The last week of February the West Virginia House of Delegates advanced almost unanimously 11 bills to the Senate. Among them were HB 2047 and HB 2123. HB 2047 increases criminal penalties for child abuse and neglect by individuals in positions of trust. Abuse causing bodily harm increases prison terms from 1-5 years to 2-10 years. Abuse causing serious bodily harm increases the prison term from 2-10 years to 5-15 years. Abuse creating a substantial risk of death/severe injury increases the prison term from 1–5 years to 2–10 years. For a second offense, the prison term increased from 1–3 years to 1–5 years. Neglect creating a substantial risk of death/severe injury increases the prison term from 1–5 years to 1–10 years. Subsequent felony offenses may result in double imprisonment and fines.
House Bill 2123 prohibits cameras in foster home bedrooms and bathrooms with some exceptions. Baby monitors are allowed if age-appropriate or for children with certain medical conditions. Medical equipment, with or without cameras, is allowed for children with severe physical, cognitive, or psychological disorders. Any exempt equipment must be clearly visible and not hidden. Both bills aim to enhance child protection and safety measures.
Members of the House voted to move some food additives out of reach with their approval of House Bill 2354. The measure would eliminate certain food additives from school nutrition programs starting August 1st and would prohibit the sale of food products containing seven specific color additives or food dyes within the state after January 1, 2027.
Lead sponsor of HB 2354, Delegate Adam Burkhammer, stated that we live in a state where many of our elementary school kids are medicated dealing with ADHD or some type of autism symptoms and what the studies have begun to show is that these additives add no value to the nutritional value, only enhance appearance, and are actually feeding into hyperactivity and ADHD.
Members of the Energy and Public Works Committee dug deep this week for an intense discussion on utility services and the establishment of microgrids in West Virginia. Their work across two meetings lasted five hours with no legislation on the table. Various representatives from the energy industry spoke to the economic impact and other aspects of microgrids in the state during the meeting, allowing the committee to go in-depth on the key question of how West Virginia can continue to lead energy generation and economic development.
I enjoyed meeting with members from Glenville’s and Braxton’s Volunteer Fire Departments on Firefighter Recognition Day. I am thankful for their continued dedication to our communities, but times are changing. Volunteer firefighting numbers are alarmingly low, posing a serious threat to the safety and resilience of our communities. As our seasoned firefighters age, it is crucial to bring younger generations into the fold to ensure continuity in emergency services. Encouraging young people to become volunteer firefighters not only strengthens our community’s preparedness for emergencies but also instills a sense of civic duty and teamwork. By highlighting the rewarding and impactful nature of this service, we can inspire a new wave of dedicated volunteers who are essential to safeguarding our communities against the unpredictable forces of nature and human-made hazards.
Just a reminder about the time change next weekend when we spring forward an hour. I’m looking forward to more daylight in the evenings.
“The evening’s glow is the day’s gentle farewell.”
(John Keats)
I look forward to hearing from people in the district and hope to see you out and about enjoying all the great things our area has to offer. I can be contacted at [email protected] or 304-701-8600.
Devoted to Braxton County, West Virginia