MORGANTOWN – Here is a look at some of the bills introduced on Thursday, Feb. 10. Local sponsors and cosponsors, if any, are noted.
SB 613, to establish a reliable annual source of funding for the DEP’s Office of Oil and Gas by using a portion of severance tax collections. Sen. Randy Smith, R-Tucker, lead sponsor.
SB 615, to require PEIA, Medicaid and other health insurance providers to cover for treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome if certain conditions are met.
SCR 44, a resolution declaring the West Virginia Legislature, while in agreement women and men should enjoy equal rights in the eyes of the law, should not be counted by Congress, the Archivist of the United States, lawmakers in any other state, any court of law, or any other person, as still having on record a live ratification of the proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Sens. Charlest Clements, R-Wetzel, Mike Maroney, R-Marshall, Smith, Dave Sypolt, R-Preston, co-sponsors.
HB 4606, is to direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish partnerships with service organizations engaged with their local veteran communities to connect veterans and their families with existing resources to combat suicide, and its contributing factors, among the veteran population in this state. Governor’s bill.
HB 4611, is to provide an exception to the requirements for voters to present a valid identifying document when appearing in person to vote at the polls.
HB 4617, to prohibit hazing in K-12 public education and set penalties and procedures for violations. Delegates Joe Statler, R-Monongalia, Terri Sypolt, R-Preston, co-sponsors.
HB 4620, to provide parents the option to have their children vaccinated as a condition to entry of schools; forbids schools from requiring masks on children under age 18; allows those 18 and over to make their own decisions regarding vaccinations as a condition of entry to colleges and trade schools in West Virginia; forbids colleges and trade schools from requiring masks at their campuses for students 18 and over; forbids businesses from requiring vaccines or masks as a condition of employment or entry into an establishment.
HB 4622, is to encourage development, transportation and use of electricity generated using West Virginia natural gas as the energy source for generating electricity by directing the West Virginia Economic Development Authority to identify and designate sites suitable for natural gas electric generation facilities and by providing for timely consideration and decision concerning applications for permits.
HB 4625, to remove Medicare or Medicaid-certified facilities from COVID-19 immunization exemption requirements. Delegate Amy Summers, R-Taylor, sponsor.
HB 4628, to establish that in all cases where state action is alleged to substantially burden the exercise of religion, a compelling interest test is mandated, and, strict scrutiny is applied.
HB 4630, to allow a tenant to recover the full amount of their security deposit if a landlord has failed a dwelling unit inspection on the property where the tenant is renting or leasing. Delegate Danielle Walker, D-Monongalia, lead sponsor; Delegates Evan Hansen and Barbara Evans Fleischauer, both D-Monongalia, co-sponsors.
HB 4632, to eliminate state funding to any institution that requires COVISD-19 vaccinations as a condition of employment. Delegate Guy Ward, R-Marion, co-sponsor.
HB 4633, to hold employers liable for damages to employees if that employer required the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment.
HCR 57, to call a constitutional convention to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government by allowing a vote of three fifths of the several state legislatures to repeal certain federal laws and regulation they deem to be too onerous or restrictive.
