Issue contains status of education legislation as Legislature nears adjournment March 8

The March 3 issue of The Legislature is devoted to the Bill Almanac which includes the status of Senate and House education and education-related bills as of March 3, 2008 – the 55th  day of the West Virginia Legislature’s  2008 Regular Session.

Refer to the March 7, 2008, issue of The Legislature for comprehensive coverage of legislative action this week as the 60-day session concludes Saturday, March 8 at midnight.

For information relating to legislation, bills or related matters, please contact West Virginia School Board Association Executive Director Howard M. O’Cull, Ed.D. His email address is hocull@wvsba.org or telephone 304.346.0571.

 

Bill Almanac - March 3, 2008

Note: The Bill Almanac may be used to track measures considered by the House and Senate Education Committees as well as a listing of education-related measures. For brevity, a short title is used along with the bill's current status. Other bill history usually is omitted. Only bills reported from subcommittee or committee are listed. Bills originating in committee usually are listed once they are given a bill number. The Legislature's Website link to each bill is included. Senate bills are listed first. The Bill Almanac is updated weekly. Note: The listings are not exhaustive.

 

Senate Bills

Senate Bill 9 mandating firearm safety program in public schools. Status: Senate approved Feb. 18. Referred to House Education then House Finance. The Legislature’s Web site reference is
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB9%20SUB1%20eng.htm

Senate Bill 57 authorizing county boards to enter into lease-purchase agreements for lands, building and equipment. Status: Senate Education approved Jan. 22. Referred to Senate Finance. The Legislature’s Web site reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/sb57%20intr.htm

Senate Bill 65 establishing a school uniforms incentive plan project. Status: Senate adopted Feb. 26. Referred to House Education. The Legislature’s Web site reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB65%20SUB1%20eng.htm

Senate Bill 133 relating generally to in lieu of property tax payments, including provision that each local levying body would execute payment in lieu of property tax agreements. Status: Senate Education approved Feb. 7. Referred to Senate Finance. The Legislature’s Web site reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB133%20SUB1.htm

Senate Bill 156 providing tuition waivers for children and spouses of National Guard and active duty military personnel. Status: Passed Senate Feb. 20. Referred to House Education.  The Legislature’s Web site reference is
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB156%20SUB1.htm

Senate Bill 161 requiring the State Board of Education to develop a program to pay the General Educational Development (GED) examination fee for eligible individuals. Status: Recommitted to Senate Finance Second Reading Feb. 29 (Laid over Feb. 28). The Legislature’s reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB161%20SUB1.htm

Senate Bill 165 relating to school employees’ donated personal leave. Status: House Education approved Feb. 28. Referred to House Finance. The Legislature’s Web site reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/sb165%20eng.htm

Senate Bill No. 194  providing electronic instructional materials to certain students. Status: Passed Senate Feb. 25. Referred to House Education then House Finance. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB194%20SUB1.htm

Senate Bill No. 223  establishing recruitment bonus for certain teachers. Status: Senate Education approved Feb. 19. Referred to Senate Finance on Second Reading. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB223%20SUB1.htm

Senate Bill 227 relating to the State Teachers Retirement System. Status: Senate adopted Feb. 26. Referred to House Finance Committee Feb. 27. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB227%20SUB1.htm

Senate Bill 269 authorizing tax credits for teachers in critical needs areas. Status: Senate Education approved Feb. 15.  Referred to Senate Finance. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB269%20SUB1.htm

Senate Bill 287 establishing the West Virginia Research Trust Fund. Status: Senate adopted Feb. 26. Referred to House Finance.  The Legislature’s Web site reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB287%20SUB1.htm

Senate Bill 297 authorizing the School Building Authority of West Virginia (SBA) to issue revenue bonds from the state Excess Lottery Fund. Status: Senate approved Feb. 26.  Referred to House Finance Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/sb297%20eng.htm

Senate Bill 459 clarifying the rule making authority of the School Building Authority of West Virginia (SBA). Status: Governor approved Feb. 19. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB287%20SUB1.htm

Senate Bill 564 relating to higher education tuition and fee waivers. Status: Passed Senate Feb. 26. Referred to House Education then House Finance. Referred to House Finance Feb. 28. The Legislature’s Web site reference is
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB564%20SUB1.htm

Senate Bill No. 573 increasing public school teachers' and service personnel annual salaries. Status: Senate adopted Feb. 19. Referred to Senate Finance on Second Reading. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB573%20SUB1.htm

Senate Bill No. 593 clarifying library funding obligation from local share. Status: Senate adopted Feb. 26. Referred to House Education Committee then House Finance Committee.  The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB593%20SUB1.htm

Senate Bill 594 establishing Bill of Rights for students and school personnel. Status: Senate Education approved Feb. 21.  Laid over on Senate Third Reading Feb. 29. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB594%20SUB1.htm

Senate Bill 595 establishing public and higher education goals and objectives for 2020. Status: Passed Senate Feb. 22. Referred to House Education then House Finance.  The Legislature’s Web site reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/sb595%20eng.htm

Senate Bill 600 prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. Senate adopted Feb. 26. Status: Referred to House Judiciary Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB600%20SUB1%20eng.htm

Senate Bill 606 requiring hiring preference to summer school program positions (professional positions). Status: Passed Senate Feb. 20. Referred to House Education then House Finance; Second reference dispensed. House Special Calendar First Reading March 3. The Legislature’s Web site reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/sb606%20intr.htm

Senate Bill 607 relating to teachers’ professional development and preparation days. Status: Senate Education approved Feb. 14.  Referred to Senate Finance. The Legislature’s Web site reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/sb607%20intr.htm

Senate Bill 610 eliminating the prohibition against having Saturday school. Status: Senate Education approved Feb. 12. Referred to Senate Finance. The Legislature’s Web site reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/sb610%20intr.htm

Senate Bill 611 relating to teachers’ alternative education. Status: Passed Senate Feb. 26. Referred to House Education. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB611%20SUB1.htm

Senate Bill No. 625 requiring school principal make personnel recommendations; also includes 2 percent increase in Principals’ Salary Index. Status: Senate Education approved Feb. 19. Referred to Senate Finance. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB625%20SUB1.htm

Senate Bill No. 635 authorizing State Board of Education to set and collect review fees from certain publishers. Status: Senate Education approved Feb. 19. Referred to Senate Finance. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/sb635%20intr.htm

Senate Bill No. 663  increasing school cafeteria managers' pay grade. Status: Senate Education approved Feb. 19. Referred to Senate Finance. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB663%20SUB1.htm

Senate Bill 682 creating Community and Technical College Improvement Fund. Status: Passed Senate Feb. 26. Referred to House Finance. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB682%20SUB1.htm

Senate Bill No. 714  awarding National Board for Professional Teaching Standards salary bonus to certain school leaders. Status: Senate Education approved Feb. 19. Referred to Senate Finance. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/sb714%20intr.htm

Senate Bill No. 747 creating PROMISE Scholarship Summer Internship Program. Status: Senate approved Feb. 25. Referred to House Education then House Finance. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB747%20SUB1.htm

Senate Bill 776 increasing excess Lottery Refund Deposits to Higher Education Improvement Fund. Status: Senate Education approved Feb. 19. Referred to Senate Finance. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/sb776%20org.htm

Senate Bill 777 authorizing Marshall University and West Virginia University to manage certain real property. Status: Senate Education approved Feb. 27. Referred to House Education then House Finance. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/sb777%20org.htm

Senate Bill 780 relating to the West Virginia Public Employees Grievance Procedure; clarifying definitions, general provisions and grievance proceedings; defining "conference" and "level one hearing"; increasing time to hold a level one hearing; deleting mediation-arbitration; adding private arbitration; clarifying level three hearing; and making technical corrections. Status: Passed Senate Feb. 26. Referred to House Government Organization Committee then House Judiciary Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/sb780%20org.htm

 

House Bills

House Bill 2202 relating to granting campus police officers law enforcement powers at private institutions of higher education in this state. Status: House Education has approved; referred to House Judiciary Committee Feb. 6. The Legislature’s Web site reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/hb2202%20intr.htm

House Bill 2967 creating the West Virginia Remembers Program. Status: Passed House Feb. 25. Referred to Senate Education. The Legislature’s Website address is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB2967%20SUB.htm

House Bill 3045 establishing the position of Bus Operator II. Status: Senate Education approved Feb. 26. Referred to Senate Finance on Second Reading Feb. 28. The Legislature’s Web site reference is
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB3215%20SUB.htm

House Bill 3215 removing the administrative link between Shepherd University and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. Status: Passed House of Delegates Jan. 28. Referred to Senate Education then Senate Finance. Referred to Senate Finance on Second Reading Feb. 28. The Legislature’s’ Web site reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB3215%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4023 providing for the denial or suspension of a driver's license for any student who withdraws from school or fails to receive passing grades. Status: House adopted Feb. 25. Senate Education approved Feb. 28. Referred to Senate Judiciary.  The Legislature’s Web site reference is  http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB3215%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4059 allowing “currently employed” bus operators who are diagnosed with diabetes which requires usage of insulin to be eligible for employment by county boards; certain restrictions apply. Status: Passed House Feb. 8. Referred to Senate Health and Human Resources Committee then the Senate Education Committee.  Senate Health and Human Resources Laid Over Feb. 28. The West Virginia Legislature’s Web site reference is  http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/amendments/HB4023%20HED%20AM%202-11.htm

House Bill 4062 relating to certification of professional educators, including alternative certification. Status: Tabled on Second Reading, House Special Calendar Feb. 29. The Legislature’s Web site reference is
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4062%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4117 expanding eligibility for state minimum salary supplements for classroom teachers achieving certain national certification. Status: House approved Feb. 26. Referred to Senate Education then Senate Finance. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4117%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4124 adding CPR and First Aid to the health education curricula in public schools. Status: Passed House Feb. 20. Senate Education approved Feb. 28. The Legislature’s Web site reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4124%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4125 increasing from $50 to $100 the amount of faculty senate funds individual classroom teachers may use for classroom supplies and similar materials, although faculty senates would continue to receive $200 per teacher. Status: Passed House Feb. 1. Senate Education approved Feb. 26. Referred to Senate Finance. The Legislature’s Web site reference is
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/hb4125%20intr.htm

House Bill 4130 establishing the West Virginia Research Trust Fund. Status: House Education approved Feb. 19. Referred to House Finance. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/hb4130%20intr.htm

House Bill 4131 authorizing the School Building Authority of West Virginia to issue certain revenue bonds from proceeds of the State Excess Lottery Fund. Status: House Education approved Feb. 19. Referred to House Finance. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/hb4131%20intr.htm

House Bill 4148 allowing net proceeds held for a minor to be invested in a Smart529 college savings plan. Status: House adopted Feb. 26. Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee. The Legislature’s Web site reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4148%20ENG%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4163 clarifying that if a county board moves the library funding obligation of a “special act library” from the regular tax levy to the excess levy, the library funding obligation as mandated under the special library act would cease. Status: House Education approved Feb. 14. Referred to House Finance. The Legislature’s Web site reference is
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/amendments/HB4163%20H%20ED%20AM%202-15%201.htm

House Bill 4313 waiving higher education tuition and fees for members of the West Virginia State Police. Status: House Education approved Feb. 21. Referred to House Finance. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/amendments/HB4313%20H%20ED%20AM%202-22.htm

House Bill 4341 relating to payment of National Board for Professional Teaching Standards salary bonus to teachers who assume administrative posts. Status: Passed House Feb. 25. Referred to Senate Finance. The Legislature’s Web site reference is
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/hb4341%20intr.htm

House Bill 4368 reducing acts of student violence and disruptive behavior through the implementation of a Bill of Rights, School Discipline Committee, series of county-wide meetings and increased penalties for chronically disruptive students. Status: House adopted Feb. 25. Referred to Senate. Committee reference dispensed. Laid over on Senate Second Reading Feb. 29. The Legislature’s Website reference is
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4368%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4406 relating to state board standards for the recommended duration of school bus transportation times for students to and from school. Status: House approved Feb. 26. Referred to Senate Education then Senate Finance. The Legislature’s Web site reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/hb4406%20intr.htm

House Bill 4407 requiring automatic tire chains as standard equipment on all new school buses. Status: House adopted Feb. 21. Referred to Senate Education Then Senate Finance. Senate Education approved Feb. 28. The Legislature’s Web site reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/hb4407%20intr.htm

House Bill 4433 increasing the maximum amount of a medical student loan that may be cancelled. Status: House adopted Feb. 25. Referred to Senate Education then Senate Finance. Senate Education approved Feb. 28. Referred to Senate Finance on Second Reading Feb. 29. The Legislature’s Web site reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4433%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4434 establishing a higher education energy and water savings revolving loan fund. Status: House approved Feb. 25. Referred to Senate Education then Senate Finance. Senate Education approved Feb. 28. Referred to Senate Finance on Second Reading Feb. 29.  The Legislature’s Web site reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4434%20ENG%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4449 permitting the Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) and the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education (CCTCE) to enter into lease-purchase agreements for capital improvements, including equipment. Status: Passed House Feb. 25. Referred to Senate Education then Senate Finance. The Legislature’s Web site reference is
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4434%20ENG%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4472 requiring a county board to wait 10 days before posting a new job opening following the death of an employee. Status: Passed House Feb. 26. Referred to Senate Education. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4472%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4477 allowing the state Board of Education to pay GED examination fee; certain conditions and restrictions. Status: House adopted Feb. 26. Referred to Senate Finance. The Legislature’s Web site reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4477%20intr.htm

House Bill 4478 limiting mid-year transfer of certain school employees working with students with exceptionalities such as autism. Status: Passed House Feb. 13. Referred to Senate Education. Senate Education approved Feb. 26. Senate Third Reading March 3. The Legislature’s Web site reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4478%20intr.htm

House Bill 4496 providing opportunities for members of the Teachers’ Defined Contribution Retirement System (TDC) to “join” the state Teachers Retirement System (TRS). Status: Passed House Feb. 21. Referred to Senate Pensions Committee then Senate Finance Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4496%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4524 relating generally to the ethical standards of public officers, employees and lobbyists. Passed House Feb. Feb. 20. Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4524%20eng%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4554 testing school bus operators every year. Status: Passed House Feb. 26. Referred to Senate Education Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4554%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4588 relating to the State’s Public School Support Program. Status: House approved Feb. 26. Referred to Senate Education then Senate Finance. Referred to Senate Education Subcommittee Feb. 28. The Legislature’s Website reference is
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4588%20SUB.htm

Senate Joint Resolution

Senate Joint Resolution 12 proposing amendment to the state Constitution designated Manufacturing Inventory and Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption Amendment. Status: Passed Senate with amended title Feb. 26. Referred to House Constitutional Revision Committee then House Finance Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/rs/BILLS/SJR12%20SUB1%20eng.htm

Senate Concurrent Resolutions

Senate Concurrent Resolution 3 requesting Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability to explore options to improve school health.  Status: Referred to Senate Education Jan. 11. Second Reference to Senate Rules Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/rs/BILLS/scr3%20intr.htm

Senate Concurrent Resolution 21 requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study utilizing social work services in public schools. Status: Introduced Jan. 16. Referred to Senate Education Committee Jan. 17. Second Reference to Senate Rules Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/rs/BILLS/scr21%20intr.htm

Senate Concurrent Resolution 32 requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study daily physical education classes. Status:  Introduced Feb. 29. Referred to Senate Education Jan. 30. Second reference to Senate Rules. The Legislature’s Website address is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/rs/BILLS/scr32%20intr.htm

Senate Concurrent Resolution 55 authorizing issuing of State Excess Lottery Revenue bonds to provide higher education improvements. Status:  Introduced Feb. 20. Referred to Senate Finance. The Legislature’s Website address is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/rs/BILLS/scr55%20org.htm

Senate Concurrent Resolution 64 commending Consortium for Internationalizing Higher Education in West Virginia. Status: Introduced Feb. 27. Senate Education approved Feb. 28. Referred to Senate Rules Committee Feb. 28. The Legislature’s Website address is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/rs/BILLS/scr64%20org.htm

House Concurrent Resolutions

House Concurrent Resolution 64 urging cooperation to establish an academic competition among the state’s high schools. Status: Introduced Feb. 21. House adopted Feb. 26. Referred to Senate Education Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/rs/BILLS/hcr64%20intr.htm

House Concurrent Resolution 72 requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study existing autism services in West Virginia. Status: Passed House Feb. 27.  Referred to Senate Health and Human Resources Committee then Senate Rules Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/rs/BILLS/hcr72%20intr.htm

House Concurrent Resolution 80 requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to make a study on promoting a safe and productive learning environment. Status: Originating in House Education Feb. 28. Second Reference to House Rules. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/rs/BILLS/hcr80%20intr.htm

House Concurrent Resolution 81 requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to make a study on providing supplemental state aid for the instruction of English as a second language.  Status: Originating in House Education Feb. 28. Second Reference to House Rules Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/rs/BILLS/hcr81%20intr.htm

House Concurrent Resolution 82 requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to make a study to improve the efficiency of school level, county board and regional education service agency accounting practices and procedures. Status: Originating in House Education Feb. 28. Second Reference to House Rules Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/rs/BILLS/hcr82%20intr.htm

 

Education-related Bills

Senate Bill 239 relating to the Senior Citizen Property Tax Payment Deferment Act. Senate approved Feb. 27. Status: Referred to House Finance Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB239%20SUB1%20eng.htm

Senate Bill 298 updating definitions relating to child abuse and neglect. Status: Senate adopted Feb. 13. Referred to House Judiciary Committee. The Legislature’s Website status is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/sb298%20intr.htm

Senate Bill 462 raising the age of consent that a minor may refuse mental health treatment from age 12 to age 18 and clarifying that the state not be obligated to pay for voluntary hospitalization. Status: Passed Senate Feb. 22. Referred to House Health and Human Resources Committee then House Judiciary Committee. Referred to House Judiciary Committee Feb. 28. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB462%20sub1.htm

Senate Bill 567 regulating All-Terrain Vehicles. Status: Passed Senate Feb. 26. Referred to House Roads and Transportation Committee then House Government Organization Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB567%20SUB1.htm

Senate Bill 627 designating “terroristic threat” as a felony, clarifying that a terroristic threat is a felony regardless of intent to actually commit the threatened act. Status: Senate adopted Feb. 13. Referred to House Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committee then House Judiciary Committee. The Legislature’s Website address is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/sb627%20org.htm

Senate Bill 785 establishing alcohol use by minors as juvenile delinquent offenses. Status: Passed Senate Feb. 26. Referred to House Judiciary Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/sb785%20org.htm

 

House Education-related Bills

House Bill 3065 relating to making false reports of child abuse, sexual abuse and domestic violence and impact of allegations on allocation of custodial responsibility under a parenting plan. There are various other provisions, including a new misdemeanor offense for falsely reporting child abuse. Status: Passed House Feb. 27. Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee then the Senate Finance Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB3065%20ENG%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4047 prohibiting use of a cell phone and text-messaging device while operating a motor vehicle except when using a hands-free device or case of an emergency. There is an exception in case “the motor vehicle is registered to the United States, this state, or any county, city, town, district or political subdivision…”. Status: Passed House Feb. 27. Referred to Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee then Senate Judiciary Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4047%20SUB.htm

House 4074 creating an office for Oral Health under the Bureau for Public Health and authorizing employment of a full-time director. Status: Passed Senate Feb. 29; provisions differ and Senate asks House to concur with their amendments. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4074%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4076 increasing legislators’ compensation. Status: Passed House Feb. 29. Referred to governor. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4076%20ENG%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4132 prohibiting employers from mandating captive meetings with employees relating to political matters. Status: Passed House Feb. 25. Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee then Senate Finance Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4132%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4150 requiring county boards to purchase only “United States flag(s) or flag(s) of the State of West Virginia (from) county board building fund (moneys) manufactured in the United States.” Status: Passed House Feb. 14. Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee then Senate Finance Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4150%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4484 relating to the criminal offense of stalking. (Stalking of a minor, based on Bill provisions and definitions, would be felony.)  Status: Passed House Feb. 26. Referred to Senate Judiciary. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4484%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4637 relating to the deployment of Broadband to the remaining underserved areas of the state. Status: Passed House Feb. 26. Referred to the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee then the Senate Finance  Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4637%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4665 establishing the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs. Status: Passed House Feb. 27. Referred to Senate Government Organization Committee then Senate Finance Committee. The Legislature’s Website reference is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/HB4665%20ENG%20SUB.htm

House Bill 4670 authorizing the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) to charge interest to employers on amounts not paid on time. Status: Passed House Feb. 26. Referred to Senate Finance Committee. The Legislature’s Website address is http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/hb4670%20intr.htm

West Virginia School Board Association
PO Box 1008
Charleston, WV 25324
Phone (304) 346-0571 • Fax (304) 346-0572 WVSBA.ORG

Sally Cann (Harrison), President
WhoCann5@cs.com

Howard M. O’Cull, Ed. D., Executive Director, Editor
hocull@wvsba.org

Shirley M. Davidson, Administrative Assistant,
Production and Circulation
sdavidson@wvsba.org

Vincit omnia veritas
“Truth conquers all”