prezioso, Sharpe, White, Hunter,
Minear, McKenzie, Fanning, Plymale, Tomblin (Mr. President),
Jenkins, Helmick, Guills, Minard, Kessler, Foster, Edgell, Sprouse,
Caruth, Dempsey, Unger, Deem, McCabe and Facemyer offered the
following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 8-Expressing appreciation to Ed and Mona
Pastilong for their contributions to West Virginia University and
the State of West Virginia.
Whereas, A graduate of West Virginia University, Ed Pastilong
served as football coach at Scott High School in Madison. He served
as football coach for the Salem College Tigers from 1969 until
1975; and
Whereas, Ed Pastilong joined the athletic department at West
Virginia University in 1976 as a football recruiting coordinator
and later became the scholarship officer. In 1979, he became
Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Operation. He was
promoted to Associate Athletic Director in 1987; and
Whereas, In 1989, he became Director of Athletics at West
Virginia University. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in achieving such goals as West Virginia University's inclusion in
the Big East Conference. He helped develop a plan for West
Virginia University's athletic programs which included a football
indoor practice facility, stadium luxury boxes, a gymnastic
performance center, new soccer fields, a renovated outdoor track
surface, lights for the baseball stadium and new tennis courts. He
has tried to ensure that every student-athlete has the best
athletic, academic and social experience at West Virginia
University; and
Whereas, Ed Pastilong oversees 17 varsity programs,
approximately 500 student-athletes and an annual budget that
exceeds $25 million; and
Whereas, Ed Pastilong is married to his beloved wife Mona
Freeland Pastilong. Ed and Mona Pastilong were both 1961 graduates
of Moundsville High School in Marshall County. They are the proud
parents of two daughters, Kim DeFelice and Amy Richter, and four
grandsons, Michael and Nick DeFelice and Ryan and Shawn Richter;
and
Whereas, A special tribute should be paid to Mona Pastilong
who has supported her husband during his endeavors with West
Virginia University and the State of West Virginia; therefore, be
it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby expresses its appreciation to Ed and
Mona Pastilong for their many contributions to West Virginia
University and the State of West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to Ed and Mona Pastilong.
At the request of Senator Bowman, unanimous consent being
granted, the resolution was taken up for immediate consideration,
reference to a committee dispensed with, and adopted.
Thereafter, at the request of Senator Kessler, and by
unanimous consent, the remarks by Senator Bowman regarding the
adoption of Senate Resolution No. 8 were ordered printed in the
Appendix to the Journal.
On motion of Senator Chafin, the Senate recessed for one
minute.
Upon expiration of the recess, the Senate reconvened and
resumed business under the sixth order.
At the request of Senator Helmick, unanimous consent being
granted, Senator Helmick offered the following resolution from the
floor:
Senate Resolution No. 9-Authorizing the appointment of
employees for the Senate for the two thousand six regular sixty-day
session of the seventy-seventh Legislature and payment of their
compensation.
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Clerk of the Senate, with the approval of the
President of the Senate, be and he is hereby authorized to appoint
employees to receive the per diem compensation, as herein provided,
during this regular sixty-day session of the seventy-seventh
Legislature, and any extension thereof as follows:
Twenty-six Class I secretaries at a rate of sixty dollars to
seventy-four dollars per diem;
Ten Class II secretaries at a rate of sixty-two dollars to
seventy-five dollars per diem;
Nine Class III secretaries at a rate of sixty-four dollars to
sixty-eight dollars per diem;
Six Class IV secretaries at a rate of sixty-six dollars to
seventy dollars per diem;
Six legislative analysts at a rate of fifty-five dollars to
seventy-five dollars per diem;
Twelve legal counselors at a rate of one hundred seventy-five
dollars to two hundred thirty dollars per diem; assignments and
salary to be determined by the President of the Senate;
Two bill and journal clerks to the Senate Clerk at a rate of
sixty-four dollars per diem;
Six proofreaders at a rate of fifty-five dollars to seventy-
two dollars per diem;
One journal room supervisor at a rate of ninety-eight dollars
per diem;
One assistant journal room supervisor at a rate of seventy-two
dollars per diem;
Nine journal and bill room clerks at a rate of fifty-five
dollars to eighty dollars per diem;
One Sergeant at Arms at a rate not to exceed one hundred
fifty-one dollars per diem;
One chief assistant Sergeant at Arms at a rate of sixty-six dollars per diem;
Six assistants to the Sergeant at Arms at a rate of fifty
dollars to sixty-four dollars per diem;
One Doorkeeper at a rate of one hundred twenty dollars per
diem;
One chief assistant Doorkeeper at a rate of sixty-nine dollars
per diem;
Eight assistants to the Doorkeeper at a rate of fifty-four
dollars to sixty dollars per diem;
One information clerk at a rate of fifty dollars per diem
(twenty-five dollars per diem paid by House of Delegates);
Seven messengers at a rate of fifty-three dollars to fifty-
seven dollars per diem;
One head page at a rate of sixty-three dollars per diem;
One assistant head page at a rate of fifty-six dollars per
diem;
One duplicating machine operator at a rate of fifty-five
dollars per diem;
One office assistant at a rate of fifty-nine dollars per diem;
One computer technical assistant at a rate of fifty-seven
dollars per diem;
The Clerk of the Senate, with the written approval of the
President, or the President of the Senate shall have authority to
employ such per diem staff personnel during any session of the
Legislature as shall be needed in addition to staff personnel
authorized by this Senate resolution adopted during any such session. The Clerk of the Senate, with the written approval of the
President, or the President of the Senate shall have authority to
employ such staff personnel between sessions of the Legislature as
shall be needed, the compensation of all staff personnel during and
between sessions of the Legislature, notwithstanding any such
Senate resolution, to be fixed by the President of the Senate. In
all such cases, the Clerk of the Senate, with the written approval
of the President, or the President of the Senate shall have
authority to supervise and dismiss such staff personnel
; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the appointment of salaried full-time
employees of the Senate for the year two thousand six and their
compensation, at the following amounts per month, for such periods
of time as they are employed in the positions designated, is hereby
authorized, as follows:
Clerk $7,416.67
Assistant Clerk 6,083.33
Executive Secretary to the Clerk 2,750.00
Administrative Assistant to the Clerk 4,250.00
Legislative Assistant III 4,270.83
Legislative Assistant III 3,895.83
Legislative Assistant III 3,145.83
Legislative Assistant II 2,708.33
Legislative Assistant II 2,375.00
Legislative Assistant I 2,291.67
Legislative Assistant I 2,000.00
Senate & Joint Committee
Fiscal Officer 4,708.33
Fiscal Officer 3,437.50
Administrative Secretary 2,708.33
Technical Support 2,375.00
Administrative Assistant to the
President 5,187.50
Assistant to the President 3,750.00
Executive Secretary to the President 2,958.33
Secretary to the Majority Leader 2,291.67
Secretary to the Minority Leader 2,166.67
Attorney 6,583.33
Attorney 6,395.83
Attorney 5,979.17
Attorney 5,645.83
Attorney 5,333.33
Attorney 5,291.67
Legislative Analyst I 3,812.50
Legislative Analyst I 3,354.17
Legislative Analyst I 2,833.34
Legislative Analyst 2,666.67
Legislative Analyst 2,270.83
Clerk/Committee Reporter 3,100.00
Committee Support 1,979.17
Secretary/Analyst to the Judiciary
Committee 2,583.34
Secretary to the Judiciary Committee 2,062.50
Secretary to the Finance Chairman 2,750.00
Secretary/Analyst to the Health and Human
Resources Committee 2,333.33
Supervisor, Materials/Supplies 3,312.50
Communications Clerk 2,666.67
Mail/Supply Clerk 2,541.67
Chief Custodian 2,875.00
Custodian 2,062.50
Custodian 1,770.83
The Clerk of the Senate, with the written approval of the
President, or the President of the Senate shall have authority to
employ such full-time staff personnel during any session of the
Legislature as shall be needed in addition to staff personnel
authorized by this Senate resolution adopted during any such
session. The Clerk of the Senate, with the written approval of the
President, or the President of the Senate shall have authority to
employ such staff personnel between sessions of the Legislature as
shall be needed, the compensation of all staff personnel during and
between sessions of the Legislature, notwithstanding any such
Senate resolution, to be fixed by the President of the Senate.
In
all such cases, the Clerk of the Senate, with the written approval
of the President, or the President of the Senate shall have
authority to supervise and dismiss such staff personnel.
At the request of Senator Helmick, unanimous consent being
granted, the resolution was taken up for immediate consideration,
reference to a committee dispensed with, and adopted.
Petitions
Senators Kessler and Edgell presented a petition from Jim
Bostic and numerous West Virginia residents, supporting Senate Bill
No. 91 (Relating to eminent domain).
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
The Senate proceeded to the seventh order of business.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 27, Requesting Division of
Highways name bridge at Pinch, Kanawha County, "Cross Brothers'
Bridge".
On unfinished business, coming up in regular order, was
reported by the Clerk and referred to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 28, Requesting Division of
Highways name bridge at Keyser, Mineral County, "Jonah E. Kelley,
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Memorial
Bridge".
On unfinished business, coming up in regular order, was
reported by the Clerk and referred to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 29, Designating December,
2006, "West Virginia Legislature's Back to School Month".
On unfinished business, coming up in regular order, was
reported by the Clerk and referred to the Committee on Education.
The Senate proceeded to the tenth order of business.
Senate Bill No. 162, Creating Affordable Health Insurance Act.
On first reading, coming up in regular order, was read a first time and ordered to second reading.
Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 164, Creating
preventive care pilot program.
On first reading, coming up in regular order, was read a first
time and ordered to second reading.
The Senate proceeded to the eleventh order of business and the
introduction of guests.
The Senate then proceeded to the twelfth order of business.
Remarks were made by Senators Plymale, Jenkins and Oliverio.
Pending announcement of meetings of standing committees of the
Senate,
On motion of Senator Chafin, the Senate adjourned until
tomorrow, Friday, January 27, 2006, at 11 a.m.
____________