Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Madam Chair and senators. This bill is going to look very familiar.
• With this amendment, it's going to be the same as Senate Bill 644, which passed through this committee
• House Bill 4588 be reported to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended.
• I move that House Bill 5048 be reported to the full Senate with a recommendation I move that House Bill
• 5048 be reported to the full Senate with a recommendation and it do pass as amended.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Select Committee on School Choice met, established quorum, and approved the minutes from its February 25, 2026 meeting. The committee then took up House Bill 4588, which was described as aligning with Senate Bill 644 and directing the Secretary of Commerce to participate in the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program under the cited federal laws. Counsel said the change would place administration under Commerce rather than the Economic Development Authority to allow for more even distribution. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported HB 4588 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. The committee next considered House Bill 5048, which would create a new code section to ensure foster students in temporary placement facilities receive virtual instruction until placed in a permanent home. The bill and committee amendment would require use of a virtual charter school if a county lacks a virtual program, provide free Department of Education training for foster parents and students, and ensure information follows the student to the new school district and foster family. Members noted the House had been consulted on the amended language. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 5048 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. With no further business, the chair thanked members and staff for their work during the session. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In lieu of having a read, thank you, Madam Chair and senators.
• With this amendment, it's going to be the same as Senate Bill 644, which passed through this committee
• that House Bill 4588 be reported Madam Chair, I move that House Bill 4588 be reported to the full Senate
• I move that House Bill 5048 be reported to the full Senate with a recommendation If not, the question
• 5048 be reported to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Select Committee on School Choice met, established quorum, and approved the minutes from its February 25, 2026 meeting. The committee then took up House Bill 4588, which was explained as a measure to align with Senate Bill 644 and require the Secretary of Commerce to participate in the federal tax credit scholarship program under Public Law No. 119-20 and 119-21, with the change intended to place administration under Commerce rather than the Economic Development Authority. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 4588 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. The committee next considered House Bill 5048, which would create new code to ensure foster students in temporary placement facilities receive virtual instruction until placed in a permanent home. Counsel explained that if a county lacks a virtual program, a virtual charter school could be used, and the West Virginia Department of Education would provide free training for those responsible for the child, along with a plan to transfer information to the new school district and foster family. The committee adopted the proposed amendment, noting it had been worked out with the House, and then reported HB 5048 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. At the end of the meeting, the chair thanked the committee and staff for their work during the session. The committee then adjourned by motion and unanimous voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator from Marion, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• "Senator from Marion, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Senator, to your question... ...your questions.
• Senator from Merri. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Uh, Senator, Senator from the 13th, just... we have the strike-and-insert before us.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee met with a quorum present and approved the March 4, 2026 minutes by voice vote. The committee first considered House Bill 55, which updates and modernizes workers’ compensation statutes to reflect the privatized system, remove obsolete provisions, and adjust the Workers’ Compensation Board of Review from five members to three. The Insurance Commissioner testified that the bill is part of the cleanup from privatization and would give the governor more flexibility in appointments. After adopting a strike-and-insert amendment and a title amendment, the committee reported HB 55 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass. The committee then took up House Bill 5463, which would reduce BRIM’s required liability coverage for county boards of education from $1.25 million to $1 million per occurrence and eliminate the separate $5 million excess coverage requirement. BRIM’s director testified that the excess market was difficult to access and costly, but several senators raised concerns that lowering coverage could reduce protection for victims and school-related claims. After a divided vote, the motion to report the bill failed, and HB 5463 was not passed by the committee. Next, the committee considered House Bill 4869, creating guaranteed issue rights for Medicare supplement policies, including annual birthday replacement rights and a special right for certain Medicaid recipients losing eligibility. Counsel said the bill would prohibit underwriting barriers during the guaranteed issue periods and require an annual report on premium trends. With no amendments offered, the committee reported HB 4869 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 5462 on mine subsidence insurance. The bill would allow the mine subsidence fund to offset payments by amounts received from other sources and limit lawsuits over claims reported to BRIM. Members debated a proposed strike-and-insert amendment that would have softened the litigation limits and added notice and remedy provisions, but the amendment was rejected. The committee then reported HB 5462 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The senator said that was it, and thanked the chairman.
• So hopefully, Senator, that addresses your questions. Senator, to your question, your questions.
• Senator from Merri. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Senator from Marion: Mr.
• Senator from Marion: The first section in the bill, which is 33-30-6. Senator: Yes, sir.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee met with a quorum present and first approved the March 4, 2026 minutes. It then took up Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 55, a workers’ compensation cleanup bill from the Insurance Commissioner’s office. Counsel explained that the bill modernizes outdated code after privatization of the workers’ compensation system, repeals obsolete provisions, updates references to the Insurance Commissioner, reduces the Workers’ Compensation Board of Review from five members to three, and makes related technical changes. The committee adopted a strike-and-insert amendment and a title amendment, and then reported the bill to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass. The Insurance Commissioner and a senior senator both spoke in support, describing the bill as part of the long-term cleanup of the privatized system and noting the reduced caseload on the Board of Review. The committee next considered Engrossed House Bill 5463, which would lower the required insurance coverage for county boards of education from $1.25 million to $1 million per occurrence and eliminate the separate $5 million excess coverage requirement. BRIM’s executive director testified that the agency had difficulty finding a market partner for the excess coverage and that the premium cost exceeded $5 million, creating a burden for county boards. Some senators raised concerns that reducing coverage could limit recovery for victims in serious claims and that the change might reduce protections for school systems. When the motion to report the bill was put to a vote, the result was tied, and the chair declared the bill not passed. The committee then approved Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 4869, which creates guaranteed issue rights for Medicare supplement policies in West Virginia. Counsel explained that the bill allows certain policyholders to replace a Medicare supplement policy during an annual birthday period without medical underwriting, and also grants a guaranteed issue right for certain individuals losing Medicaid eligibility. The bill also requires annual reporting on premium trends and gives the Insurance Commissioner rulemaking authority. The motion to report the bill to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass was adopted. Finally, the committee considered Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 5462 on mine subsidence insurance. Counsel explained that the bill would allow the mine subsidence fund to reduce payments by amounts already received by a policyholder and, as introduced, would bar actions against insurers for claims reported to the board. A proposed strike-and-insert amendment would have replaced the blanket bar with a 90-day pre-suit notice requirement and limits on damages, but after discussion from senators, counsel, BRIM, and the Insurance Federation, the committee rejected the strike-and-insert and also rejected a separate amendment to strike the setoff language. The committee then reported the bill to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to call this meeting of the Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee to order.
• move that I move that the engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4012 be reported to the full Senate
• The engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4012 be reported to the full Senate without recommendation
• The engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4012 be reported to the full Senate without recommendation

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee met and took up the engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4012. Counsel explained that the bill shortens several Public Service Commission timelines for certificates of public convenience and necessity, including deadlines for final decisions and final submissions, with different timeframes for smaller water/sewer projects and very large projects. The bill also requires applications to justify the need for a facility, including consideration of alternatives such as advanced transmission technologies, and adds requirements for electric transmission lines of 200 kV or greater, including a showing that costs are commensurate with benefits to West Virginia ratepayers and commitments to provide off-take facilities when requested. Comparable changes were also described for siting certificates, including a reduced decision timeline. After questions and no amendments, the vice chair moved to report the bill to the full Senate without recommendation as to passage, but with a recommendation that it be re-referred to the Energy, Industry and Mining Committee. The committee approved the motion by voice vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to call this meeting of the Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee to order.
• Chairman, I move that the engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4012 be reported to the full Senate
• The engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4012 be reported to the full Senate without recommendation

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee met with a quorum and took up the engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4012. Counsel explained that the bill shortens several Public Service Commission timelines for certificates of public convenience and necessity, including deadlines for final decisions and final submissions, with different timeframes for smaller water/sewer projects and very large projects. The bill also requires applications to justify the need for a facility by examining alternatives, including advanced transmission technologies, and adds requirements for electric transmission lines of 200 kilovolts or greater, including a showing that costs are roughly commensurate with benefits to West Virginia ratepayers and commitments to build necessary off-take facilities when requested. The committee discussed the bill briefly, and no amendments were offered. The vice chair moved to report the bill to the full Senate without recommendation as to passage, but with a recommendation that it be re-referred to the Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining. The motion passed by voice vote. After the bill was reported, no further business was brought before the committee. The vice chair then moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senior Senator from the Fourth, thank you, Madam Chair.
• Thank you, Senator. Are there further questions for counsel? Senator from Marion?
• Senator from Marion, thank you, Madam Chair.
• Thank you, Senator. Are there further questions for our guest? Okay, the Senator from Marion.
• Okay, the Senator from Thank you, Senator. Are there further questions for our guest?

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its prior meeting and then took up House Bill 5537, a bill to repeal several obsolete or outdated code sections. Counsel explained that the bill would remove provisions related to professional development, a behavioral interventionist pilot program, county lists of facilities for child daycare, and high school graduation rates, with a proposed amendment adding another outdated education code section from 1923. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 5537 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. The committee then considered House Bill 4656, which would shift truancy policy toward chronic absenteeism and earlier intervention. Counsel said the committee substitute would replace punitive status-offense treatment with wraparound services, student support specialists, and a new child-in-need-of-supervision process, while also ending compulsory attendance at age 18 and removing criminal penalties for 18-year-olds. Members questioned how the new thresholds would work, including the role of attendance directors, prosecutors, judges, and the Department of Human Services, and whether the bill would change current diversion funding or court authority. Witnesses from Fayette County, Greenbrier County, and Taylor County largely opposed the bill or urged caution. The Fayette County attendance director said current truancy procedures, including school-based probation and court involvement, help secure family participation and services, and warned that removing the status offense would weaken enforcement. A Greenbrier County probation officer said diversion programs are effective and that court involvement often leads to needed services. A Taylor County juvenile prosecutor said status-offense jurisdiction gives courts meaningful leverage and flexibility, and asked that counties be allowed to keep existing approaches that work locally. After testimony, the committee voted to report HB 4656 to the full Senate without recommendation and with a recommendation that it be re-referred to the Committee on Education, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senior Senator from the Fourth, thank you, Madam Chair.
• Thank you, Senator. Are there further questions for counsel? Senator from Marion?
• Senator from Marion. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• All right, Senator.
• Thank you, Senator. Are there further questions for our guest? Okay, the Senator from Marion.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee met, established a quorum, and approved the minutes from the prior meeting. It then took up House Bill 5537, a repeal bill that removes several obsolete code sections related to professional development, a behavioral interventionist pilot program, child daycare facility lists, and high school graduation rates, and also adds another outdated section to the repeal list. After adopting the committee amendment, the committee voted to report HB 5537 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. The committee then spent most of its time on House Bill 4656, which would replace the current truancy status-offense framework with a chronic absenteeism and child-in-need-of-supervision model. Counsel explained that the bill shifts the focus toward earlier, preventative intervention, including wraparound services, student support specialists, and a new definition of chronic absenteeism tied to failed interventions, lack of meaningful contact, grade-level impact, or absences reaching 10% of instructional days. Senators questioned how the new process would work, how it would affect court authority, prosecutors, juvenile drug courts, and whether it would change the role of schools and DHHS. Witnesses from Fayette, Greenbrier, and Taylor counties testified. School attendance and juvenile justice officials generally said the current truancy process and court involvement help secure family participation and services, and they warned that removing the status offense could weaken enforcement and reduce the ability to compel participation in interventions. They described existing diversion programs, improvement periods, and court-supervised services as effective tools, with Greenbrier reporting that most diversions do not result in petitions. The committee ultimately voted to report HB 4656 to the full Senate without recommendation and with a further recommendation that it be re-referred to the Committee on Education. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senior Senator from the 13th. Seeing none. Senior Senator from the 13th.
• Senior Senator from the 13th. Oh, for the record, identify yourself.
• Senior Senator from the 13th? Senior Senator from the 13th, question of our guest.
• I don't, Senator.
• Yeah, I'll add, I really appreciate how the Senate has added Japan.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee met, established quorum, and approved the minutes from its March 9, 2026 meeting. The committee then took up the engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4577, which would authorize the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to enter reciprocal driver’s license agreements with Ireland and Japan, provided those countries’ licensing standards are at least as stringent as West Virginia’s. The bill also requires drivers using recognized foreign licenses to carry insurance and comply with state financial responsibility laws, bars DMV-based voter registration for foreign citizens, authorizes fees and rulemaking, and includes a strike-and-insert amendment and title amendment. A DMV representative explained that the measure would let citizens of the participating countries avoid retaking written and skills tests when transferring licenses, while also allowing West Virginians similar treatment abroad. Delegate Mike Hornby, the bill’s sponsor, said the proposal was intended to support economic development and trade relationships, especially with Ireland, and noted that similar reciprocity already exists with other countries and some other states. Senators asked about the practical impact, including whether it would affect tourists or long-term workers, and the sponsor emphasized that the bill was aimed mainly at people establishing residence and working between West Virginia and partner countries. The committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, then voted to report House Bill 4577, as amended, with a recommendation that it do pass. The title amendment was also adopted, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, the senior senator from the 13th.
• Chairman: Seeing none, the senior senator from the 13th. Senator: I'd like to hear from DMV.
• Senior senator from the 13th, question of our guest.
• Senior senator from the 13th, question of our guest.
• I don't, Senator.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee met, approved the March 9, 2026 minutes, and then took up the engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4577 relating to driver's licenses. Counsel explained that the bill would authorize the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to enter reciprocal agreements with Ireland and Japan to recognize each other’s driver’s licenses, provided the foreign licensing standards are at least as stringent as West Virginia’s. The bill also requires drivers using recognized foreign licenses to carry insurance and comply with state financial responsibility laws, clarifies that foreign license holders are not eligible to register to vote through the DMV, and allows the commissioner to set related fees and adopt rules. A strike-and-insert amendment and a title amendment were adopted. The committee heard from DMV counsel Adam Hawley and the bill’s House sponsor, Delegate Mike Hornby. Hawley said the measure would allow citizens of the listed countries to avoid retaking written and skills tests when transferring licenses, and noted West Virginia already has similar arrangements with Taiwan, South Korea, and Germany. Hornby said the bill was intended to support economic development and trade ties, especially with Ireland, where American workers and companies face licensing hurdles; he said Ireland had requested state-level reciprocity and that Japan was added because of West Virginia’s existing trade relationship there. Several senators expressed support, describing the bill as a symbolic and practical step toward foreign investment and job creation. After discussion, the committee voted to report the engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4577, as amended, with a recommendation that it do pass. The title amendment was then adopted, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Motions and resolutions. Senator Gianaris. >> Good afternoon, Mr.
• Senator Gianaris. >> At this time, please take up previously adopted Resolution 1716 by Senator Gianaris
• Senate Resolution No. 1716 by Senator Gianaris: memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March
• And thank you, Senator Gianaris, for this resolution.
• Read the title and call on Senator Rivera. >> Secretary will read. >> Senate Resolution No. 1607 by Senator

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the prior journal and took up motions and resolutions. Senator Gianaris moved to reconsider and restore Senate Print 3179A, an Environmental Conservation Law bill, to the third reading calendar, and amendments were also received on Senate Print 8491. The chamber then considered and adopted Resolution 1716, designating March 2026 as Greek History Month in New York, with remarks from several senators about Greek heritage, Greek independence, immigration, and the contributions of Greek Americans. The Senate also adopted Resolution 1607, proclaiming March 2026 as American Red Cross Month, with extensive testimony praising Red Cross disaster relief, blood donation, preparedness work, and volunteers; several senators highlighted local volunteers and urged greater support for the organization, including budget resources. The Senate welcomed guests, including Red Cross representatives and students from Brooklyn, and later opened the resolutions for co-sponsorship. The chamber then moved through the calendar and passed multiple bills, including measures affecting mental hygiene, elder law, penal law, public authorities, labor, public service, correction, education, election law, alcoholic beverage control, and state administrative procedure. Most bills passed by wide margins, though some drew recorded opposition, including the public authorities bill and several election, public service, and correction measures. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as a workplace dignity and anti-bullying measure, and Senator Ryan explained his support for the small-business regulatory website bill as a way to simplify access to agency rules and guidance. Senator Skoufis’s Public Health Law bill was also recalled from the Assembly, restored to the third reading calendar, and amended. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, March 12 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• > moves<00:12:55.040> Senate the, uh, Senator Seberger moves Senate the, uh, Senator Seberger
• Uh or Senator Ke uh Senator<00:18:30.559> Kelly, Senator Kelly, Senator Kelly, >> we're<
• Senate file Coupoop. Uh Senator Kunish.
• Senator Kish? >> Thank you, Senator. Senator Kish?
• Then we will hear Senate File 3864, Senate File 4066, Senate File 4263, and Senate File 2341.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Wielechowski. Senator Murkowski. Senator Wielechowski.
• The next bill is Senate File 3896, Senator Pratt. The next bill is Senate File 3896, Senator Pratt.
• Next bill, Senator Putnam. Senator Putnam brings us Senate File 3865.
• > Senate<00:35:08.720> file Senator Putnam brings us Senate File 3865.
• Senator Nelson, Senate File 4044. Well, Senator Nelson is coming forward.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to start with Senator Lang's bill, Senate File 3938, on trafficking.
• So, before you today in the Senate Judiciary members, I have Senate File 3938, which is a piece to a
• File 281, that we talked rather extensively, Senator May Klayd, myself, and Senator Gustafson.
• Senator<00:15:21.640> Holmstrom. Senator Holmstrom. Senator Holmstrom.
• Thank you, Senator Lang and to your testifiers. Senate File 3938 as amended is laid over.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I see Senator Hawley and Senator Champion. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Chair, Senator Pratt, the forecast is a forward-looking budget tool.
• Chair >> Senator Pratt, thank you. Uh Mr.
• Chair, Senator, >> Well, Mr.
• Senator Pratt. Senator Pratt.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator Butler here. >> Senator Kley here. >> Senator Chestine here. >> Senator Coleman... >> Senator
• Figures... >> Senator Gavan... >> Senator Hatcher... >> Senator Hovie... >> Senator Kelly... >> Senator
• Senator Coleman... >> Senator Figures... >> Senator Gavan... >> Senator Hatcher... >> Senator Hovie..
• . >> Senator Kelly... >> Senator Melson here. >> Senator Roberts... >> Senator Sessions... >> Senator
• :12:23.920> Senator >> Senator Woods, Senator Weaver, Senator >> Senator Woods, Senator

Bills: HB303, SB360, SB325, HB477, SB329, HB381, SB330

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate is now under call. >> Senator Murphy. Mr.
• Remaining under motions and resolutions, I'm calling on Senator Murphy to designate special orders.
• <00:21:56.400> Senator Senator Coleman votes aye. Senator Senator Coleman votes aye.
• Senator Latz, Senator Mr. President. Senator Latz, Senator Weber. Weber. Weber.
• > Senator Senator Pappas followed by Senator Senator Pappas followed by Senator Johnson<03:40:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<01:07:54.079> Birdell, Senator Birdell, Senator Birdell, >> thank<01:07:55.839><
• Hampshire Senate. here to introduce Hampshire Senate. here to introduce Senate<01:29:11.920> Bill<
• <01:29:14.400> Dan Senate Bill 607 on behalf of Senator Dan Senate Bill 607 on behalf of Senator
• Senator Inis's bill 607. Senator Inis's bill 607.
• last of the Senate bills in Senate HHS. last of the Senate bills in Senate HHS.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:14:41.080> Ibler. Senator Ibler. Senator Ibler.
• Senator<00:21:17.440> Hoffman. Senator Hoffman. Senator Hoffman.
• Senator Abeler moves that Senate File Senator Abeler moves that Senate File 1131<01:06:31.560> as<
• Senator<01:19:45.840> Boldon. Senator Boldon. Senator Boldon.
• Senator<01:31:12.080> Abeler? Senator Abeler? Senator Abeler?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um Senate File 3681, Senator Muhammad.
• Senator Kupec. >> Right. Senator Kupec.
• Senator >> Thank you, Senator Hoffman. Senator Rasmussen. Rasmussen. Rasmussen.
• Senator Buckland, >> Senator Muhammad.
• Senator Rarickson. Gronhagen. Senator Rarickson.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all