Unusual, Productive Legislative Session Concludes
Targeted News Service |
The 2014 regular legislative session began amidst surprising and unprecedented circumstances caused by the water crisis, and ended not only with comprehensive legislation to better protect the state's water supply, but also included many fiscally responsible economic development, education and public safety initiatives.
"Going into my first session as Speaker, I certainly didn't envision having to deal with a State of Emergency that redirected much of our focus. But I'm pleased to report it did not prevent us from accomplishing a great deal in a short time," House Speaker
House Majority Leader
"We've dealt with everything from the water situation to snow and ice, but we never stopped working on the issues that are important to the House leadership," the Majority Leader said. "We passed legislation to help small businesses and encourage economic development; support and protect
On the final night of session, the House passed unanimously Senate Bill 373, the water protection legislation.
"While this bill is a direct response to the causes of water crisis here in
The state
"This legislation is critically important not only to the people of my district who were so deeply affected by the spill, but also to the well being and safety of all West Virginians," Delegate
In approving by a 91-5 vote SB 461 to create a
"We believe we have improved this legislation," House Finance Chairman
The House amended SB 461 to add those standards.
"As we are preparing the upcoming budget, we are forced to consider dipping into the state
"That way, the state's bond rating is protected."
As adopted by the
The House approach requires that first, the
"I strongly believe that creating a
House Bill 4283 will raise the minimum wage by
"This will impact over 100,000 working West Virginians who haven't had a pay raise in quite a long time," House Majority Whip Mike Caputo, D-
"During the first week of the water crisis, I heard from many local business owners who were taking a big financial hit," said Delegate
Another bill endorsed by the
Counties and municipalities may apply to the
"Moving forward, it is imperative that
HB4619, which authorizes innovation school districts, was approved during the final hours of session. With an eye toward small businesses and entrepreneurship, the
"This legislation is about school systems experimenting with new teaching techniques and different ways of approaching subject matter," House Education Vice Chairman
As part of the Governor's legislative package, SB 391 increases salaries for professional educators and school personnel. As amended, the bill provides a
"We are pleased to be able to provide well-deserved, but fiscally reasonable raises that will not overburden the tight state budget," said Delegate
Delegate
"House Bill 4608 actually defines 'dyslexia' and 'dyscalculia' in code for our public schools," Barrett said. "That will allow students with dyslexia or dyscalculia to be recognized as students with a specific learning disability to help ensure they are provided with a curriculum that meets their needs."
In an effort to help offset skyrocking flood insurance rates caused by 2012 federal legislation, SB 621 authorize insurers to offer flood insurance.
Swartzmiller also sponsored HCR 42, which urges
"Homeowners and business-owners who are not facing a significant flood risk are being forced to pay for the loss of beach-front dwellings vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes," he said. "That simply isn't fair."
Delegate
"The women of the
HB 4005 creates a new felony offense for a parent, guardian or custodian to grossly abuse or neglect a child which creates a substantial risk of bodily injury. The bill also creates a new misdemeanor offense for child abuse and neglect by a parent, guardian or custodian which creates a substantial threat of bodily injury and provide penalties. HB 4006 adds enhanced penalties for offenses of child pornography with aggravating circumstances. Knowingly sending, causing to be sent, distributing, exhibiting, displaying, transporting, possessing or accessing with intent to view any file containing more than 500 images of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct is a felony punishable by a sentence of 18 months to 5 years and a fine of up to
"I look forward to continuing the work of this bipartisan committee this year on initiatives to protect children," Phillips said.
To view legislation, go to Bill Status (http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Status/bill_status.cfm)
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