CHARLESTON – Here is a sampling of bills introduced Jan. 18. The governor’s bill to allow certain misdemeanor offenders to petition for expungement of their records is among them. Monongalia-Preston-Marion-area lead sponsors and co-sponsors, if any, are noted.
SB 346, from the governor, to change how Supreme Court justices and circuit judges are paid for mileage when they use their own vehicles.
SB 348, to raise the age to purchase tobacco and related products to 21. Sens. Mike Maroney, R-Marshall, Roman Prezioso, D-Marion, co-sponsors.
SB 349, from the governor, to allow offenders to petition for expungement of misdemeanors after meeting certain conditions, including substance abuse treatment.
SB 353, to increase judicial salaries.
SCR 11, a resolution to urge Congress to find long-term funding for roads and infrastructure. Sen. Charles Clements, R-Wetzel, lead sponsor; Sens. Prezioso, Dave Sypolt, R-Preston, Bob Beach, D-Monongalia, Randy Smith, R-Tucker, co-sponsors.
HB 2011, to create the Road Maintenance Program for each district to contract with private contractors to perform certain road maintenance activities in each district. Delegate Amy Summers, R-Taylor, lead sponsor; Delegates Buck Jennings, Terri Sypolt, both R-Preston, co-sponsors.
HB 2012, to establish country roads accountability and transparency by directing the state auditor to develop and maintain a free website to search ongoing expenditures and locations for state and public road work. Summers, lead sponsor; Sypolt, co-sponsor.
HB 2513, to allow universities to hire all qualified individuals as campus police officers, not just state residents. A stated priority of WVU relating to its proximity to the Pennsylvania border. Delegate Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, lead sponsor; Delegates Barbara Evans Fleischauer, Danielle Walker, Rodney Pyles, John Williams, all D-Monongalia, Summers, Dave Pethtel, D-Wetzel, co-sponsors.
HB 2519, the Campus Self Defense Act, to allow licensed employees and students of public universities to carry concealed weapons under specified conditions.
HB 2520, to extend anti-hazing law to all student organizations whether or not they’re recognized. A WVU priority following the creation of an Independent Fraternity Council. Walker, lead sponsor; Fleischauer, Hansen, Pyles, Sypolt, Summers, Delegate Linda Longstreth, D-Marion, co-sponsors.
HB 2525, the Tobacco Cessation Therapy Access Act, to permit a pharmacist to dispense tobacco cessation therapy under a standing prescription drug order. Summers, lead sponsor.
