Six bills were introduced in the Senate today. Senate Bill 397 relates to mental hygiene commissioners retirement; Senate Bill 398 would impose certain restriciton on certain graduated driver's licenses; Senate Bill 399 would create senior resident hunting, fishing and trapping licenses; Senate Bill 400 relates to driving with a revoked or suspended license; Senate Bill 401 was introduced by request of the Executive and would create State Gaming and Alcohol Commission; Senate Bill 402 would create the West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau Accreditation Board.

Five bills were advanced to second reading while Senate Bill 99 was on its first reading. The bill relates to sentencing discretion for certain youthful offenders.

The following committees will meet on Monday:
Energy, Industry and Mining - 10 a.m.- 208W
Pensions - 2 p.m.- 451M

The Senate adjourned until at 11 a.m. Monday March 2nd.

In the House today, 22 bills were introduced. This brings the total of bills that have been introduced since the beginning of this session to 882. One of the bills was House Bill 2872, which would allow county school boards to enter into energy-saving contracts and allow them to extend those contracts from 10 to 15 year terms. House Bill 2879 would increase the minimum prison sentence from two years to five years without the possibility of parole for a parent, guardian or custodian who abuses a child to the point of serious bodily injury. These bills, and others, have been referred to committees for consideration and discussion.

In addition, two bills were presented on second reading today. House Bill 2694, which would establish certain requirements for modification of custodial rights for parents or guardians that have been deployed to the United States Armed Forces. House Bill 2738 would register protective orders with West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.

The following committees will meet today:
Select Committee on Stimulus Utilization - After the Session - 460M.

The following committees will meet on Monday:
Finance - 1:45 p.m. - 460M
Education - 2:00 p.m. - 434M
Health and Human Resources - 4:15 p.m. - 215E

The House will reconvene Monday, March 2 at 11:00 a.m.

West Virginia has a long history of celebrating its unique traditions through fairs and festivals. As guests filled the capitol rotunda, smells of maple syrup and buckwheat mingled with sausage, coffee, and pumpkin fudge.

From Monarch Butterflies and Honey Bees, to Bridge Day and Matewan, festivals and fairs make up an integral part of West Virginia tourism.

These celebrations promote community pride and cultural education. Festivals are likely to become more popular than ever this year as many face economic restrictions. They also provide ways for community members to get out and volunteer.

Several Bills were presented for first reading in the Senate today.

Senate Bill 239 would allow a majority vote for certain metro government approval; Senate Bill 259 would clarify certain terminology within the Courthouse Facilities Improvement Authority; Senate Bill 341 would transfer the juvenile justice database administration to the Supreme Court; Senate Bill 346 would correct a code reference related to bear tagging; Senate Bill 347 would correct code reference related to extended supervision for certain sex offenders.

The Senate also introduced 10 bills, two of which were by the request of the Executive. Senate Bill 386 would create critical skills instructional support programs for certain students and Senate Bill 396 relates to carbon dioxide sequestration and storage.

The following committees will meet today:
Health and Human Resources - 1 p.m.- 451M
Joint Education Sub Committee D - 1 p.m.- 208W
Education - 2 p.m.- 451M
Finance - 3 p.m.- 451M

The following committees will meet tomorrow:
Economic Development - 9 a.m.- 451M
Military - 9:30 a.m.- 280W
Transportation and Infrastructure - 10 a.m.- 451M

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m. tomorrow.

Seven bills were passed in the House today, bringing the total to 13. House Bill 2360 will insure that tobacco products are not sold in any packaging other than the original. House Bill 2532 will create licensure for Marriage and Family Therapists. After passage, these bills will be communicated to the Senate for its consideration.

In addition, two bills were presented on first reading today. House Bill 2694, which would establish certain requirements for modification of custodial rights for parents or guardians that have been deployed to the United States Armed Forces. House Bill 2738 would register protective orders with West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.

The following committees will meet today:
Joint Education Subcommittee D - 1:00 p.m. - 208W
Finance - 1:00 p.m. - 460M
Finance Subcommittee on Legislative Rules - After Finance Committee Meeting - 460M
Government Organization - 1:30 p.m. - 215E
Judiciary - 1:30 p.m. - 410M
Education - 2:00 p.m. - 434M
Education Subcommittee A - 3:00 p.m. - 434M

The following committees will meet tomorrow:
Judiciary - 9:00 a.m. - 410M
Education - 10:00 a.m. - 434M
Select Committee on Stimulus Utilization - After the Session - 460M.

The House will reconvene tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 27 at 11 a.m.

Two bills were passed in the House today. House Bill 2069 will increase the faculty senate allotment for classroom teachers and librarians. House Bill 2504 will establish the Silver Alert Plan, an alert system for missing cognitively impaired persons.

The following committees will meet today:
Political Subdivisions - 1 p.m. - 215E
Roads and Transportation - 2 p.m. - 215E
Senior Citizens Issues - 3 p.m. - 215E
Health and Human Resources - 4 p.m. - 215E

The following committees will meet Thursday, Feb. 26:
Judiciary - 9 a.m. - 410M
Legislative Rules Subcommittee - Immediately following finance budget hearing at 9 a.m. - 460M
Education Subcommittee D - 1 p.m. - 208W
Education - 2 p.m. - 434
Education Subcommittee A - 3 p.m. - 434

The House will reconvene tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 26 at 11 a.m.

Two bills were presented on first reading today in the Senate. Senate Bill 346, which would change an internal code reference related to bear tagging, and Senate Bill 347, which would correct a technical error in the citation of an incorrect reference to the code related to extended supervision for certain sex offenders.

Also, 37 new bills were introduced today, bringing the total number of introduced Senate Bills to 384. Of the 37 new bills introduced, 21 of those were Legislative Rules Bills.

The following Senate Committees will meet today:

Finance - 3:00 p.m. - 451M
Judiciary - 3:00 p.m. - 208W

The following Senate Committees will meet tomorrow:

Finance - 9:30 a.m. - 451M
Judiciary - 10:00 a.m. - 208W

The Senate will reconvene tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

The House adopted three resolutions today. House Resolution 13 honored community action agencies for their commitment and dedication to assisting many West Virginians in need, House Resolution 14 recognized the public service of the AARP to West Virginia and House Resolution 15 recognized the importance of health care reform in West Virginia.

Two bills were heard on second reading. House Bill 2069 proposes to increase the faculty senate allotment for classroom teachers and librarians. House Bill 2504 was received with an amendment. If passed, it would establish the Silver Alert Plan, an alert system for missing cognitively impaired persons.

Several bills were read on first reading with amendments, including: House Bill 2528, House Bill 2528, House Bill 2529, House Bill 2531, House Bill 2532 and House Bill 2533. House Bill 2403 was received without any amendments.

The following committees will meet today:
Education Subcommittee D - 1 p.m. - 410M
Political Subdivisions - 1 p.m. - 215E
Judiciary - 1:30 p.m. - 410M
Education - 2 p.m. - 434
Education Subcommittee D - 3 p.m. - 434
Finance - 4:30 p.m. - 460M

The following committees will meet Wednesday, Feb. 25:
Agriculture - 8:30 a.m. - 215E
Veterans Affairs - 9 a.m. - 460M
Natural Resources - 9:15 a.m. - 215E
Banking & Insurance - 10 a.m. - 215E
Pensions and Retirement - 10 a.m. - 460M
Roads and Transportation - 2 p.m. - 215E
Senior Citizens Issues - 3 p.m. - 215E
Health and Human Resources - 4 p.m. - 215E

The House will reconvene tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m.

The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 16, which recognizes February 24, 2009 as Community Action Day. The Senate along with their colleagues in the House, in adopting this resolution, wish to recognize the value and convey the importance of community action programs in West Virginia.

The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 15, which recognizes Leadership Jefferson for its service, dedication and commitment to Jefferson County.

Fifteen new bills were also introduced today, bringing the total number of introduced Senate Bills to 345. Bills introduced included Senate Bill 337, which relates to State Teachers Retirement System Contributions, and Senate Bill 340, which would grant juvenile probation officers certain arrest powers.

The following Senate Committees will meet today:

Health and Human Resources - 1:00 p.m. - 451M
Banking and Insurance - 2:00 p.m. - 208W
Education - 2:00 p.m. - 451M
Finance (Subcommittee B) - 3:00 p.m. - 451M
Judiciary - 3:00 p.m. - 208W

The following Senate Committees will meet tomorrow:

Labor - 9:00 a.m. - 208W
Energy, Industry and Mining - 10:00 a.m. - 208W
Confirmations - Following Floor Session - 208W

The Senate will reconvene tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 14, which recognizes Leadership Berkeley for its service, dedication and commitment to Berkeley County. The objective of Leadership Berkeley is to promote knowledge and awareness of the problems, opportunities and issues facing Berkeley County and its residents.

Nine new bills were also introduced today, bringing the total number of introduced Senate Bills to 330. Bills introduced included Senate Bill 325, which would create the West Virginia Energy Efficient Bulidings Program Act, and Senate Bill 329, a bill by request of the Executive, which would update terms in the Personal Income Tax Act.

The following Senate Committees will meet today:

Agriculture - 2:00 p.m. - 208W
Pensions - 2:00 p.m. - 451M
Finance - 3:00 p.m. - 451M
Judiciary - 3:00 p.m. - 208W

The following Senate Committees will meet tomorrow:

Joint Meeting of Transportation and Infrastructure and Economic Development - 9:00 a.m. - 451M
Government Organization - 10:00 - 208W

The Senate will reconvene tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

The House adopted House Resolution 12 recognizing the city of Princeton's centennial.

Two bills were passed upon third reading today in the House. House Bill 2309 will update the law governing practice of occupational therapy while House Bill 2419 will provide a reduced sentence for prison inmates who complete education and rehabilitation programs.

Two bills were also presented on first reading. House Bill 2069 proposed an increase in faculty senate allotment for classroom teachers and librarians. House Bill 2504 proposed establishing the Silver Alert Plan, an alert system mirroring the Amber Alert System, with the intent to provide an alert system for cognitively impaired persons.

The following committees will meet today:
Finance - 1 p.m. - 460M
Judiciary - 1:30 p.m. - 410M
Health and Human Resources - 4 p.m. - 215E

The following committees will meet Tuesday, Feb. 24:
Finance - 9 a.m. - 460M
Government Organization - 9 a.m. - 215E
Education Subcommittee A - 1 p.m. - 434
Education - 2 p.m. - 434
Education Subcommittee D - 3 p.m. - 434

The House will reconvene Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 11 a.m.

In a brief Friday session in the Senate, 11 new bills were introduced, bringing the total thus far to 321.

Bills introduced today included Senate Bill 314, which would authorize County Commissions to designate locations for early election voting, and Senate Bill 320, which relates to Insurance Commissioner's surveillance of insurer's financial condition.

The following Senate Committees will meet on Monday, February 23:

Pensions - 2:00 p.m. - 451M

The Senate will reconvene Monday, Feb. 23 at 11 a.m.

The House adopted House Resolution 11, which designated today as "Civil Rights Pioneer J. R. Clifford Day."

The following committees will meet Monday, Feb. 23:
Health and Human Resources- 4 p.m.- 215E

The House will reconvene Monday, Feb. 23 at 11 a.m.

Senate Members adopted Senate Resolution 13, which memorializes the life and public service of the Honorable William R. Sharpe, Jr., former member of the West Virginia Senate, dedicated public servant and distinguished West Virginian.

Harrison County born and raised, Senator Sharpe served his long tenure in the Legislature with much honor and poise. Sharpe was elected to the West Virginia State Senate from the 12th Senatorial District for 11 terms, dedicating 44 years of public service to his home state.

During his tenure, Sharpe served eight years as Majority Whip and 18 as President pro Tempore, a distinguished position appointed by the Senate President. He served as chair of the Senate committees on Energy, Industry and Mining and vice chair of the Joint Commission on Interstate Cooperation, as well as serving on a number of other Senate Committees. The Senate expressed its sincere sadness at the passing of the Honorable William R. Sharpe, Jr., and remembered his love and devotion to the West Virginia Senate along with his dedication and commitment to the citizens of the twelfth senatorial district and the State of West Virginia.

Senate Members introduced 18 bills today, bringing the total number of bills introduced in the Senate during the 2009 regular session to 310.

Bills introduced today included Senate Bill 307, a bill which stemmed from the Interim Committee on Health and Human Resources would create the Maternal Screening Act, and Senate Bill 294, would define the criminal offense of abuse or neglect of incapacitated or elderly person's.

The following Senate Committees will meet today:

Education Subcommittee (School Calendar)- 1:00 p.m. - 208W
Health and Human Resources - 1:00 p.m. - 451M
Education - 2:00 p.m. - 451M
Finance - 3:00 p.m. - 451M

The following Senate Committees will meet tomorrow:

Military - 9:30 a.m. - 208W

The Senate will reconvene tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

Two bills were advanced on to second reading today in the House. House Bill 2309 would update the law governing the practice of occupational therapy and House Bill 2419 would provide inmates a reduction in sentence for completion of education and rehabilitation programs.

The Delegate from the 44th district talked about the Bottle Bill which would reduce waste, provide jobs and promote tourism. The bill would create 300 full-time jobs and 600 part-time jobs.

The South Charleston High School football team was honored with a citation in the House Chamber today for its 14-0 regular season and AAA State Championship.

The following committees will meet today:

House Education Subcommittee D - 1 p.m.- 451M
Finance with Judiciary - 1:30 p.m.- House Chamber
Health and Human Resources - 1 p.m.- 215E
House Education - 2 p.m. - 434

The following committee will meet tomorrow:

Judiciary - 9:30 a.m.- 410

The House adjourned until 11 a.m. tomorrow.

The Chamber was bustling with activity as the House passed two bills, adopted House Resolution 10, heard committee reports and introduced more bills for consideration.

The first bill to pass was House Bill 2305 and it would revise appointment and compensation provisions of the Supreme Court Clerk and his or her staff. The bill would allow justices to appoint a clerk and any other full-time and part-time professional and clerical assistants. The justices would establish the salary of the clerk and the persons employed within the clerk’s office. The salary of the clerk and persons employed within the clerk’s office would be established by the Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals.

House Bill 2306 would add motor vehicles to the definition of impersonating a public official or employee. Vehicles which falsely display an official emblem or other marking connoting government sponsorship would fall under impersonation. These bills will now go to the Senate for its consideration.

The Speaker appointed members to the Select Committee on Stimulus Utilization.

Bills introduced included: HB 2603 relates to nonpartisan election of justices, HB 2617 would wave tuition and fees for members of the WV State Police, and by request of the Governor HB 2572 which relates to the classification of retail licenses for the sale of liquor.

Marco the mascot and the President of Marshall University made an appearance in the Chamber as members adopted House Resolution 10 which recognizes February 18th as Marshall University Day.

The following committees will meet today:

Roads and Transportation - 2 p.m.- 215E
Senior Citizens Issues - 3 p.m.- 215E
Health and Human Resources - 4 p.m.- 215E

The following committees will meet tomorrow:

Finance - 9 a.m.- 460M
Government Organization - 9:30 a.m.- 215E
Education Subcommittee D - 1 p.m.- 451M
Education - 2 p.m.- 434M

The House adjourned until 11 a.m. tomorrow.

Senate members introduced 11 bills today, bringing the total of bills introduced in the Senate during the 2009 Regular Session to 292. Bills included Senate Bill 289, which creates West virginia Innovation and Development Act, and Senate Bill 292, which creates tax credit for spaying and neutering pets.

The Senate also received committee reports and introduced a resolution, Senate Resolution 12, which designates today as Marshall University Day. Several departments of Marshall were in attendance at the Capitol to present information on the University, including professors, deans and student representatives. President Stephen J. Kopp was called onto the Senate floor to accept a copy of the resolution.

Today was also recognized as "Know Your State Government Day" and high school students from across the state were present to watch the day's Senate proceedings.

The following committees will meet today: Natural Resources - 1:00 p.m. - 208W
Government Organization - 2:00 p.m. - 208W
Finance - 3:00 p.m. - 451M
Judiciary - 3:00 p.m. - 208W

The following committees will meet tomorrow: Labor - 9:30 a.m. - 451M
Economic Development - 10:00 a.m. - 208W
Health and Human Resources - 1:00 p.m. - House Chamber
Education - 2:00 p.m. - 451M
Finance - 3:00 p.m. - 451M
Judiciary - 3:00 p.m. - 208W
Education - 5:00 p.m. - 451M

The senate will reconvene tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

The House adopted House Resolution 8 which will create a Select Committee on Stimulus Utilization. Members will be appointed by The Speaker of the House and will review, evaluate and recommend action to the Speaker relating to all issues relevant to any stimulus legislation passed into law by the federal government.

The House also received committee reports and introduced bills such as HB 2487 which would allow the Supreme Court of Appeals to establish a uniform bail schedule, HB 2494 which would give local authorities the authority to decrease the speed limit on streets and highways where school buses travel in its jurisdiction and HB 2533 which updates the law governing the practice of veterinary medicine.

HB 2305 and House Bill 2306 were read a second time and advanced to third reading.

The following committees will meet today:

Finance- 1:00 p.m.- 460M
Judiciary- 1:30 p.m.- 410M
Education- 2:00 p.m.- 434M

The following committees will meet tomorrow:

Agriculture- 8:30 a.m. - 215-E
Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security- 9:00 a.m.- 460M
Natural Resources- 9:15 a.m.- 215-E
Banking and Insurance- 10:00 a.m.- 215-E
Energy, Industry & Labor/ Economic Development &Small Business- 1:00 p.m.- 460M
Political Subdivisions- 1:00 p.m.- 215-E
Roads and Transportation- 2:00 p.m.- 215-E
Seniors Issues- 3:00 p.m.- 215-E
Health and Human Resources- 4:00 p.m.- 215-E

The House will reconvene tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

In the Senate today, members introduced nine bills, bringing the total of bills introduced in the Senate during the 2009 Regular Session to 281. Bills included Senate Bill 273, which creates incentives to obtain GEDs, Senate Bill 277, which requires assessors to create an annual cost of housing index and Senate Bill 280 creating Correctional Industries Act of 2009.

The Senate introduced one bill by the request of the Governor. Senate Bill 279 relates to industrial accidents and emergency response regulations.

Members also recognized Ed Evans as America's Top Science Teacher finalist through the adoption of Senate Resolution 11. He teaches at Mt. Hope High School in Fayette County.

Today was also recognized as Tourism Day at the Legislature.

The following committees will meet today:
Banking and Insurance - 2:00 p.m. - 208W
Education - 2:00 p.m. - 451M
Finance - 3:00 p.m.- 451M

The following committees will meet tomorrow:
Labor - 9:00 a.m. - 208W
Energy, Industry and Mining - 10:00 a.m. - 208W
Natural Resources - 1:00 p.m. - 208W
Government Organization - 2:00 p.m. - 208W

The Senate adjourned until 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.

Senate members introduced 18 bills today, which brings the total number of bills introduced in the Senate this session to 272. Of the bills introduced, Senate Bill 265 authorizes a tax credit for new teachers in critical needs areas, Senate Bill 266 increases the tax credit received for non family adoptions and Senate Bill 270 relates to the Public School Support Plan.

Members heard Senate Joint Resolution 9, which proposes an amendment to the Constitution designated Homestead Exemption Increase Amendment. They also adopted Senate Resolution 19, which recognized the "Take a Veteran to School Day" program, and Senate Resolution 10, which designates today as Veterans Visibility Day. Several veterans were in attendance to see the resolution adopted.

Members honored former Senator William "Bill" Sharpe, who passed away this past Sunday. He served the Senate for 44 years. Several Senators spoke on his behalf in remembrance of the former President Pro Tempore.

The following committees will meet today:
Pensions - 2:00 p.m. - 451M
Finance - 3:00 p.m.- 451M

The following committees will meet tomorrow:
Economic Development - 9:00 a.m. - 451M
Transportation - 10:00 a.m. - 451M
Banking and Insurance - 2:00 p.m. - 208W

The Senate adjourned until 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.

The House adopted House Resolution 9 which encourages West Virginia educators to participate in future “Take a Veteran to School Initiative.” Children will have the opportunity hear first-hand accounts of life in the service and get to know veterans from their communities on a personal level. In recognition of the sacrifices made by our veterans, the House commemorated Veterans Visibility Day and many veterans were present in and around the chamber.

Two bills were on first reading today. House Bill 2305 would revise the appointment and compensation provisions of the Supreme Court Clerk and his or her staff. House Bill 2306 relates to impersonation of a public official or employee.

The following committees will meet today:
Finance- 1 p.m.- 460M
Education Subcommittee C- 2 p.m.- Education Committee Room
Health and Human Resources- 4 p.m. - 215E

The following committees will meet tomorrow:
Finance- 9 a.m.- 460M
Government Organization- 9 a.m.- 215E
Education- 2 p.m.- 439

The House adjourned until 11 a.m. tomorrow.

Senate members introduced seven bills today, which brings the total number of bills introduced this session to 254. Two bills were introduced on behalf of the Governor today, Senate Bill 248, which provides for an alternative minimum tax expiration, and Senate Bill 249, which provides for school calendar flexibility to meet instructional term requirements.

Members adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, which requests that the Joint Committee on Finance and Government study deer and car collision statistics, seeking to continue a 2008 interim study. They also recognized Earned Income Tax Return (EITC) Awareness Day through Senate Resolution 8. The EITC is a federal tax credit that benefits families that make under $40,000 with a tax return of up to $4,000. The EITC is sponsored by the United Way, IRS and the Department of Health and Human Resources, among dozens of other state agencies and groups.

The Doctor of the Day was Gerald A. Dague. He currently practices emergency medicine at Wheeling Hospital And Reynolds Memorial Hospital. The Doctor of the Day works with legislators and staff when they fall ill during the Regular Session.

There will be no committee meetings held today.

The committee meetings for Monday are as follows:

Pensions - 2:00 p.m. - 451M
Finance - 3:00 p.m. - 451M

The House reconvened today to receive committee reports and to introduce more bills, including House Bill 2338 which would eliminate the six month waiting period for those in the Teachers Retirement System to receive disability retirement benefits and House Bill 2355 which would remove certain exemptions in the definition of employer and employee covered by the West Virginia minimum wage law.

House Bill 2402, which the Governor proposed in his State of the State address Wednesday night, was also introduced. It would reform the annual school calendar, by requiring county school systems to begin the instructional term five days earlier and will give schools the flexibility to extend the calendar if necessary to meet the 180-day requirement.

The following committees will meet Monday, Feb. 16:
Finance- 1 p.m.- 460M
Education Subcommittee C- 2 p.m.- Education Committee Room
Health and Human Resources- 4 p.m. - 215E

The House will reconvene Monday, Feb. 16 at 11 a.m.

In the Senate today, members introduced 98 bills, bringing the total of bills introduced in the Senate during the 2009 Regular Session to 247. All but 14 were rule-making bills, which allow state agencies to issue legislative rules.

The Senate introduced four bills by the request of the Governor. These included Senate Bill 244, Senate Bill 245, and Senate Bill 246.

Since it is the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, members honored his life and accomplishments. They also honored his mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, who was born in what is now Mineral County, with Senate Resolution 6. They also recognized the West Virginia Civics Literacy Council and Civic Literacy Day with Senate Resolution 7.

Committee meetings scheduled for Thursday, February 12, are as follows:

Education - 2:00 p.m. - 451M
Finance - 3:00 p.m. - 451M

The Transportation & Infrastructure Committee meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday in room 451M.

The Senate will reconvene at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.

The House convened today at 11 a.m. for the second day of the 2009 Regular Session.

In honor of President Lincoln’s Bicentennial birth, the House’s first order of business moved two resolutions.

The adoption of House Resolution 6 recognized the Civic Literature Council which promotes learning, leadership and other duties of citizenship. In addition the resolution recognizes Civic Literature Day as February 12th.

Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks, was a native of Mineral County and House Resolution 7 recognizes her considerable contribution to the State of West Virginia.

Lincoln is quoted as saying, “God bless all that I am, or ever could be, I owe to her.”

The House introduced Legislative rules and assigned them to their appropriate committees.

The following committees will meet today:
Finance- 1 p.m.- 460M
Government Organization- 1 p.m.- 215E
Agriculture and Natural Resources- 3:30 p.m.- 215E
Veteran’s Affairs- 3:30 p.m.- 460M
Banking and Insurance- 4 p.m.- 215E
Pensions and Retirement- 4 p.m.- 460M
Energy, Industry and Labor, Economic Development and Small Business- 4:30 p.m.-460M
Political Subdivisions- 4:30 p.m.- 215E

The Judiciary Committee will meet tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. in 410M.

The House will reconvene tomorrow at 11 a.m.

The House and Senate reconvened at 7:00 p.m. this evening for a joint session in the House Chamber for the Governor's presentation of the 2009 State of the State Address.

The Senate reconvened after the Governor's speech to introduce the Budget Bill.

Both the House and the Senate adjourned until 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.

Members of the Senate met today to begin business of the 2009 Regular Session. On the first day, members adopted a resolution, House Concurrent Resolution 3, to join with House members to hear the State of the State address in the House Chamber at 7 p.m. Members also introduced 149 bills and referred them to committees for debate. Bills introduced included: Senate Bill 9, which would provide some volunteer fire department members state income tax exemption; Senate Bill 142, to create a Small Tourism Business Development Act; and Senate Bill 144, to increase the Employee Suggestion Award Board’s cash award limit.

The following Senate Committees will meet today:

Finance - 1:30 p.m. - 451M
Judiciary - 1:30 p.m. - 208W
Banking and Insurance - 1:45 p.m. - 208W
Transportation - 1:45 p.m. - 451M
Agriculture - 2:00 p.m. - 208W
Economic Development - 2:00 p.m. - 451M
Education - 2:15 p.m. - 451M
Government Organization - 2:15 p.m. - 208W
Health and Human Resources - 2:30 p.m. - 451M
Energy, Industry & Mining - 2:45 p.m. - 208W
Pensions - 3:00 p.m. - 451M
Interstate Cooperation - 4:00 p.m. - 451M
Military - 4:00 p.m. - 208W
Confirmations - 4:15 p.m. - 451M
Natural Resources - 4:15 p.m. - 208W

The Finance Committee will also meet tomorrow, February 12, at 9:30 a.m. in 451M.

The Senate will reconvene at 6:45 p.m. for the State of the State address.

The House reconvened today at Noon to begin the 2009 Regular Session of the 79th Legislature. The first order of business was the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 3, which extended a formal invitation to the Governor to deliver the State of the State address tonight at 7 p.m.

The House also introduced the first bills of the session such as House Bill 2001 which provides additional state minimum salary for certain teachers, House Bill 2075 which would allow family court judges to carry concealed deadly weapons without obtaining a license and House Bill 2148which would provide a corporate tax credit for qualified health insurance policies provided by corporate employers to employees.

The following committees will meet today:

Finance-1 p.m.- 460M
Finance-2 p.m.- 460M (Block Grant Hearings)
Judiciary-1 p.m.- 410M
Roads and Transportation-2 p.m.- 215E
Senior Citizen Issues-2:30 p.m.- 215E
Constitutional Revisions-3:30 p.m.- 410M
Health and Human Resources-3 p.m.- 215E

The following committees will meet tomorrow:

Finance- 9 a.m.- 460M
Agriculture and Natural Resources-3 p.m.- 215E
Veterans Affairs-3:30 p.m.- 460M
Banking and Insurance- 4 p.m.- 215E
Political Subdivisions- 4:30 p.m.-215E
Energy, Industry and Labor, Economic Development and Small Business- 4:30 p.m.- 460M

The House will reconvene at 6:50 p.m. tonight.

The 79th West Virginia Legislature will reconvene Wednesday, February 11 at noon to initiate its Regular 60-day Session. Following orders of business of each chamber, the House of Delegates and the Senate are expected to recess until 7 p.m. at which time a Joint Assembly will be conducted so that lawmakers may hear from the governor during the State of the State address.

Members of the Joint Committee on Government and Finance heard reports from a variety of state agencies and federal spokesmen.

Consisting of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, as well as legislative committee leadership, the Joint Committee closed the 2008 interim committee meetings.

Members of the West Virginia Legislature met today for the final round of interim meetings of the 2008-2009 interim session, during which members study issues which often are addressed during the legislative session. Meetings continue Monday and Tuesday before the 2009 Regular Session reconvenes on Wednesday, February 11th at 12:00 p.m.