Monday, February 20, 2012
Legislative Update – by – Delegate Brent Boggs - House Majority Leader - 02.20.12
After only a few hours at home in the past two weeks, it was great to be at home most of the weekend. Jean was able to spend a couple days with me in Charleston late last week. When we arrived home, Chuck and Biscuit, our dog and cat, welcomed us in their usual ways. The dog was excited, while the cat sat on the porch railing and ignored us.
As of Friday, February 17th, a total of 1,955 bills have been introduced in the West Virginia Legislature; 1,306 in the House of Delegates and 649 in the state Senate. The House has passed 48 bills and the Senate has now passed 66. Overall, the Legislature has completed legislative action on seven measures so far this session.
Monday, February 20th, marked the 41st day of the 60 day session and the last day to introduce bills in either the House of Delegates or Senate. This is the first of several important dates in the legislative calendar that are fast approaching and highlight the importance of committee work. Next, the 47th day, February 26th is when bills are due out of committees in their houses of origin to ensure three days for reading the bills as required by the state constitution.
Next, the 50th day, also known as “crossover day”, is the last day to consider most bills on third reading in the house of origin. This rule does not, however, apply to the Budget Bill or other supplementary appropriation measures. Finally, the 60th day (March 10) is the last of the 2012 Regular Session, whereupon both the House and Senate adjourn at midnight. Any bills must be passed by midnight or will have to be reconsidered in a later session. This does not apply to the budget bill or any veto messages.
I am sorry I did not get the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Gilmer County Association of Retired School Employees during their visit to the Capitol last week. While legislative meetings seemed to keep us from meeting, I appreciate that they took the time to stop by my office and also for their thoughtful gift.
The House version of the Coal Mine Safety bill (HB 4351) passed the House Judiciary Committee last week and will be up for a passage vote early this week. The bill makes substantial changes in a number of mine safety situations and places increased accountability on those that inspect mines. It also provides protection for whistleblowers that alert officials to unsafe conditions and practices; increases drug testing at mines to contractors and others. It also provides a felony offense for those that would attempt to warn mine officials prior to state or federal inspectors making routine, unannounced inspections.
Among the bills passing the House last week: HB 4007 - Relating to unemployment benefits for certain spouses of military personnel. Under the provisions of the bill, a military spouse would not be penalized and would not lose their eligibility for unemployment benefits if they had to quit a job and move due to the reassignment of the military spouse.
HB 4087 - Continuing the discontinuance of the severance and business privilege tax on the privilege of severing timber. This is an important bill for our timber industry in central West Virginia.
Bills passing the Senate include: SB 408 - Creating criminal offense for intentional defacement of public and private property; SB 166 - Making disarming or attempting to disarm correctional officer felony.
Also last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed SB 353. The bill would expedite the process of purchasing a firearm for holders of valid concealed carry permit by making West Virginia eligible for an exemption from the FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), since the permit holders have already cleared a background check. The bill would also conform state law to federal law and potentially provide greater reciprocity for permit holders throughout the United States. I urge the full Senate to pass this bill and send it to the House for our consideration soon. On a related note, I met with the new NRA representative for West Virginia, Daniel Carey. He shares my views and support of Second Amendment issues and will be a valuable resource for our legislative efforts for gun owners, hunters and sportsmen throughout the State.
I enjoyed a lengthy visit with WV Adjutant General James Hoyer and General David Buckalew in my office last week in conjunction with military activities and displays at the Capitol. These dedicated officers follow in the footsteps of General Tackett in working diligently in West Virginia and through the Pentagon and our congressional delegation to further strengthen and grow our military presence in our State. Interestingly, General Buckalew reminded me he was sworn into the Air Force many years ago by my father-in-law, retired Air Force Col. Rishel Walker. I know Rishel is very proud of Gen. Buckalew’s service and accomplishments.
Finally, this week at the Capitol we will be honoring veterans and celebrating Veteran’s Visibility Day. I am looking forward to many of our veterans from Braxton and Gilmer County visiting the Capitol this week as we honor their service. The annual event is coordinated by the various veterans’ service organizations.
How to Contact
Please send address your inquiries to the Capitol Office at: Building 1, Room 226-M, Charleston, WV 25305. Or, call the Capitol office at 304.340.3220 or my Assistant to the Majority Leader, Mr. Tom Bennett at 304.340.3262 or fax to 304.340.3213. If you have an interest in any particular bill or issue, please let me know.
For those with Internet access, my e-mail address is “Boggs34@aol.com”. You also may obtain additional legislative information, including the copies of bills, conference reports, daily summaries, interim highlights, and other information from the Legislature’s web site at www.legis.state.wv.us/. If you write or leave a message, please remember to include your phone number with your inquiry and any details you can provide. Additional information, including agency links and state government phone directory may be found at www.wv.gov and on the Facebook site of the West Virginia Legislature.
Conclusion
Remember to thank a veteran for their service to our nation and continue to remember our troops - at home and abroad - and keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers. Until next week – take care.
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To Not Me,