Monday was the last day lawmakers could introduce legislation, and House of Delegates members tossed 61 bills into the legislative hopper, including three wanted by Gov. Joe Manchin.
Monday was the last day lawmakers could introduce legislation, and House of Delegates members tossed 61 bills into the legislative hopper, including three wanted by Gov. Joe Manchin.
Among those was a bill to create a Broadband Deployment Fund (HB4637) that would pay groups and others who successfully apply to expand Internet access in parts of the state underserved by the Internet.
The governor has proposed that the entire state have high-speed Internet access by 2010.
The bill would create a seven-member Broadband Deployment Council, headed by the governor. The board would be able to accept donations, as well as state funds. It would not be allowed to compete with private business.
Another of Manchin's bills (HB4639) would create another new agency, this one to dole out the $44.1 million the state got from the federal government for helping fight the misuse of the prescription painkiller OxyContin.
The money goes to State Police, with plans to use it in a variety of methods.
The proposed OxyContin Asset Forfeiture Fund would administer the money. State Police would take money from the fund over the next two years for approved law enforcement activities.
The governor's third bill (HB4638) would require anyone exploring for coal, oil or gas to file a more extensive report than previously required with the state Department of Environmental Protection.
The report would include the location of any test boring or core sample drilling, with an accurate log of drill holes. DEP could require other information, and the report would be shared with the state Geological and Economic Survey.
Other bills introduced by lawmakers Monday include:
Legislation (HB4596) that would allow a caregiver who is not a parent, legal custodian or guardian of a minor to consent to health care for a minor through an affidavit.
A bill (HB4597) prohibiting wagering on animal fighting and making it a felony. Those convicted could be fined up to $5,000.
Legislation (HB4600) prohibiting mining on cemetery land.Monday was the last day lawmakers could introduce legislation, and House of Delegates members tossed 61 bills into the legislative hopper, including three wanted by Gov. Joe Manchin.
Among those was a bill to create a Broadband Deployment Fund (HB4637) that would pay groups and others who successfully apply to expand Internet access in parts of the state underserved by the Internet.
The governor has proposed that the entire state have high-speed Internet access by 2010.
The bill would create a seven-member Broadband Deployment Council, headed by the governor. The board would be able to accept donations, as well as state funds. It would not be allowed to compete with private business.
Another of Manchin's bills (HB4639) would create another new agency, this one to dole out the $44.1 million the state got from the federal government for helping fight the misuse of the prescription painkiller OxyContin.
The money goes to State Police, with plans to use it in a variety of methods.
The proposed OxyContin Asset Forfeiture Fund would administer the money. State Police would take money from the fund over the next two years for approved law enforcement activities.
The governor's third bill (HB4638) would require anyone exploring for coal, oil or gas to file a more extensive report than previously required with the state Department of Environmental Protection.
The report would include the location of any test boring or core sample drilling, with an accurate log of drill holes. DEP could require other information, and the report would be shared with the state Geological and Economic Survey.
Other bills introduced by lawmakers Monday include:
Legislation (HB4596) that would allow a caregiver who is not a parent, legal custodian or guardian of a minor to consent to health care for a minor through an affidavit. A bill (HB4597) prohibiting wagering on animal fighting and making it a felony. Those convicted could be fined up to $5,000. Legislation (HB4600) prohibiting mining on cemetery land. A bill (HB4609) requiring gambling establishments to issue monthly statements that include names of their patrons along with their winnings and losses. Legislation (HB4612) requiring warranty provisions for new motor vehicles to be equally applicable to automobiles purchased either in or out of West Virginia. A bill (HB4613) increasing protection to beneficiaries of structured settlements when there are settlement transfers. Legislation (HB4617) allowing certified e-mail to be used in place of certified mail for legal purposes. A bill (HB4634) funding child advocacy centers through the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund. Legislation (HB4646) allowing a tax checkoff option for Jackson's Mill 4-H Camp. A bill (HB4648) defining caving as a recreational activity and giving landowners limited liability for injuries. Legislation (HB4650) requiring all state Supreme Court justices and circuit judges to run on a non-partisan basis.Meanwhile, House delegates approved and sent to the Senate three bills that elicited little comment from lawmakers:
Legislation (HB4157) allowing insurers who have been suspended from writing new policies to continue to service existing policies. A bill (HB4331) eliminating the requirement to send a surrendered driver's license back to the state of its origin. Legislation (HB4512) providing classifications for several fire protection groups to be awarded by the state fire marshal.To contact staff writer Tom Searls, use e-mail or call 348-5198.
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