Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Baru. Senator Baru. >> Yes. Senator Beck. >> Yes. Senator Benson. >> Yes.
• Senator Bond. >> Yes. Senator Brennan. >> Yes. Senator Brock. >> Yes. Senator Kitten. >> Yes.
• Senator Coll. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Senator Cummings. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Senator Julie.
• >> Senator Hardy. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Senator Harrison. >> Senator Hashim.
• . >> Senator. >> Senator. >> Senator.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Deeds? No. Senator Fuller? No. Senator Fuller? Senator Garcia? Senator Garcia? Yea.
• Senator Hilton? No. Senator Hilton? Senator Maynard? Senator Maynard? Senator Rose? Senator...
• Senator Fuller. Yay. Senator Garcia. Senator Garcia? No. Senator Hilton? Senator Hilton. Yay.
• Senator Maynard. Senator Mayer. Senator Rose. Yes. Senator Rose. Yes. Senator Rucker. Senator Rose.
• Senator Rucker. Senator Rucker. Yay. Senator Tarr. Senator Tarr. Nay. Senator Taylor.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee considered and advanced several bills. House Bill 4995, concerning video cameras in special education classrooms, was explained as requiring parents to be notified of recording interruptions, providing written notice of the law to parents and school employees, shortening the required random review of recordings from every 90 days to every 30 days, and clarifying that school boards must still conduct independent investigations even if DHS or prosecutors do not act. The committee adopted the motion to report the bill to the full Senate. House Bill 5214, dealing with drug testing in child abuse and neglect cases, would allow courts to order testing of parents in certain cases, require laboratory confirmation of positives, and require DHS to notify the court and other parties; the committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, then reported the bill as amended and adopted a title amendment. The committee also advanced House Bill 4025 and House Bill 5441, both restructuring state personnel systems. HB 4025 would exempt employees of the Department of Health, health facilities, and human services from classified civil service and grievance procedures beginning July 1, 2026, while preserving status for some current employees and allowing exemptions to comply with federal requirements; the committee adopted a piecemeal amendment and reported it as amended. HB 5441 would eliminate separate civil service systems for Transportation, Revenue, and the Bureau for Social Services and move classifications and compensation structures to the Division of Personnel, with testimony from the governor’s counsel emphasizing faster hiring and more flexibility; the committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment and reported the bill as amended. House Bill 4602, a child welfare pilot program creating a private community-based system for post-removal services, drew testimony from DHS about concerns over costs, continuity, oversight, and child well-being outcomes, while supporters argued it could reduce caseloads and improve flexibility. The chair amended the bill to remove one of the two pilot regions, leaving only the Berkeley/Jefferson County pilot, and the committee then reported the bill as amended despite opposition from the senator from Marion. House Bill 4106, removing the provisional concealed handgun license requirement for ages 18 to 21, heard testimony from a pediatrician opposing the change and from a gun rights advocate supporting it; an amendment requiring firearms training for under-21 carriers failed by a 1-14 roll call, and the committee then reported the bill as amended. Finally, House Bill 4198, after a subcommittee rewrite, was advanced with a strike-and-insert amendment that refined E-Verify requirements for public and private employers, added exemptions for certain small or new employers and sole proprietors, clarified recordkeeping and notice requirements, and adjusted penalties and enforcement procedures. After a motion for the previous question, the committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 4198 as amended. House Bill 5319 was removed from the agenda, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Deeds? No. Senator Deeds? No. Senator Fuller? No. Senator Fuller? Senator Garcia?
• Senator Rose? Senator Senator Maynard, nay. Senator Rose, nay. Senator Rucker, nay.
• Senator Deeds. Senator Fuller. Senator Deeds? Yeah. Senator Deeds. Yay. Senator Fuller.
• Senator Maynard. Senator Maynard. Senator Rose. Yes. Senator Rose. Yes. Senator Rucker.
• Senator Rose. Yay. Senator Rucker. Senator Rucker. Yay. Senator Tarr. Senator Tarr. Nay.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And call the Senate Finance Committee to order.
• Senator from Harrison. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Very briefly. Senator from Harrison. Thank you, Mr.
• I'm sorry, Senator. I got you, Senator. No, you didn't. Your light's on. Your microphone is on.
• Senator from— Senator? No, you didn't. Your light's on. Your microphone is on. It has been on.
• Thank you, Senator. Further discussion. Senator from Harrison. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum present, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then considered a series of House bills and committee substitutes. House Bill 5438, dealing with changes to Step 7 of the school aid formula and allowable uses of certain education allocations, was amended to adopt the Education Committee’s changes and then reported to the full Senate. House Bill 4087 creating the West Virginia-Ireland Education Alliance was also reported, as was House Bill 4191, which expands child care tax credit eligibility for employer-sponsored facilities and changes subsidy payments from attendance-based to enrollment-based reimbursement; senators emphasized its workforce and economic development benefits. House Bill 5074, which reallocates medical cannabis fund balances and future revenues, was amended to increase the Child Protective Commission pilot funding from $3 million to $5 million and remove proposed ibogaine research funding for Marshall and WVU before being reported. House Bill 5353, regulating virtual currency kiosks and money transmission licensure, and House Bill 5527, creating licensure and oversight for wellness reimbursement program administrators, both received strike-and-insert amendments and were reported. House Bill 5687, which phases down the metallurgical coal severance tax and adds a temporary oil and gas tax reduction with county/municipal revenue adjustments, was amended and reported. House Bill 4418, creating an electronic system for municipal business and occupation tax filing and collection with a 1% administrative fee and a participation threshold, was also reported. The committee then took up House Bill 4245, the Revenue Rules Bundle, which bundles 26 legislative rules from the Department of Revenue and related agencies. The bundle included alcohol, banking, insurance, racing, and tax rules, with several sunset extensions and repeals of outdated rules; the committee adopted a strike-and-insert amendment affecting a lottery consumer protection rule and a pre-need cemetery company rule, then reported the bill. House Bill 5168, providing a $12 million lottery-funded stream for emergency medical services, was amended to clarify the uses of the funds, rename one fund, require a 30% county match for mental health treatment spending, and create two additional county-based EMS funds; senators described it as a needed permanent funding source for EMS, and it was reported. Throughout the meeting, members generally supported the measures, with some discussion on technical details, funding allocations, and the impact of the bills on local services and workforce needs. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced that Senate House Bills 4004, 4006, and 4009 would not be taken up that day, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, senior senator from the 13th.
• I'm sorry, Senator. I got you. Senator, no, you didn't. Your light's on. Your microphone is on.
• Thank you, Senator.
• Thank you, Senator. Further discussion. Senator from Harrison. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Yes, Senator.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator. The Chair, recognizes the Senator from Wood. Thank you, Senator.
• Senator Azinger, nay. Senator Bartlett, nay. Senator Charnock, no. Senator Deeds, nay.
• Senator Fuller? Senator Fuller, nay. Senator Garcia, yea. Senator Hilton, nay. Senator Martin, nay.
• Senator Maynard, yes. Senator Rose, nay. Senator Rose, nay. Senator Rucker, nay. Senator Tarr, yea.
• Senator Taylor, nay. Senator Weld, yea. Senator Willis, Mr. Chairman. Four in favor, 11 opposed.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then took up House Bill 4852, a strike-and-insert bill revising West Virginia’s food additive restrictions. Counsel explained that it moved the existing additive list into a new code section, kept the 2028 effective date, added exceptions for dietary supplements, alcoholic liquor, non-intoxicating beer, and small sellers under $5,000 per month, and created civil penalties for knowing violations. Testimony split between industry witnesses, who argued the bill and last year’s law would raise costs, burden interstate commerce, and conflict with federal regulation, and advocates who said the law is already prompting companies to reformulate and that the bill clarifies vague language tied to a federal injunction. Several amendments were offered to tie the law to FDA action or exempt soda, pepperoni rolls, frozen confections, and snack foods; some were adopted and others failed. The committee then adopted the strike-and-insert amendment as amended and reported HB 4852 to the full Senate with a do-pass recommendation. The committee next considered House Bill 5484, which creates felony offenses for interfering with a victim’s access to medical treatment or forensic care related to a sexual offense, or for forcing a victim of a sexual offense who becomes pregnant to have an illegal abortion, along with a conspiracy offense. Counsel said the strike-and-insert added clarifying language and definitions. Members raised concerns that the conspiracy language could be read to include the victim herself, and the bill sponsor said the intent was to target traffickers and abusers who keep victims from medical care and force abortions outside medical facilities. An amendment was adopted clarifying that nothing in the subsection imposes criminal liability on the victim of the sexual offense. The committee then adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, reported HB 5484 to the full Senate with a do-pass recommendation, and adopted a title amendment. The final bill discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 4468, which narrows confidentiality protections for victims in criminal complaints by limiting redaction to names and addresses, while still allowing disclosure to other governmental entities and permitting victims to request redaction of addresses from appellate decisions after July 1, 2026. Counsel said the bill would replace broader existing confidentiality language and remove provisions allowing disclosure upon a showing of justice or by subpoena. Members questioned whether the change would weaken victim privacy protections, noting that identifying information can include much more than names and addresses. The committee then began hearing testimony from a county prosecutor on the bill, but the excerpt ends before any vote or final action on HB 4468.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Deeds? No. Senator Deeds? Senator Fuller? Senator Fuller? Senator Garcia?
• Senator Martin, nay. Senator Maynard, yes. Senator Maynard, yay. Senator Rose, nay. Senator Rose.
• Senator Rose, nay. Senator Rucker, nay. Senator Tarr, yea. Senator Taylor, nay.
• Senator Rose, Senator Rose, nay, Senator Rucker, Senator Rucker, nay, Senator Tarr, Senator Tarr, yea
• , Senator Taylor, Senator Taylor, nay, Senator Taylor, nay, Senator Weld, Senator Weld, yeah, Senator

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The transcript contains only repeated expressions of thanks and does not include any substantive legislative discussion, bill references, testimony, motions, votes, or other actions. No committee or floor business can be identified from the provided text.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

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:

• 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

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

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

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

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:

• 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

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.