WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE
SENATE JOURNAL
SEVENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE
REGULAR SESSION, 2007
THIRTY-SEVENTH DAY
____________
Charleston, W. Va., Thursday, February 15, 2007
The Senate met at 11 a.m.
(Senator Tomblin, Mr. President, in the Chair.)
Prayer was offered by the Reverend Ray Sexton, Open Arms
Pentecostal Church of God, Huntington, West Virginia.
Pending the reading of the Journal of Wednesday, February 14,
2007,
On motion of Senator Deem, 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.
The Senate then proceeded to the third order of business.
A message from The Clerk of the House of Delegates announced
the concurrence by that body in the passage, to take effect from
passage, of
Eng. Senate Bill No. 360, Extending time local levying bodies
may meet.
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. 2204--A Bill to amend and reenact §8-14-24
of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to
providing that a retiring municipal police officer may keep his or
her service revolver at no charge; and providing exceptions.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
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. 2380--A Bill to amend the
Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new
section, designated §11-15-9i, relating to exempting the purchase
of certain drugs, durable medical goods, mobility enhancing
equipment and prosthetic devices from the consumers sales and
service tax.
Referred 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. 2498--A Bill to amend and
reenact §61-8-9 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and
to amend and reenact §61-8B-1 of said code, all relating to sexual
offenses involving children; enhancing the penalty for indecent
exposure where the victim is a child under the age of fourteen;
increased penalties for second and subsequent offenses; and
expanding the definition of sexual contact to include the touching
of the buttocks.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
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. 2801--A Bill to amend the
Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new
chapter, designated §5H-1-1, §5H-1-2 and §5H-1-3, all relating to
providing a death benefit to the families of firefighters and EMS
personnel who are killed as a result of an injury arising out of
and in the course of performance of official duties or arising out
of any activity on or off duty in the capacity of a firefighter or
EMS provider; establishing an effective date; and establishing the
processes to get the death benefits and the funding source.
Referred 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. House Bill No. 2917--A Bill to amend and reenact §11-15-
16 and §11-21-74 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended,
relating to the accelerated payment of consumers sales and service
tax and personal income tax withholding tax; and eliminating the
requirement for such accelerated payments after a certain date.
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, to take effect from passage, and
requested the concurrence of the Senate in the passage of
Eng. House Bill No. 2988--A Bill to amend and reenact §11-10-4
of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to
administration of taxes; and enacting certain definitions.
Referred 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. House Bill No. 2989--A Bill to amend and reenact §11-10E-
6, §11-10E-8 and §11-10E-9 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as
amended, all relating to certain tax shelters used to avoid paying
state income taxes; clarifying when certain penalties are imposed;
determining when the tax shelter registration number is to be filed
with the Tax Commissioner; and determining when tax shelter
investor lists are to be filed with the Tax Commissioner.
Referred 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. House Bill No. 2990--A Bill to amend and reenact §11-10-
11 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to the
administration of taxes; and providing technical corrections to
assure the proper collection of offset fees.
Referred 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. House Bill No. 2991--A Bill to amend and reenact §11-1-1
of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to the
State Tax Division in the Department of Revenue; and authorizing
the tax commissioner to conduct criminal background checks for
prospective employees.
Referred to the Committee on Government Organization; 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. House Bill No. 2992--A Bill
to amend and reenact §11-27-
11 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to
decreasing the health care provider tax imposed on gross receipts
of providers of nursing facility services; and setting forth
effective date.
Referred to the Committee on Finance.
The Senate proceeded to the fourth order of business.
Senator Helmick, from the Committee on Finance, submitted the
following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Finance has had under consideration
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 68 (originating in the Committee
on the Judiciary), Improving coal mine health and safety.
And reports back a committee substitute for same with the following title:
Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 68 (originating in
the Committee on Finance)--A Bill to amend and reenact §22A-1-15 of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; to amend said code by
adding thereto a new section, designated §22A-2-4a; to amend and
reenact §22A-2-5 of said code; to amend and reenact §22A-7-5 of
said code; to amend said code by adding thereto a new section,
designated §22A-7-7; and to amend said code by adding thereto a new
article, designated §22A-11-1, §22A-11-2, §22A-11-3 and §22A-11-4,
all relating generally to coal mine health and safety; authorizing
Director of the Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training, upon
a finding of imminent danger, to issue closure orders for mines
under certain circumstances; prohibiting the use of a belt conveyor
entry as an intake air course and providing exceptions thereto;
providing requirements for the design, construction and inspection
of seals and the atmospheric monitoring of sealed areas;
prohibiting use of certain seals and providing for requirements for
remediation of existing seals under certain circumstances;
prohibiting the use of bottom mining and providing exceptions
thereto; requiring continuing education for underground mine
foremen-fire bosses and setting course requirements; continuing the
Mine Safety Technology Task Force; legislative findings;
establishing powers and duties of task force; reimbursement; and
task force consultation in approval of safety devices.
With the recommendation that the committee substitute for
committee substitute do pass.
Respectfully submitted,
Walt Helmick,
Chair.
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. 116, Creating criminal offense of voyeurism.
And reports back a committee substitute for same with the
following title:
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 116 (originating in the
Committee on the Judiciary)--A Bill
to amend and reenact §61-8-28
of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to
criminal invasion of privacy generally; adding criminal offense of
voyeurism or unlawful viewing where an individual has an
expectation of privacy; providing misdemeanor penalties; providing
exception for law-enforcement and security surveillance and other
lawful visual portrayals and viewing; and extending criminal
prosecution for a misdemeanor violation of this section to three
years after the date of the offense.
With the recommendation that the committee substitute do pass.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeffrey V. Kessler,
Chair.
Senator Helmick, from the Committee on Finance, submitted the
following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Finance has had under consideration
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 152, Creating Indigent Defense
Commission.
And reports the same back with the recommendation that it do
pass.
Respectfully submitted,
Walt Helmick,
Chair.
Senator Helmick, from the Committee on Finance, submitted the
following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Finance has had under consideration
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 177 (originating in the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure), Creating Division
of Energy.
And reports back a committee substitute for same with the
following title:
Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 177 (originating
in the Committee on Finance)--A Bill to amend and reenact §5B-1-2
of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; to amend and
reenact §5B-2A-1, §5B-2A-3, §5B-2A-4, §5B-2A-5 and §5B-2A-12 of
said code; to amend and reenact §5D-1-4 of said code; to amend and
reenact §5F-2-1 of said code; to amend said code by adding thereto
a new chapter, designated §5H-1-1 and §5H-1-2; and to amend and
reenact §22-3A-7 of said code, all relating to the creation of the
Division of Energy within the Department of Commerce; charging the
Division of Energy to develop energy policies; placing the Office
of Coalfield Community Development within the Division of Energy; creating the position of Executive Director of the Division of
Energy; continuing and reconstituting the West Virginia Public
Energy Authority; charging Executive Director of the Division of
Energy to chair and administer the functions of the Public Energy
Authority; providing executive director acts under the authority of
the Secretary of Commerce; providing the executive director has
authority over the Office of Coalfield Community Development and
the Energy Efficiency Program of the West Virginia Development
Office; providing the Public Energy Authority, the Office of
Coalfield Community Development, executive director and other
public agencies develop an energy policy and development plan and
seek public input thereof; requiring submission of an energy policy
and development plan to the Governor and Joint Committee on
Government and Finance; setting forth matters to be addressed in
the energy policy and development plan; providing that the
executive director shall prepare an energy use database; providing
that the executive director shall promote initiatives to enhance
the nation's energy security; providing that the executive director
shall encourage the development of energy infrastructure and
strategic resources that will ensure the continuity of governmental
operations in situations of emergency, inoperativeness or disaster;
and providing funding for the Division of Energy.
With the recommendation that the committee substitute for
committee substitute do pass.
Respectfully submitted,
Walt Helmick,
Chair.
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. 187, Revising sunset law.
And reports back a committee substitute for same with the
following title:
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 187 (originating in the
Committee on Government Organization)--A Bill
to repeal §4-10-4a,
§4-10-5a, §4-10-5b, §4-10-6a, §4-10-10a, §4-10-11a and §4-10-14 of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend and
reenact §4-10-1, §4-10-2, §4-10-3, §4-10-4, §4-10-5, §4-10-6, §4-
10-7, §4-10-8, §4-10-9, §4-10-10, §4-10-11, §4-10-12 and §4-10-13
of said code, all relating to the West Virginia Performance Review
Act, formerly the West Virginia Sunset Act; clarifying the
legislative findings and definitions; updating the powers and
duties of the Joint Committee on Government Organization; requiring
department presentations; setting department presentation schedule;
establishing a new agency review procedure and schedule;
establishing a new regulatory board review procedure and schedule;
authorizing compliance reviews; clarifying termination procedures;
and providing that agencies do not terminate pursuant to prior
enactments.
With the recommendation that the committee substitute do pass.
Respectfully submitted,
Edwin J. Bowman,
Chair.
Senator Helmick, from the Committee on Finance, submitted the
following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Finance has had under consideration
Senate Bill No. 335, Providing funding for WV Affordable
Housing Trust Fund.
And has amended same.
And reports the same back with the recommendation that it do
pass, as amended.
Respectfully submitted,
Walt Helmick,
Chair.
Senator Helmick, from the Committee on Finance, submitted the
following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Finance has had under consideration
Senate Bill No. 384, Creating Nonnative Species Regulation
Board.
And reports back a committee substitute for same with the
following title:
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 384 (originating in the
Committee on Finance)--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 and §19-9B-15, all relating to regulating the sale, possession and breeding of nonnative animals; defining
certain terms; creating the Nonnative Animals Regulation Board;
establishing powers and 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 seized nonnative
animals; requiring pet shop registration, renewal and fee;
requiring pet shop to keep records and provide certain
notification; requiring identification number on dangerous animals;
establishing caging requirements; requiring liability insurance,
posting of signs and notification of escapes and releases; limiting
public contact; authorizing certain inspections; specifying
conditions under which nonnative animals may be seized; setting
forth exemptions; and establishing civil and criminal penalties.
With the recommendation that the committee substitute do pass.
Respectfully submitted,
Walt Helmick,
Chair.
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. 393, Creating Marketing and Communications
Fund.
And reports back a committee substitute for same with the
following title:
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 393 (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 §5B-1-1a, relating to creating and providing for the
Marketing and Communications Office to be administered by the
Department of Commerce; and special revenue account.
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.
The bill (Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 393), under the original
double committee reference, was then referred to the Committee on
Finance.
Senator Helmick, from the Committee on Finance, submitted the
following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Finance has had under consideration
Senate Bill No. 414, Establishing flat fee for certain
services by circuit clerks.
And reports back a committee substitute for same with the
following title:
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 414 (originating in the
Committee on Finance)--A Bill to amend and reenact §38-5B-4 of the
Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend and reenact
§59-1-11 of said code, all relating to establishing a flat fee for certain services rendered by circuit clerks; eliminating other
miscellaneous fees charged by circuit clerks; and authorizing the
circuit clerk to assess a fee for creating and administering
certain special funds.
With the recommendation that the committee substitute do pass.
Respectfully submitted,
Walt Helmick,
Chair.
Senator Helmick, from the Committee on Finance, submitted the
following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Finance has had under consideration
Senate Bill No. 438, Relating to Investment Management Board.
And has amended same.
And reports the same back with the recommendation that it do
pass, as amended.
Respectfully submitted,
Walt Helmick,
Chair.
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. 442, Relating to grievance procedures for
certain state and educational employees.
And reports back a committee substitute for same with the
following title:
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 442 (originating in the
Committee on Government Organization)--A Bill
to repeal §18-29-1
,
§18-29-2, §18-29-3, §18-29-4, §18-29-5, §18-29-6, §18-29-7, §18-29-
8, §18-29-9, §18-29-1
0 and §18-29-11 of the Code of West Virginia,
1931, as amended; to repeal §29-6A-1, §29-6A-2, §29-6A-3, §29-6A-4,
§29-6A-5, §29-6A-6, §29-6A-7, §29-6A-8, §29-6A-9, §29-6A-10, §29-
6A-11 and §29-6A-12 of said code; to amend and reenact §5-5-4 and
§5-5-5 of said code; to amend and reenact §5B-2-5 of said code; to
amend and reenact §5F-2-1 of said code; to amend said code by
adding thereto a new article, designated §6C-2-1, §6C-2-2, §6C-2-3,
§6C-2-4, §6C-2-5, §6C-2-6 and §6C-2-7; to amend said code by adding
thereto a new article, designated §6C-3-1, §6C-3-2, §6C-3-3, §6C-3-
4, §6C-3-5 and §6C-3-6; to amend and reenact §11-10A-8 of said
code; to amend and reenact §18A-2-8 of said code; to amend and
reenact §18B-2A-4 of said code; to amend and reenact §18B-7-4 of
said code; to amend and reenact §21-5E-4 of said code; to amend and
reenact §22C-7-2 of said code; to amend and reenact §31-20-27 of
said code; to amend and reenact §33-48-2 of said code; and to amend
and reenact §49-5E-5a of said code, all relating to repealing the
education and state employees grievance procedures and board;
establishing a new West Virginia public employees grievance
procedure; creating the West Virginia Public Employees Grievance
Board with five members appointed by the Governor; giving the board
new powers, duties, rule-making authority and data collection
responsibilities; making the grievance procedure more fair,
efficient, cost effective and consistent; creating a unified grievance procedure with three levels for certain public employees;
clarifying definitions and general grievance procedures;
disallowing supervisors who evaluate from being representatives;
clarifying and reorganizing general provisions; increasing time
frames in grievance procedure; defining default provisions;
eliminating laches and defining back pay; stating when employees
may be represented; clarifying the procedure for conferences and
hearings; removing hearing examiners from the grievance procedure;
and making technical corrections to affected sections of the code.
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.
The bill (Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 442), under the original
double committee reference, was then referred to the Committee on
Finance.
Senator Oliverio, from the Committee on Labor, submitted the
following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Labor has had under consideration
Senate Bill No. 444, Removing certain exceptions in minimum
wage law.
And reports back a committee substitute for same with the
following title:
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 444 (originating in the Committee on Labor)--A Bill to amend and reenact §21-5C-1 of the
Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to removing
certain exceptions in the definitions of "employer" and "employee"
covered by the West Virginia minimum wage law.
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,
Michael A. Oliverio II,
Chair.
The bill (Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 444), under the original
double committee reference, was then referred to the Committee on
Finance.
Senator Fanning, from the Committee on Natural Resources,
submitted the following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Natural Resources has had under
consideration
Senate Bill No. 460, Requiring Division of Natural Resources
promulgate rule applicable in Kanawha State Forest.
And reports back a committee substitute for same with the
following title:
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 460 (originating in the
Committee on Natural Resources)--A Bill
to amend the Code of West
Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section,
designated §20-5-22, relating to providing notice to the Director
of the Division of Natural Resources, the Director of the Division of Forestry and the state forest superintendent of road access for
permits and access road maintenance on state forests; requiring a
public comment period; and requiring the director to promulgate
applicable rules as permitted by law.
With the recommendation that the committee substitute do pass.
Respectfully submitted,
John Pat Fanning,
Chair.
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. 496, Authorizing approval of State Personnel
Board pay plans.
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,
Edwin J. Bowman,
Chair.
The bill, under the original double committee reference, was
then referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Foster, from the Committee on Pensions, submitted the
following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Pensions has had under consideration
Senate Bill No. 505, Relating to State Police Death, Disability and Retirement Fund.
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,
Dan Foster,
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 Pensions.
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. 528, Depositing certain pesticide license fees
into Pesticide Control Fund.
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
Senate Bill No. 557, Relating to judicial review of juvenile
proceedings.
And reports the same back with the recommendation that it do
pass.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeffrey V. Kessler,
Chair.
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 Senator Minard:
Senate Bill No. 595--
A Bill to amend and reenact §23-1-1f of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; to amend and reenact
§23-2-9 of said code; to amend and reenact §23-2C-3, §23-2C-8, §23-
2C-15, §23-2C-18 and §23-2C-19 of said code; to amend said code by
adding thereto a new section, designated §23-2C-18a; and to amend
and reenact §23-5-9 of said code, all relating to the transition to
a private workers' compensation insurance system; permitting the
Insurance Commissioner to hire additional exempt employees;
exempting the Insurance Commissioner from purchasing rules in some
circumstances; changing requirements for approval of self-insured
status and for reports from self-insured employers; making various
technical changes necessitated by the transition to a private
workers' compensation insurance system; authorizing the Insurance Commissioner to reduce certain claims against employers to present
value; reducing frequency of certain payments from self-insured
employers; authorizing the Insurance Commissioner to assess self-
insured employers for certain funds; making certain assessments
against self-insured employers discretionary with the Insurance
Commissioner; clarifying how disputes related to claims against the
Uninsured Employer Fund are resolved; increasing time that
employers must report certain changes in coverage to the Insurance
Commissioner; authorizing the Insurance Commissioner to promulgate
exempt legislative rules; revising rate-making process; defining
terms; providing for the designation of a single rating
organization; deleting provisions regarding private carrier premium
collection; and removing the requirement that the record of
proceedings before the office of judges include certain documents.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Senators Kessler and Plymale:
Senate Bill No. 596--A Bill to amend and reenact §3-1-2a of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to municipal
elections; and providing that municipal personnel responsible for
elections must attend biannual training conducted by the office of
the Secretary of State.
Referred to the Committee on Government Organization.
By Senators Boley, Unger and Foster:
Senate Bill No. 597--
A Bill to amend and reenact §17B-3-3a,
§17B-3-3c and §17B-3-4 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as
amended, all relating to providing that accessible parking violations will be considered motor vehicle violations and criminal
offenses for certain penalty and record-keeping purposes.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure; and then to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Senators Prezioso, Plymale and Foster:
Senate Bill No. 598--A Bill to amend and reenact §30-5-29 of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to updating
the sunset date of collaborative pharmacy practice agreements.
Referred to the Committee on Government Organization.
By Senators Plymale and Edgell:
Senate Bill No. 599--
A Bill to amend and reenact §18A-2-2 of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to
eliminating the five hundred-dollar early notification bonus for a
classroom teacher who gives early notification of his or her
resignation from employment at the end of the school year;
providing that only a retiring classroom teacher who gives early
notification is eligible for the bonus; and making certain
technical amendments.
Referred to the Committee on Education; and then to the
Committee on Finance.
By Senator Minard:
Senate Bill No. 600--
A Bill to amend and reenact §11-3-5 of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to whom
assessors may issue proof of payment of personal property taxes.
Referred to the Committee on Finance.
By Senators
Jenkins, Plymale, Kessler, Chafin, Unger, Oliverio, Bailey, Minard, Green, Caruth, Stollings, Deem, Bowman,
Hall, Love, Yoder, Barnes, Helmick, Fanning, Foster, Hunter,
Prezioso, Edgell
, McKenzie, Guills and White:
Senate Bill No. 601--
A Bill to amend and reenact §17A-6A-3 and
§17A-6A-12 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, all
relating to the establishment or relocation of additional motor
vehicle dealers within a relevant market area.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Senators Bailey, White, Barnes, Caruth, Minard, Prezioso,
Fanning, Edgell, Guills and Hunter:
Senate Bill No. 602--
A Bill to amend and reenact §16-9A-2 and
§16-9A-3 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to
amend said code by adding thereto two new sections, designated §16-
9A-10 and §16-9A-11, all relating to restricting minor children's
physical access to tobacco products; restricting purchases by
persons on behalf of minor children; prohibiting minor children's
use of false identification; requiring posting of certain notices
to discourage attempted purchases by minor children; prohibiting
out-of-package sales of cigarettes; and providing penalties.
Referred to the Committee on Health and Human Resources.
By Senators Plymale, Edgell, Unger, Jenkins, McCabe, Foster
and Hunter:
Senate Bill No. 603--
A Bill to amend and reenact §18-2E-7 of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to
establishing a 21st Century Tools for 21st Century Schools
Technology Initiative; findings; requiring a West Virginia 21st Century Strategic Technology Learning Plan and setting forth
specific areas it should address; requiring that the provision of
technologies and services to students and teachers be based on a
plan aligned with the goals of the West Virginia 21st Century
Strategic Technology Learning Plan; allocation of technology funds;
purchasing; and use of technology and technology infrastructure.
Referred to the Committee on Education.
By Senators Plymale, Edgell, McKenzie, Unger and Oliverio:
Senate Bill No. 604--
A Bill to repeal §18B-3E-2 of the Code of
West Virginia, 1931, as amended; to amend and reenact §18B-1-2 and
§18B-1-10 of said code; to amend and reenact §18B-1B-6 of said
code; to amend and reenact §18B-2A-1 of said code; to amend and
reenact §18B-3C-4 of said code; to amend and reenact §18B-3E-1 of
said code; to amend said code by adding thereto two new sections,
designated §18B-3E-3 and §18B-3E-4; and to amend and reenact §18B-
6-1a of said code, all relating to merging Eastern Community and
Technical College with Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
on date certain; creating Potomac Highlands Campus of Blue Ridge
Community and Technical College; authorizing operation of Potomac
Highlands Campus; updating definitions; requiring certain reports
to West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College
Education and Legislative Oversight Commission on Education
Accountability; providing for appointment of chief executive
officer for Potomac Highlands Campus; requiring representation from
certain counties on board of governors of Blue Ridge Community and
Technical College and updating terms of office; designating facilitating institution for certain community and technical
college consortia planning district; making legislative findings
and providing legislative intent; transferring property and
obligations; requiring notice of employment status for certain
employees by date certain; specifying conditions for reductions in
force; requiring adoption of certain policies, procedures and
standards; clarifying mission; authorizing expenditure of certain
funds for certain purposes; and deleting obsolete language.
Referred to the Committee on Education; and then to the
Committee on Finance.
By Senators Kessler, Foster and White:
Senate Bill No. 605--
A Bill to amend and reenact §3-8-9 and
§3-8-12 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, all
relating to campaign contributions; clarifying language on
contributions from political committees to certain other political
committees; clarifying language regarding in-kind contributions;
clarifying that individuals negotiating for state contracts may not
contribute to candidates with whom they are negotiating; adjusting
campaign contribution limits to match the federal limitations;
allowing LLC contributions to political committees; and providing
for technical cleanup.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Senators Kessler, Hunter and White:
Senate Bill No. 606--
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 by electronic mail; providing for facsimile ballot for
an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter; requiring
write-in candidates to file by a certain date; and providing for
notice of write-in candidates to absentee voters.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Senator Kessler:
Senate Bill No. 607--
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 and vacancies of executive committees;
establishing definite terms of executive committees; 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.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Senators Kessler and Hunter:
Senate Bill No. 608--
A Bill to amend and reenact §21A-10-11 of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to disclosure
of employers in default of unemployment compensation payments and
amounts by which employers are in default.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Senators Plymale, Unger, Bowman and Jenkins:
Senate Bill No. 609--A Bill to amend and reenact §29-22A-10
and §29-22A-10b of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, all
relating to the net terminal income allocated to the Development
Office Promotion Fund and the Cultural Facilities and Capitol
Resources Matching Grant Program Fund; and technical amendments.
Referred to the Committee on Economic Development; and then to
the Committee on Finance.
Senator Chafin offered the following resolution:
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 39--
Requesting the Division
of Highways name the Gilbert Creek bridge on U. S. Route 52 in
Mingo County the "Elmer and May Cline Memorial Bridge".
Whereas, Elmer and May Cline were lifelong residents of
Gilbert, Mingo County; and
Whereas, The town of Gilbert was a significant trade area for
local residents; and
Whereas, Elmer and May Cline owned and operated a country
store in Gilbert most of their adult lives; and
Whereas, Elmer and May Cline were revered by the community for
their integrity and the contributions they made to the vitality of
the town of Gilbert; and
Whereas, It is fitting that this bridge be named for Elmer and
May Cline who represented the best qualities of citizens in this
state by their industry, citizenship and dedication to meeting the
needs of friends, neighbors and patrons at their country store;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby requests the Division of Highways
to name the Gilbert Creek bridge on U. S. Route 52 in Mingo County
the "Elmer and May Cline Memorial Bridge"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways have made and
be placed signs identifying the bridge as the "Elmer and May Cline
Memorial Bridge"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby
directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Secretary of
the Department of Transportation.
Which, under the rules, lies over one day.
Senators Love, Plymale and Hunter offered the following
resolution:
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 40--
Requesting the Joint
Committee on Government and Finance study the elimination of "dead
spots" in wireless coverage in West Virginia.
Whereas, Telecommunications infrastructure is essential for
all economies to compete in a global marketplace; and
Whereas, As a rural state, West Virginia is particularly
dependent on wireless communication services to connect West
Virginia businesses and communities to the global community; and
Whereas, A strong telecommunications infrastructure can be a
catalyst for encouraging entrepreneurial activity, expanding
cultural and tourism opportunities, creating new technology and
financial sector jobs, rebuilding our downtown areas and enhancing
the overall economic health of our communities; and
Whereas, A strong telecommunications infrastructure is not
possible when West Virginia's wireless communications network is
plagued by poor service quality and it is common that even when a
carrier generally offers coverage in a geographic area, service for
individual calls are not available due to the existence of numerous
areas within the coverage area where service is not available
because the signal between the handset and the cell tower is
blocked, commonly referred to as "dead spots"; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the elimination of "dead spots" in wireless
coverage in West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance consider ways it can encourage wireless carriers to work
collectively in eliminating the "dead spots" to provide seamless
wireless coverage throughout West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2008, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.
Which, under the rules, lies over one day.
Senators Plymale, Edgell, Unger, Foster and Hunter offered the
following resolution:
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 41--
Requesting the Joint
Committee on Government and Finance study issues relating to the
School Aid Formula.
Whereas, A subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on
Education has studied the School Aid Formula for the past two
years; and
Whereas, The School Aid Formula study has resulted in
legislation being introduced during both the 2006 and 2007 regular
sessions of the Legislature; and
Whereas, The School Aid Formula is complicated and includes
many difficult and complex issues which should be studied further;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study
issues relating to the School Aid Formula; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance's study shall include at least the following specific
issues:
(1) Changing the current method of using population density as
part of the calculation for determining the foundation allowance
for transportation cost;
(2) Changing the method of financing special education,
particularly for students with disabilities;
(3) Consideration of the use of a "cost-of-living index" in the calculation of state aid;
(4) The impact that changing student demographics will have on
school finance;
(5) Consideration of "performance-based" rather than "needs-
based" methods of school support;
(6) Comparison of the education support of this state with the
education support of surrounding states as a benchmark emphasizing
comparisons of teacher salaries and benefits, sources of
educational financing, local levy elections and other key elements;
(7) Consideration of changing assessment practices; and
(8) The needs of low-enrollment and sparsely populated
counties and methods of addressing those needs; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2008, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.
Which, under the rules, lies over one day.
Senators Unger, Yoder, Jenkins, Minard, Plymale and Hunter
offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 20--Recognizing the West Virginia AARP
Driver Safety Program.
Whereas, The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation's first
and largest classroom driver refresher course specifically designed
for drivers age 50 and older; and
Whereas, The AARP Driver Safety Program helps drivers refine
existing skills and develop safe-driving strategies; and
Whereas, In 2006, the AARP Driver Safety Program celebrated 27
years of continuous service; and
Whereas, The AARP Driver Safety Program is taught and
administered by a nationwide network of AARP-trained volunteers;
and
Whereas, The program currently has over 100 West Virginia
volunteers teaching more than 200 classes and graduating over 3,500
drivers; and
Whereas, Upon completion of the AARP Driver Safety Program,
graduates may be eligible to receive a multiyear discount on auto
insurance premiums; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes the West Virginia AARP
Driver Safety Program; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate extends its sincere
appreciation to the dedicated AARP Driver Safety Program volunteers
who help keep our state's highways and byways safer for all West
Virginians; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to a representative of the West Virginia
AARP Driver Safety Program.
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.
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.
Senators Tomblin (Mr. President), McKenzie, Edgell, Prezioso,
Unger, Jenkins, Minard, Plymale, McCabe, Foster, Oliverio, Bailey,
Barnes, Boley, Bowman, Caruth, Chafin, Deem, Facemyer, Fanning,
Green, Guills, Hall, Helmick, Hunter, Kessler, Love, Sprouse,
Stollings, Sypolt, Wells, White and Yoder offered the following
resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 21--
Recognizing the 16th anniversary of
USS West Virginia.
Whereas, On October 20, 2006, the officers and crew of USS
West Virginia (SSBN 736) celebrated the 16th anniversary of the
ballistic missile trident submarine; and
Whereas, The USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) was commissioned
October 20, 1990, and is home ported in Kings Bay, Georgia. It is
the first submarine and the third U. S. naval ship to bear the name
of our state. The USS West Virginia (ACR-5) was commissioned in
1905 and the USS West Virginia (BB 48) was commissioned in 1923;
and
Whereas, The USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) is 560 feet long,
displaces 18,750 tons of water submerged, carries the Navy's sixth generation Fleet Ballistic Missile System, provides the nation's
most enduring nuclear strike capability and has served as a
significant deterrent to aggression and major war; and
Whereas, The USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) has two crews of 168
men, named the Blue and the Gold, which represent the official
colors of the State of West Virginia; and
Whereas, The Senate is proud of the USS West Virginia (SSBN
736), its commanding officer, CDR Owen Travis, and her crew members
who are professionals sworn to uphold their duties to protect our
nation from all enemies, foreign and domestic; and
Whereas, The Senate is honored and privileged that the crew of
the "Silent Service" call themselves Mountaineers and have adopted
the state's motto of Montani Semper Liberi, Mountaineers are always
free; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes the 16th anniversary of the
USS West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate expresses its appreciation
to the commanding officer, CDR Owen Travis, and the crew of the USS
West Virginia (SSBN 736) for their dedication and commitment; and,
be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to CDR Owen Travis, commanding officer of
the USS West Virginia.
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.
Petitions
Senator Stollings presented a petition from Terry Keith and
twenty-one Boone County residents, opposing Senate Bill No. 369
(Relating to local option elections on table games).
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Senator Plymale presented a petition from Mary Chapman and
numerous Cabell County residents, regarding alleged violations by
the Cabell County Board of Education elected members.
Referred to the Committee on Education.
Senator Edgell presented a petition from Debra L. Chapman and
numerous West Virginia residents, opposing Senate Bill No. 255
(Authorizing Department of Environmental Protection promulgate
legislative rule relating to antidegradation implementation
procedures).
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
On motion of Senator Chafin, the Senate recessed for one
minute.
Upon expiration of the recess, the Senate reconvened and
proceeded to the seventh order of business.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 38, Urging U. S. President
and Congress repeal Real ID Act of 2005.
On unfinished business, coming up in regular order, was
reported by the Clerk.
At the request of Senator Chafin, and by unanimous consent,
the resolution was taken up for immediate consideration.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution, the same
was put and prevailed.
Ordered, That The Clerk communicate to the House of Delegates
the action of the Senate and request concurrence therein.
The Senate proceeded to the eighth order of business.
Eng. Senate Bill No. 387, Guaranteeing certain veterans bronze
military grave markers.
On third reading, coming up in regular order, was reported by
the Clerk.
At the request of Senator Hunter, unanimous consent being
granted, the bill was laid over one day, retaining its place on the
calendar.
Eng. Senate Bill No. 395, Relating to Management of Pain Act.
Having been read a third time on yesterday, Wednesday,
February 14, 2007, and now coming up in regular order, was reported
by the Clerk.
On motion of Senator Prezioso, the bill was rereferred to the
Committee on Health and Human Resources.
Eng. Senate Bill No. 399, Relating to issuance of driver's
licenses.
On third reading, coming up in regular order, was read a third
time and put upon its passage.
On the passage of the bill, the yeas were: Bailey, Barnes,
Boley, Bowman, Caruth, Chafin, Deem, Edgell, Facemyer, Fanning,
Foster, Green, Guills, Hall, Helmick, Hunter, Jenkins, Kessler,
Love, McCabe, McKenzie, Minard, Oliverio, Plymale, Prezioso, Sprouse, Stollings, Sypolt, Unger, Wells, White, Yoder and Tomblin
(Mr. President)--33.
The nays were: None.
Absent: Sharpe--1.
So, a majority of all the members present and voting having
voted in the affirmative, the President declared the bill (Eng. S.
B. No. 399) passed.
On motion of Senator Unger, the following amendment to the
title of the bill was reported by the Clerk and adopted:
Eng. Senate Bill No. 399--A Bill
to amend and reenact
§17B-2-1a, §17B-2-3a, §17B-2-6, §17B-2-7 and §17B-2-8 of the Code
of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, all relating to the issuance of
driver's licenses; providing penalties for violation of prohibited
use of a handheld wireless communication device while driving by a
minor holding a level one instruction permit or a level two
intermediate driver's license; disposition of surrendered licenses;
removing an obsolete provision related to the issuance of a
driver's license without a photo; providing for the use of a
passport in lieu of a birth certificate; and requiring an applicant
to pay a fee for each attempt at the written examination prior to
obtaining an instruction permit.
Ordered, That The Clerk communicate to the House of Delegates
the action of the Senate and request concurrence therein.
The Senate proceeded to the ninth order of business.
Senate Bill No. 104, Establishing date Consolidated Public
Retirement Board shall make annuity payments.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was read a
second time and ordered to engrossment and third reading.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 105, Imposing surcharge on
certain fees due Deputy Sheriff Retirement Fund.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was read a
second time and ordered to engrossment and third reading.
Senate Bill No. 204, Assessing cost of petit juries in
magistrate court.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was read a
second time and ordered to engrossment and third reading.
Senate Bill No. 206, Assessing court costs for participants in
pretrial diversion programs.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was read a
second time and ordered to engrossment and third reading.
Senate Bill No. 207, Providing fine for violating terms of
bond.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was reported by
the Clerk.
At the request of Senator Chafin, unanimous consent being
granted, the bill was laid over one day, retaining its place on the
calendar.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 382, Relating to reemployment of
certain Supreme Court retirees.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was read a
second time and ordered to engrossment and third reading.
Senate Bill No. 454, Renaming and restructuring Bureau of Employment Programs.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was read a
second time.
On motion of Senator Bowman, the following amendments to the
bill were reported by the Clerk, considered simultaneously, and
adopted:
O
n page four, section two, line forty-five, by striking out
the words "Administration and Research" and inserting in lieu
thereof the words "Research, Information and Analysis";
On pages five and six, section six, by striking out all of
subsection (c);
On page fourteen, section one, line seventy-six, by striking
out the words "Administration and Research" and inserting in lieu
thereof the words "Research, Information and Analysis";
And,
On page twenty-four, section four, line seven, by striking out
the words "Administration and Research" and inserting in lieu
thereof the words "Research, Information and Analysis".
The bill (S. B. No. 454), as amended, was then ordered to
engrossment and third reading.
Senate Bill No. 489, Relating to PROMISE scholarship graduates
report to Legislative Oversight Commission on Work Force Investment
for Economic Development.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was read a
second time.
The following amendment to the bill, from the Committee on Economic Development, was reported by the Clerk and adopted:
On page four, section four, lines thirty-eight and thirty-
nine, by striking out the words "legislative oversight commission"
and inserting in lieu thereof the words "Legislative Oversight
Commission on Workforce Investment for Economic Development and the
Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability".
On motion of Senator McCabe, the following amendments to the
bill (S. B. No. 489) were next reported by the Clerk, considered
simultaneously, and adopted:
O
n page five, section six, line one, by striking out the words
"The West Virginia Development Office" and inserting in lieu
thereof the words "Workforce West Virginia";
And,
On page five, section six, line four, by striking out the
words "The West Virginia Development Office" and inserting in lieu
thereof the words "Workforce West Virginia".
The bill (S. B. No. 489), as amended, was then ordered to
engrossment and third reading.
Senate Bill No. 492, Relating to accelerated payment of
certain taxes.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was reported by
the Clerk.
At the request of Senator Chafin, unanimous consent being
granted, the bill was laid over one day, retaining its place on the
calendar.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 512, Prohibiting requirement of polygraph examination in certain sexual offense allegations.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was read a
second time and ordered to engrossment and third reading.
Senate Bill No. 530, Authorizing voter not affiliated with any
political party to vote in primary.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was read a
second time and ordered to engrossment and third reading.
Senate Bill No. 531, Relating to filing service of process on
corporations in class action suits.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was read a
second time and ordered to engrossment and third reading.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 539, Relating to Deputy Sheriff
Retirement System.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was read a
second time and ordered to engrossment and third reading.
Eng. Com. Sub. for House Bill No. 2120, Prescribing minimum
standards for municipal judges.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was read a
second time.
The following amendment to the bill, from the Committee on the
Judiciary, was reported by the Clerk and adopted:
On page four, section two, lines forty-seven through fifty-
one, by striking out the words "municipal judges may attend any
authorized training session or seminar for county magistrates,
which shall be credited toward the continuing education requirement
contained in this subsection: Provided, however, That".
The bill (Eng. Com. Sub. for H. B. No. 2120), as amended, was
then ordered to third reading.
Eng. House Bill No. 2285, Updating the meaning of federal
adjusted gross and certain other terms used in West Virginia
Personal Income Tax Act.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was read a
second time and ordered to third reading.
Eng. Com. Sub. for House Bill No. 2314, Updating the meaning
of "federal taxable income" and certain other terms used but not
defined in the West Virginia Corporation Net Income Tax Act.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was read a
second time and ordered to third reading.
The Senate proceeded to the tenth order of business.
The following bills on first reading, coming up in regular
order, were each read a first time and ordered to second reading:
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 181, Relating to per diem
compensation of Board of Banking and Financial Institutions'
members.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 182, Requiring Division of
Banking employ same frequency of examination schedules as certain
federal regulators.
Senate Bill No. 183, Providing Board of Banking and Financial
Institutions authority to approve acquisitions of out-of-state
banks.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 274, Authorizing Department of
Transportation promulgate legislative rules.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 314, Authorizing Department of
Education and the Arts promulgate legislative rules.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 334, Relating to employment of
athletic or extracurricular activities' coaches.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 411, Creating Correctional
Center Nursery Act.
Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 497, Creating WV Community
Empowerment Transportation Act.
Senate Bill No. 511, Repealing code section relating to
insurance policies.
Senate Bill No. 591, Supplementing, amending, reducing and
increasing appropriation to Division of Highways.
Senate Bill No. 592, Making supplemental appropriation to
Interoperable Radio Project.
Senate Bill No. 593, Making supplemental appropriation to
Board of Pharmacy.
And,
Senate Bill No. 594, Making supplemental appropriation to
various accounts.
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 Senator Hunter.
The Senate next proceeded to the thirteenth order of business.
At the request of Senator Chafin, and by unanimous consent,
Laura Stealy addressed the Senate on behalf of the Frasure-Singleton Student Legislative Program.
On motion of Senator Chafin, a leave of absence for the day
was granted Senator Sharpe.
Pending announcement of meetings of standing committees of the
Senate,
On motion of Senator Chafin, the Senate adjourned until
tomorrow, Friday, February 16, 2007, at 11 a.m.
____________