MORGANTOWN – Here is a sampling of bills introduced on Tuesday, Jan. 17. Local sponsors and co-sponsors, if any, are noted.
- HB 2591, to require immediate verification of partisan election candidates’ party affiliation; Delegate Amy Summers, R-Taylor, co-sponsor.
- HB 2593, the Energy Efficiency Jobs Creation Act, to provide the Public Service Commission the authority to require electric utilities to develop and implement plans for the efficient use, conservation and reduction of electricity usage; Delegate Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, lead sponsor.
- HB 2594, to establish the death penalty for first-degree murder; Delegate Buck Jennings, R-Preston, co-sponsor.
- HB 2596, to deny transfers to other schools by students who are suspended or expelled from a school for certain conduct; Delegate Joe Statler, R-Monongalia, co-sponsor.
- HB 2603, to provide parents the freedom to decide whether to have their children vaccinated, to prohibit vaccine mandates as a condition to admission to schools, and to ensure that prior to vaccination that parents receive information about vaccines, including vaccine risks and how to report vaccine injuries; Delegate Phil Mallow, R-Marion, co-sponsor.
- HB 2631, to permit dogs to enter certain areas of private clubs, brew pubs and micro-distilleries.
- HB 2633, The Campus Self Defense Act, to permit the carrying of a concealed pistol or revolver by a person who holds a current license to carry a concealed deadly weapon; authorizing regulation or restriction on the carrying of concealed pistols or revolvers in certain circumstances or areas of an institution of higher education.
- HB 2637, to require the State Auditor to establish and maintain a State Central Legal Advertising Website for required legal advertising.
- SB 250, to require level one driving permit holders to display a “Student Driver” sign on the rear of the vehicle; Sen. Charles Clements, R-Wetzel, lead sponsor.
- SB 252, to prohibit obscene materials in or within 2,500 feet of West Virginia schools.
- SB 253, to make it a criminal offense for a person to engage in an adult cabaret performance where it may be viewed by a minor.
- SB 257, to provide for the nonpartisan elections for the offices of county sheriff, prosecuting attorney, assessor, clerk of the circuit court, clerk of the county commission, and surveyor to be held concurrently with primary elections; Sen. Mike Oliverio, R-Monongalia, sponsor.
- SB 266, to increase the age for the purchase of tobacco products, tobacco-derived products, and alternative nicotine products from 18 to 21; .changes the way businesses are fined for the underage sale; eliminates tobacco use in schools; prohibits the use of lit tobacco products in a motor vehicle while individuals 16 years of age or under are present; designates prohibited areas of regulation of tobacco, tobacco-derived products, and alternative nicotine products for political subdivisions.
