Thread by @tylerwwv

A bit late, but I’m watching the Senate Judiciary meeting. I’ll be live tweeting. @FolkReporters #folkreporter 1/

Currently discussing HB 3059: Give PSC authority to fine Class I railroads for safety and operational violations. Council notes that this law will likely be challenged in Federal Court as railroads are regulated by Congress. 2/

Charlotte Lane, PSC Chair is speaking on the bill. 3/

She speaks in favor of the bill, says it could make railways safer, and acknowledges that there will likely be legal challenges, says PSC is ready to defend it. 4/

Sen. Hamilton (I think) asked about the cost of legal fees, she said in fiscal note $300,000. She said no basis for that number; it just sounded right. 5/

Del. Charlie Reynolds (R- Marshall) District 6, Lead sponsor now speaking on bill. 6/

@Lauraforwv speaks in favor of the bill, notes the recent train wrecks, and the threat to people they pose. 7/

Strike and insert amendment for HB 3059 was adopted, bill has been reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass, but first go to the Committee on Finance. 8/

Now on HB 2862: Relating generally to requirements for shareholder voting by the West Virginia Investment Management Board and the Board of Treasury Investments. 9/

Riley Moore, State Treasurer, now speaking on the bill. 10/

From people speaking on the bill, my understanding is that it would restrict shareholders voting on behalf of the West Virginia Investment Management Board and Treasury Board from making decisions based on “social justice” issues, limiting it to a solely financial decision. 11/

New witness speaking (missed name/ position), says that there is no evidence that shareholders are voting based off of social issues (says the board is conservative). 12/

@MikeStuartWV speaks against investment boards taking “crazy” environmental policies in to account when making investment decisions. Believes decision should be made solely on financial return. 13/

Witness isn’t the word. Idk what I was thinking. 12a/

The speaker continues to reiterate that he believes this bill is unnecessary as board members aren’t voting on social issues. He believes that it will unnecessarily clutter code. Senators aren’t buying it, asking what’s the harm if it regulates something that isn’t happening 14/

Sen. Azinger asking about ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). Saying it has roots in critical theory and Marxism. Asking the opinion of the speaker on ESG. 15/

The speaker says that that he’s a “moderate on everything” and doesn’t really give his opinion on ESG. 15/

His name is Craig Slaughter, Executive Director, WV Investment Management Board 12b/

Del. Jeffries (speaking before the committee) alleges that activists on the Investment Board helped flip the Exon Board of Directors. 16/

HB 2862 has been reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass. 17/

The committee is in recess until 15 minutes after the floor session (starts at 4:30). As far as I know (missed the beginning of the meeting) they still haven’t taken up HB 3018, HB 2007, and HB 2008. I’ll be back on this thread when they resume. 18/

Sen. Trump says that Judiciary will resume 5 minutes after Government Organization ends. The Senate will resume after ether Finance or Judiciary end (which ever is last). 19/

20/

https://twitter.com/wvsenclerk/status/1633591236316794881

And we’re back! 21/

Judiciary is on HB 2007 now.

The plan is to get through this quickly. Then get to the other bills on the agenda and have them quickly disposed of, sent to the floor, read a first time, and sent back to committee. (Not sure if 2007 Will be sent back, but the other three should be). 22/

The committee adopted an amendment for HB 2007 sent from the Health Committee. 23/

HB 2007 has been reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass. No discussion. 24/

HB 3018, 3190, and 2008 are reported to the Senate with no recommendation. They are to be read a first time, then sent back to the committee. 25/

Judiciary is in recess until 15 minutes following the floor session. I’ll be back on the thread when they reconvene. 26/

Judiciary meets in 10 minutes. Will be considering HB 3018, HB 2008, and HB3190. 27/

We’re back and on to HB 3018! @CarisaCollins 28/

@kaylayoungforwv (lead sponsor) is now speaking before the committee.

West Virginia has the highest rate of child marriage in the country.
7 child marriages per 1,000 marriages
Minors cannot file for divorce, and child marriage undermines statutory rape laws.
- Del. Young (not direct quote) 28/

@RuckerforWV moves to table the bill. 29/

Motion fails 8 yea, 9 no. The bill is not tabled. I could not hear all of the responses, so I don’t know hoe Senators voted. 30/

Motion to report HB 3018 failed. 9-8 31/

Votes to reject HB 3018
Azigner
Chapman
Hunt
Martin
Maynard
Rucker
Stover
Stuart
Taylor
None of them actually spoke against the bill.