News from Under the Dome

BILLS TO WATCH

On February 8, 2017 Governor Jim Justice delivered his first State of the State address to the 83rd Legislature. The State is facing a $500 million budget gap and Governor Justice outlined a plan calling for $27 million in spending cuts and around $450 million in tax fee increases. A large focus thus far from the Legislature is working on a budget that will cut the cost of government and reduce reliance on revenue increases.

This newsletter will provide to you an overview of activity during the Legislature. We will provide updates on bills of interest relating to healthcare and the practice of medicine. If you have a question about a bill you don't see listed, please let us know!

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House Banking and Insurance Bills of Interest Today

House Banking and Insurance met today to discuss five bills and four move on to other committees; two will be discussed more in the next meeting.

HB 2619 would adopt the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Risk Management and Own Risk Solvency Assessment Model Act for implementation by West Virginia insurers so that they are better equipped to assess their financial condition and remain solvent. If passed, this bill would take effect January 1, 2018. This bill will be reported to the floor with do recommendation that it do pass, but first be referred to the Judiciary Committee.

HB 2471 would require insurance coverage for breast cancer screening be provided by the Public Employees Insurance Agency, accident and sickness insurance providers, group accident and sickness insurance providers. If passed, this bill would take effect January 1, 2018. This bill is to help with the “next step” after an issue is found in a mammogram. It would help cover the ultra sound to discover the details of the issue. This bill will be reported to the floor with the recommendation that it do pass, but first be refered to Finance Committee.

HB 2460 would require teleheath services be treated the same as in person treatment. This bill will be reported to the floor with the recommendation that it do pass, but first be refered to the Committee on Health and Human Resources.

Legislative Landmarks

Opening Day

January 11, 2017

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First Day

February 8, 2017

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Legislative Rule-Making Review bills due

February 27, 2017

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Last day to introduce bills in the House

March 14, 2016

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Last day to introduce bills in the Senate

March 20, 2017

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Bills due out of committees in house

of origin

March 26, 2017

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Last day to consider bill on third reading in house of origin. Does not include budget or supplementary appropriation bills

March 29, 2017

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Adjournment at Midnight

April 8, 2017

Interested in the Page Program?

The Page Program gives students, grades 6 thru 12, from West Virginia’s public and nonpublic schools an opportunity to serve as Pages in the West Virginia Legislature during the regular session. Pages serve members of the House and Senate in a nonpartisan capacity, within the Legislature.

House Roster

Senate Roster