House of Delegates

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Members of the West Virginia House of Delegates passed a total of 45 House Bills to the Senate this week, including one that would reorganize the current Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR).

House Bill 2006 would divide DHHR into three separate departments, each with its own secretary: Health, Human Services and Health Facilities. The breakup would take effect Jan. 1, 2024.

“Hopefully it clears up some of this red tape so government can do the simple job it’s supposed to do – the most important thing,” said Delegate Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, before voting for HB2006. “To take care of those who cannot take care of themselves.”

The bill passed the House Feb. 14 by a vote of 95-3.

Delegates unanimously approved House Bill 2515, which would require Workforce WV to coordinate with the Higher Education Policy Commission and the Bureau for Family Assistance to create an inventory of occupational and educational resources available to assist single parents who want to further their education, reenter the workforce or receive workforce training. The bill would require the HEPC to maintain a copy of the document on its website and to provide it by mail when requested. The bill now is with the Senate for debate.

Another bill with the Senate this week, House Bill 3036, would expand on the BUILD WV program. The Legislature created the BUILD WV program last year with the intent to provide limited tax breaks that will spur housing for graduate, post-graduate and professional job holders, technical workers as well as entrepreneurs in key geographical regions of the state. BUILD WV districts may be designated by agreement among the Secretary of Economic Development, Secretary of the Department and Tourism and the Secretary of the Department of Commerce after meeting several other detailed criteria. HB3036 would increase the number of allowable certified BUILD WV districts to 12 and would increase the limit on approved costs for approved projects.

A total of 25 bills have completed legislative action and 14 of those have been House bills. The 60-day, regular legislative session ends at midnight March 11.

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