Welcome to the 2017 Legislative Brief, your one-stop shop for legislative news from a variety of sources throughout West Virginia, and my view of the legislative happenings on the horizon.  Today marks the 24th day of the 60-Day Legislative Session.

Legislative Action by the Numbers:

• 888 bills introduced in the House

• 516 bills introduced in the Senate

• 50 bills have passed the Senate and await House consideration

• 35 bills have passed the House and await Senate consideration

My View from the Capitol:

On Monday, February 27, Governor Justice proposed an alternative budget for the Legislature's consideration.  The Governor's initial budget that he proposed during the 2017 State of the State Address was not well received by members of the West Virginia Legislature.

The Governor's revised budget would lead to a $63 million surplus for the General Revenue Fund by taking the following measures:

• A possible $50 million in spending cuts. 

• Lower the proposed Commercial Activities Tax (CAT) from the original .2% down to .075%. 

• Consumer sales tax increase from 6% to 6.25%. This is lower than his initial proposal of 6.5%. 

• Repeal exemptions on professional services, except for advertising.

• Sugary drink tax - one cent per fluid ounce on drinks containing sugar.

• Cigarette tax increase of 50 cents per pack.

• Extra personal income tax fees - flat fee per year.

  • Household income over $200k - extra $500 per year

  • Household income over $250k - extra $750 per year

  • Household income over $300k - extra $1,000 per year

• Smoothing of gains and losses in Teachers Retirement Plan unfunded repayment (4-year smoothing). 

• SOS fund - break up the original one-time expenditure of $105 million split over 3 years = $35 million per year. 

• Beer tax, liquor tax, workers' compensation redirect, eliminate general revenue transfer to road fund.

• Removal of some initial proposed expenditures.

The remainder of the week was highlighted by some lengthy House floor sessions, House public hearings, and the continuation of numerous budget hearings in both chambers.

Legislative Calendar - Important Days to Remember

First Day - February 8

20th Day - February 27 - Submission of Legislative Rule-Making Review Bills Due.

35th Day - March 14 - Last day to introduce bills in the House.

41st Day - March 20 - Last day to introduce bills in the Senate.  

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 appropriation bills.

60th Day - April 8 - Adjournment at midnight.