CHARLESTON – Here is a sampling of bills introduced Jan. 22. Among them is the governor’s bill to fund PEIA. Monongalia-Preston-Marion-area lead sponsors and co-sponsors, if any, are noted.
SB 386 and HB 2584, from the governor, to create a PEIA Rainy Day Fund, initially funded at $150 million, and other measures.
SB 391, adds “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the categories covered by the Human Rights Act, prohibiting discrimination in employment and places of public accommodation. Also adds “age”, “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the categories covered by the Fair Housing Act prohibiting discrimination in housing. Sens. Bob Beach, D-Monongalia, Charles Clements, R-Wetzel, co-sponsors.
SB 393, to protect the right to farm and protect agricultural operations from nuisance litigation if the facility has been in operation for more than one year. Sen. Dave Sypolt, R-Preston, lead sponsor; Clements, Sen. Randy Smith, R-Tucker, co-sponosrs.
HB 2574, to repeal the tax on soft drinks.
HB 2583, the Family Planning Access Act, to permit a pharmacist to dispense a self-administered hormonal contraceptive under a standing prescription drug order. Delegates Barbara Evans Fleischauer and Danielle Walker, both D-Monongalia, Amy Summers, R-Taylor, co-sponsors.
HB 2589, to encourage solar energy development on lands formerly used for mining, to provide electricity for commercial, industrial and manufacturing businesses or institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations that are located in or will locate operations in West Virginia. Delegate Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, lead sponsor; Fleischauer, co-sponsor.
HCR 27, to request the U.S. president to designate a single state funeral to be help upon the death of the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor winner – intended to recognize West Virginia’s Woody Williams. Sponsored by the full House.
