http://www.legis.state.wv.us The official Web site of the West Virginia Legislature en-US john.tice@wvlegislature.gov (John Tice) Copyright 2005, West Virginia Legislature http://www.legis.state.wv.us/images/home_link.gif http://www.legis.state.wv.us 25 25 http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=887 This afternoon Senate Bill 469 passed the House, regarding Other Post-Employment Benefits(OPEB). OPEB was the main topic of discussion. Delegates debated back and forth whether or not to pass the bill. After lengthy discussion the bill was passed. This bill will now go back to the Senate to be approved. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:42:08 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=886 The Senate floor session was brief today with 12 bills introduced and four bills advanced to second reading. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:18:10 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/News_release/newsrelease_RecordView1.cfm?RecordID=428 CHARLESTON, WV - Senator Ron Stollings (D - Boone) co-sponsored SB 54. It prohibits tattoos for anyone under the age of sixteen and requires in person, parental consent for teens between the ages of 16 and 18. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:43:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=885 Heated debates fueled conversation today in the House. Senate Bill 469, regarding Other Post-Employment Benefits was the main topic of discussion. Delegates debated back and forth between several proposed amendments, finally advancing the bill to third reading with one amendment. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:19:59 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/News_release/newsrelease_RecordView1.cfm?RecordID=427 CHARLESTON, WV - Senator Orphy Klempa (D - Ohio) says he is pleased that the senate passed SB 222 because it provides more protection for victims of domestic violence. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:45:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=884 The Senate passed six bills during the morning floor session. Passed bills include: Senate Bill 54, which would prohibit minors under the age of 16 from obtaining a tattoo Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:42:50 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=882 In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the West Virginia Women's Commission, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 24, recognizing Feb. 7, 2012 as Women's Day in the West Virginia Legislature. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:40:59 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=880 The House opened today with a singing performance by Pikeville High School students. Delegates also took a moment to award a citation honoring "Women's Day" at the capitol. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:34:51 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=879 The Senate concurred with House amendments and passed Senate Bill 165, which would create criminal offense of sexual contact on incarcerated persons by correctional employees, with or without consent. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:04:53 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=878 Fifteen bills were introduced into the House during today's session. In addition to the introduction of bills, the House also presented House Resolution 18, which will designate February 6 as "correction day" at the Capitol. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:53:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/News_release/newsrelease_RecordView1.cfm?RecordID=424 CHARLESTON, WV - Senate Majority Whip Richard Browning (D-Wyoming) says despite any concerns he may have had with the texting bill, he supports it, just as he has in the past two years. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:08:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=877 Today in the House, Delegates honored the Lincoln County Highschool womens softball team. The Lady Panthers won the Class AAA softball State Tournament this past spring, which was the school's first title in any sport since opening in 2006. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:32:33 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=876 U.S. Senator Joe Manchin paid a visit to the Senate floor session this morning. During a brief session, six bills were introduced, six were read for the second time and two were read for the first time. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:31:49 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Wrapup/2012/issue_03/wrapup.cfm While some citizens might believe that the daily House and Senate floor sessions are where the majority of the action happens in the Legislature, the reality is that these floor sessions deal with legislation on its way through an exhaustive and comprehensive committee process. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:38:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Senate1/President/releases.cfm?input=118 CHARLESTON, WV - Senate President Jeff Kessler (D-Marshall) says the 2012 regular session has been very productive. The session is not even at the half-way point and one significant piece of legislation has passed both chambers; HB 4068 - the cracker bill, and another, SB 161 - OPEB, is in the House of Delegates for review. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:47:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Senate1/President/releases.cfm?input=117 CHARLESTON, WV - Senate President Jeff Kessler (D-Marshall) says he supports a ban on texting while driving and is positive it will be passed by the Senate. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:42:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=875 A total of seventeen bills were introduced in the House Today. Two of the bils introduced were House Bill 4101, which would create an exemption from licensure as an adjuster or certain individuals who conduct data entry into an automated claims adjudication system... Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:38:33 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=872 The Senate read four bills for the first time today, including Senate Bill 211, which would create the secondary offense of operating a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device without hands-free technology, and a primary offense of texting while operating a motor vehicle. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:18:22 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/News_release/newsrelease_RecordView1.cfm?RecordID=420 CHARLESTON, WV - Senate Finance Chairman Roman Prezioso (D-Marion) says the passage of SB 469 means that West Virginia remains fiscally responsible and is serious about paying its debts. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:11:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=871 At the start of today's session, the House honored Spencer resident, Drew Miller, who ran from Long Beach, California to Spencer, West Virginia to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:09:35 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=870 During today's floor session six bills passed in the Senate. Among those bills was Senate Bill 469, relating to other post employment-benefits. This bill would create a plan to fund the state portion of the health care benefits to for state retirees. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:02:03 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=868 Two bills passed the Senate today, including Senate Bill 202 which would permit the Division of Forestry to enter into stewardship contracts with U. S. Forest Service. Senate Bill 331 also passed this afternoon. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:29:16 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=869 Senate Bill 165 was read on the House floor today, which would prohibit correctional officers from engaging in sexual acts with prisoners who are incarcerated, or on parole or probation. Several bills were read on second reading today including... Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:29:26 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/News_release/newsrelease_RecordView1.cfm?RecordID=419 Charleston, WV - The West Virginia Senate passed a bill today aimed at promoting adult responsibility in protecting children from abuse and neglect. Senate Majority Leader John Unger II (D - Berkeley) co-sponsored the bill, which was sent to the House of Delegates. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=867 Two bills were passed in the House today including House Bill 4107 which will provide for online training of firefighters as well as provide proper safety equipment, and House Bill 4250, which relates to the Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:02:12 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=864 In this afternoon's floor session the Senate passed six bills and introduced 11. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 14, which honors Pineville Volunteer Fire Department for their heroic actions while saving the life of Marcia McKinney, who was trapped on the second story of the fully engulfed house. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:37:43 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=863 At the start of today's session,Delegate Armstead welcomed Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito to the the floor, and also passed two bills. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:58:39 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=862 The bills included Senate Bill 161, which would make it mandatory to report child abuse or neglect. The bill would also increase penalties for those who do not report it. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:55:15 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Wrapup/2012/issue_02/wrapup.cfm For 60 consecutive days each year the West Virginia Legislature meets in a regular session to consider legislation and pass a budget for the state's next fiscal year. Already this session lawmakers have worked together to complete legislation on House Bill 4086, a bill designed to improve West Virginia's chances to attract a "cracker" plant. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:44:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=861 The House gave a long standing applause in honor of former prisoner of war, Jessica Lynch, today during session. Lynch was visiting the Capitol today to serve as ambassador for the Imagination Library program. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:44:01 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=860 In this afternoon's floor session, the Senate introduced seven bills and read two for a second time. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:35:52 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=859 Today marked the 9th annual Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol. Young research talent from across the state filled the Rotunda and hallways, showcasing posters on research in areas ranging from studies of how odors impact stress levels to biomass as fuel to the study of nanoparticles. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:25:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=858 Today, the Senate completed the first piece of legislation for the 80th regular session. Senate Bill 4086, also known as "the cracker plant bill," will provide tax incentives for companies willing to locate large scale industrial plants in West Virginia. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:01:37 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=856 The House passed four bills and introduced 22 in a brief floor session this morning. Little discussion accompanied the passage of four bills in the House today. Passed bills passed include: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:10:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/News_release/newsrelease_RecordView1.cfm?RecordID=417 CHARLESTON - Newly appointed Delegate Phillip Diserio of Brooke County was sworn in this morning by House Speaker Rick Thompson in the House of Delegates Chamber. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:10:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=855 This morning, Phillip Diserio was appointed to fill the final vacancy in the House. Diserio will represent the 2nd Distict for the remainder of former Delegate Tim Ennis' term. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:39:08 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=854 The Senate introduced resolutions 8 and 9, which welcomed the Spring Valley High School Volleyball team and The Concord University Baseball Team. In addition to welcoming resolutions, the Senate introduced 21 bills, passed four bills... Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:30:18 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/News_release/newsrelease_RecordView1.cfm?RecordID=416 CHARLESTON, WV - Senate Education Chairman Robert H. Plymale (D-Wayne) announced today that the Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill 103 which addresses the ten elements of high quality digital learning. The committee passed this bill out with the recommendation it do pass on Thursday, January 19, 2012. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:25:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=853 The Senate passed two bills today, and laid over Senate Bill 118 onto second reading. Senate Bill 30 and Senate Bill 96 were among the two bills passed in the Senate today. In addition to the bills passed, the Senate also advanced Senate Bill 7 to second reading. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:26:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=852 The House passed two bills this afternoon: House Bill 4078 and House Bill 4086. House Bill 4078, would extend certain deadlines mandated actions regarding higher education personnel. House Bill 4086 passed after the constitutional rule that a bill be read on three separate days was suspended. The bill would designate certain property as a qualified capital addition to a manufacturing facility. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:23:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=851 Today in the Senate, 23 bills were introduced and several bills were advanced to third reading. Senate Bill 30 would provide for alternative means for the initial purchaser of junked vehicles to notify the division in compliance with the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:16:27 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=850 The House adopted House , House Resolution 8 identifying their opposition of the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Constitution in Citizens United relating to the constitutional rights of corporations. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:16:27 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=849 The challenge of achieving healthy lifestyles and physical fitness was extended to West Virginians today with the start of a new program called the West Virginia Physical Activity Plan. Athletes, dancers, and promoters of health and wellness from all over the state convened at the Capitol today to offer free advice and live demonstrations as to how West Virginians can get in on the action. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:05:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/News_release/newsrelease_RecordView1.cfm?RecordID=415 West Virginia legislators today introduced a bill that will dramatically reduce "meth labs" and protect public health by making products containing the substance pseudoephedrine prescription-only medications. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:27:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=841 The Senate honored West Virginia Fitness Day today with Senate Resolution 6. Representatives from the West Virginia Activity Plan Coordinating Committee were among guests on the Senate floor today. In addition to Resolution SR6, Seven Senate Bills... Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:02:19 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=840 This morning, the House introduced 110 bills. Among them was House Bill 4063, which would authorize the Human Rights Commission to proclaim a legislative rule regarding housing discrimination against people with disabilities who use assistance animals. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:55:14 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/News_release/newsrelease_RecordView1.cfm?RecordID=414 CHARLESTON, WV - Senator Ronald Miller (D-Greenbrier) says, as the newly appointed Agriculture Chairman, he wants the committee to be proactive on farming issues instead of reactive. He says the Agriculture Committee is starting out by looking at carry-over bills from last year. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:22:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/News_release/newsrelease_RecordView1.cfm?RecordID=413 CHARLESTON, WV - Senate Majority Whip Richard Browning (D-Wyoming) says it's time to recognize that substance abuse is a societal problem that affects the entire state. He says the recommendations in the recently released report by the Advisory Council on Substance Abuse are a good start. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:38:00 EST http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm?blogentry=839 Senate Bill 96 was advanced to first reading today on the Senate Floor. Senate Bill 96 would disqualify jurors who have committed a crime that met or exceeded the sentencing of one year, or any crime involving dishonesty or false statement. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:43:00 EST