MORGANTOWN — Here is a sampling of bills introduced Jan. 21. Local lead sponsors and co-sponsors, if any, are noted.
Most controversial among the measures are the expected resolution to eliminate the personal property tax on manufacturing equipment, machinery and inventory, and a resolution to reduce or eliminate the personal property tax on vehicles.
SJR 8, the inventory tax resolution, called the Manufacturing Growth Amendment, and SJR 9, the vehicle tax resolution, would both lead to proposed constitutional amendments that would go before the voters if passed by two-thirds of each chamber.
In not-unfamiliar floor speeches, Democrats stood to point out that with the supermajority requirement for approval, the Republicans need Democrat cooperation, and the Democrats need to see specifics on how the lost money will be made up to keep counties and schools fully funded.
Republicans responded that they agree the counties and schools must be kept whole, but the details can be worked out in the Judiciary and Finance committees, since all senators serve on one or the other and all will get a look.
Other bills
SB 550, to permit leashed dogs to track wounded deer or bear.
SB 554, similar to HB 4369, a revival of last year’s bill to allow mineral owners to obtain releases from idle natural gas leases. Sen. Randy Smith, R-Preston, lead sponsor; Sen. Charles Clements, R-Wetzel, co-sponsor.
SB 557, to establish vocational-technical programs in middle schools. Sen. Roman Prezioso, D-Marion, lead sponsor; Sen. Bob Beach, D-Monongalia, co-sponsor.
SB 561, a Democrat bill to protect insurance coverage of pre-existing conditions. Prezioso, lead sponsor; Beach, co-sponsor.
SB 565, to make it optional for private schools to require vaccinations.
SB 567, the Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program, to import drugs from Canada on behalf of the state. Prezioso, lead sponsor; Beach, co-sponsor.
HB 4440, to prohibit home schooling of any child in homes where there is suspected or known child abuse or neglect, or domestic violence by a parent or person instructing the child.
HB 4441, to open party caucus meetings to the public.
HB 4445 the Economic Diversification Act, to offer income tax relief, by state, county, and municipal governments to new or existing businesses whose product or service offered is not currently offered in the state. Delegates Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, Amy Summers, R-Taylor, co-sponsors.
