MORGANTOWN – Here is a look at some of the bills introduced on Tuesday, Feb. 15. Local sponsors and cosponsors, if any, are noted. Tuesday was the last day for introduction of House bills except for originating or supplementary appropriation bills, or House or concurrent resolutions.
SB 635, to raise tobacco taxes, including the tax on cigarettes from $1.20 a pack to $2.70.
SB 644, to create the Charter Schools Stimulus Fund to provide financial support to charter school applicants and charter schools that may not otherwise have the resources for start-up costs and costs associated with renovating or remodeling existing buildings and structures.
HB 4679, to permit municipalities to authorize the establishment of designated outdoor refreshment areas where alcohol and beer may be served by approved state licensees. Delegate John Williams, D-Monongalia, sponsor.
HB 4681, to establish a state animal abuse register; requires all those convicted of animal abuse to register and directs the State Police to maintain a registry of animal abusers. Williams, co-sponsor.
HB 4713, to require that athletic associations and sports entities of West Virginia to adopt and implement a Heat and Humidity Practice Policy for all organized athletic and competitive events held within the state. Delegates Danielle Walker and Barbara Evans Fleischauer, both D-Monongalia, co-sponsors.
HB 4747, to make June 19 a special memorial day to be known as Juneteenth honoring human rights and the end of slavery in the United States; and encouraging all counties and municipalities in the state to do the same. Walker, lead sponsor; Delegate Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, and Fleischauer, co-sponsors.
HB 4764, to eliminate the motor fuel excise tax and to replace any income from the tax with an equivalent increase in the state sales tax.
HR 14, a resolution saying the State of West Virginia condemns all calls to Defund the Police across the nation, and in states, and localities. Delegates Buck Jennings and Terri Sypolt, both R-Preston, Phil Mallow and Guy Ward, both R-Marion, Joe Statler, R-Monongalia, and Amy Summers, R-Taylor, co-sponsors.
