By Delegate David Kelly
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Phone: (304)-340-3226
Week Four
We are now more than a quarter of the way through the session. To date we have passed a total of 25 bills out of the house. The Senate has passed House Bill 2019. The bill elevates the West Virginia Economic Development Office and Tourism Department to cabinet-level offices. The House approved Senate Bill 14. This bill provides additional options for alternative teacher certification.
These two bills are now headed to Gov. Jim Justice for action.
A virtual public hearing for House Bill 2389, has been set by Moore Capito, Chair of Judiciary, for 9:00 Monday morning. If passed with its current language intact the bill would permit the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to set certain water quality standards. Capito said, “We want to make sure everyone knows they have access to us and to the actions here in Charleston. That’s why we’ll be hosting the first virtual public hearing, and we’re excited to do so.”
House Bill 2002, will be reported to the full house next week. This bill is designed to remove the remaining regulations making it easier to install fiber for broadband access. This bill places us one step closer to providing broadband for West Virginians. The House passed House Joint Resolution. The resolution will allow the public to vote for or against a constitutional amendment that would bring the West Virginia Board of Education in line with all other state agencies by requiring the Legislature to review, approve, amend or reject all BOE rules.
The House also voted unanimously to expand West Virginia’s two restorative justice programs for juveniles. If signed into law, the bill will allow any juvenile facing any charge to take part in a one-time program. The program will include a mediator who will plan for and set up a voluntarily meeting between the victims and the juvenile. The goal is to set forth a plan for restitution and the eventual dismissal of the criminal charges against the juvenile. It is important to stress that this program cannot be done without the consent of the victim.