A look at bills introduced Monday, Jan. 24

David Beard, The Dominion Post, Morgantown, W.Va.
·2 min read

Jan. 25—MORGANTOWN — Here is a look at some of the bills introduced on Monday, Jan. 24. Local sponsors and co-sponsors, if any, are noted.

SB 468, to establish the Unborn Child with Down Syndrome Protection and Education Act ; provides that abortion may not be performed for Down syndrome and other disabilities except in the case of a medical emergency. Sens. Randy Smith, R-Tucker, and Dave Sypolt, R-Preston, co-sponsors.

SB 473, to state an employee's right to inquire about wages under the Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan Fair Pay Act ; requires an employer to provide wage range to applicants. Sen. Bob Beach, D-Monongalia, sponsor.

SB 477, to require the Higher Education Policy Commission to create and administer a PROMISE Plus Program for the purpose of supplementing the PROMISE Scholarship award of an individual who meets more rigorous standards so that the total of both scholarships received by that individual is equal to the actual cost of tuition. Smith, Sypolt, co-sponsors.

HB 4008, to direct the Higher Education Policy Commission to develop and implement a funding formula model governing its appropriation request to the Legislature. Delegate Joe Statler, R-Monongalia, co-sponsor.

HB 4012, to prohibit an entity from requiring the showing of a COVID-19 vaccination to enter a hospital, state institution of higher education or a state or local governmental office, entity, department, or agency. Delegate Guy Ward, R-Marion, co-sponsor.

HB 4013, to eliminate the certificate of need program. Delegate Amy Summers, R-Taylor, lead sponsor.

HB 4015, to create the West Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act to ensure that, in all cases where state action is alleged to substantially burden the exercise of religion, a compelling interest test is mandated, and, strict scrutiny is applied. Ward, co-sponsor.

HB 4346, to clarify the authority and obligations of the Governor and Legislature relating to declared states of preparedness and emergencies.

HB 4349, to create the right that a patient can be visited by every parent or guardian of that patient.

HB 4363, to allow public school teachers and service personnel who accept subsequent employment in a public charter school to retain their benefits without penalty. Ward, lead sponsor ; Delegates Buck Jennings, Terri Sypolt, both R-Preston, co-sponsors.

HR 8, created the Select Committee on Coal Communities.

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