Welcome to the 2017 Legislative Brief, your one-stop shop for legislative news from a variety of sources throughout West Virginia, and  view of the legislative happenings on the horizon. Today marks the 45th day of the 60-day Legislative Session.

Legislative Action by the Numbers:

• 1107 House bills were introduced this session compared to 1191 during the 2016 session

• 684 Senate bills were introduced this session compared to 706 during the 2016 session

• 119 bills have passed the House of Delegates

• 164 bills have passed the State Senate

• 18 bills have completed legislative action of which 12 were House bills and 6 were Senate bills

• 4 bills have been signed by the Governor

• 10 bills are awaiting the Governor’s consideration

View from the Capitol:

This week, the Justice Administration finally saw activity on his proposed legislation in both the House and Senate chambers.  While many of the Governor’s tax proposals have met tremendous opposition, there does appear to be agreement in some areas which are now being given legislative committee consideration.  

The budget has been, and continues to be, the topic of much attention and debate. Up until today, SB 335 was considered to be the most probable bill for tax reform. That changed this morning when SB 409 was identified as what will most likely become the Republican tax reform bill. This bill as outlined today preserves many of the existing exemptions, proposes a food tax of 3.5%, and proposes reducing the personal property tax rate at all tiers as well as several other substantive changes.

Stayed tuned to SB 409.  With only 15 days remaining in the Regular Legislative Session, it is becoming increasingly more challenging for the Legislature to consider and enact significant tax reform proposals..

Legislative Calendar - Important Days to Remember

47th Day - March 26 - Bills due out of committee in house of origin to ensure three full days for readings.

50th Day - March 29 - Last day to consider bills on third reading in house of origin.  Does not apply to the budget bill or supplemental appropriations bills.

60th Day - April 8 - Adjournment at midnight.