From the Well | February 11, 2023

It is the informal gathering place for lobbyists, reporters, constituents and lawmakers.

Centrally situated between the chambers of the House of Delegates and Senate,

The Well is where information is often shared, alliances are formed, and deals are made.

86th West Virginia Legislature

February 11, 2023

The information was current at 3 p.m. Friday, February 10. (Source: West Virginia Legislature website)

Governor signs 7 bills

Click here and scroll down on the Legislature’s website for details.

·     SB83 — Authorizing tactical medical professionals to carry firearms (effective 90 days from passage 05/03/23)

·     SB132 — Clarifying criminal offense of harassment (effective 90 days from passage 05/02/23)

·     SB143 — Relating to Adopt-A-Stream Program (effective 90 days from passage 04/30/23)

·     SB161 — Authorizing DNR to manage and dispose of property (effective from passage 01/20/23)

·     SB162 — Authorizing director of DNR to lease state-owned pore spaces in certain areas for carbon sequestration (effective from passage 01/20/23)

·     SB207 — Relating to state allocation of funding to regional councils (effective 90 days from passage 05/02/23)

·     SB231 — Transferring administration of West Virginia Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Matching Funds Program to Department of Economic Development (effective from passage 01/27/23)

Senate, House pass 19 bills

(10 House bills, 9 Senate bills)

Click here and scroll down on the Legislature’s website for details.

·     SB4 — Creating Adopt-A-Trail volunteer programs for public land under DNR jurisdiction (completed legislation awaiting Governor’s signature)

·     SB83 — Authorizing tactical medical professionals to carry firearms (effective 90 days from passage May 3, 2023)

·     SB132 — Clarifying criminal offense of harassment (effective 90 days from passage May 2, 2023)

·     SB143 — Relating to Adopt-A-Stream Program (effective 90 days from passage April 30, 2023)

·     SB161 — Authorizing DNR to manage and dispose of property (effective from passage January 20, 2023)

·     SB162 — Authorizing director of DNR to lease state-owned pore spaces in certain areas for carbon sequestration (effective from passage January 20, 2023)

·     SB207 — Relating to state allocation of funding to regional councils jurisdiction (effective 90 days from passage May 2, 2023)

·     SB231 — Transferring administration of West Virginia Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Matching Funds Program to Department of Economic Development (effective from passage January 27, 2023)

·     SB241 — Patient Brokering Act (completed legislation awaiting Governor’s signature)

·     HB2018 — Permitting the managed care case coordinator to attend the multidisciplinary team meeting councils (completed legislation awaiting Governor’s signature)

·     HB2029 — Repealing the creation of an all-payer claims database (completed legislation awaiting Governor’s signature)

·     HB2506 — Creating a title clearinghouse for non-resident businesses (completed legislation awaiting Governor’s signature)

·     HB2530 — Relating to the extension of the expiration of temporary registration plates from 60 days to 90 days (completed legislation awaiting Governor’s signature)

·     HB2533 — Relating to a permanent windshield placard to be valid for the duration of the applicant’s life (completed legislation awaiting Governor’s signature)

·     HB2564 — Repeal of administrative hearing procedures for DUI offenses (completed legislation awaiting Governor’s signature)

·     HB2602 — Re-establishing certain specialized school service personnel classifications (completed legislation awaiting Governor’s signature)

·     HB2776 — Updating meaning of federal adjusted gross income and certain other terms used in West Virginia Personal Income Tax Act (completed legislation awaiting Governor’s signature)

·     HB2777 — Updating federal taxable income and other terms in the West Virginia Corporation Net Income Tax Act (completed legislation awaiting Governor’s signature)

·     HB2835 — Repeal outdated provisions of code relating to the West Virginia graduate college and Marshall University (completed legislation awaiting Governor’s signature)

In an 88-8 vote on Thursday, the House passed a committee substitute for House Bill 2002, which provides support for families The bill now heads to the state Senate.

HB2002 would increase the nonfamily adoption personal income tax credit from $4,000 per non-family child under 18 to $5,000. If the taxpayer chooses, the credit can be spread out over three years.

According to a fiscal note from the Department of Revenue, the increased tax credit could return $1 million annually to eligible taxpayers. The bill requires that beginning on July 1, children adopted by West Virginia residents would be eligible for early intervention services provided by the Department of Health and Human Resources.

“We have a unique opportunity to help adoptive families by raising their one-time tax credit,” said House Finance Committee Chairman Vernon Criss of Wood County. “This goes a long way to helping the expenses involved through adoption.”

Click here to read more from the Parkersburg News and Sentinel.

35th Day — February 14: Last day to introduce bills in the House. House Rule 91a does not apply to originating or supplementary appropriation bills, and does not apply to Senate or House resolutions or concurrent resolutions.

41st Day — February 20: Last day to introduce bills in the Senate. Senate Rule 14 does not apply to originating or supplementary appropriation bills and does not apply to Senate or House resolutions or concurrent resolutions.

47th Day — February 26: Bills due out of committees in house of origin to ensure three full days for readings.

50th Day — March 1: Last day to consider bill on third reading in house of origin. Does not include budget or supplementary appropriation bills.

60th Day —  March 11: Adjournment at midnight.