Charleston, West Virginia (WOWK) — Friday at the West Virginia State Capitol was anything but a relaxing way to end the week.
Before any bills were voted on in the West Virginia House, Republican Del. Chris Anders introduced a motion to repeal the certificate of need.
“To bring the bill to the floor so we can debate it as a whole body,” said Anders, Berkeley County’s representative.
The bill was rejected in committee, raising concerns about whether it would be brought to the floor. With Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw absent today, many debated which rules were in effect and whether the House was even following them.
“So wouldn’t the Mason rules take over based on the chair’s last ruling?” asked Republican Delegate Brandon Steele. “So we can’t make a motion to move the previous question?”
After a lengthy debate over rules, delegates voted on whether to bring the bill repealing the certificate of need to the floor.
“This will end the government’s healthcare monopoly. “It will increase availability and affordability for West Virginians,” Anders told the full House. “Again, I’m asking you to vote yes on the discharge.”
Ultimately, delegates voted 16 to 74 against the motion to bring the certificate of need bill to the floor.
However, Democrat Shawn Fluharty moved to pass a bill requiring all lawmakers to test for drugs.
“After today’s activities, watching this fiasco, they want to see us follow through with the same things they have to do on our jobs,” said Fluharty, who represents Ohio County. Why don’t we? “If it works for them, it will work for us.”
After Fluharty’s motion to discharge the drug testing bill was adopted, Democrat Evan Hansen attempted to do the same with another bill addressing utility costs.
“Put a cap on West Virginia’s electric rates, which have risen faster than any other state in the country,” said Hansen, who represents Monongalia County.
Hansen’s motion was rejected, and after a brief recess, he spoke out against a bill that would require a photo ID to vote.
“We should be passing bills that expand people’s right to the ballot and not restrict it,” Mr. Hansen said. “For that reason, I’ll be voting no.”
There was also discussion about a bill that would require registered sex offenders to pay an annual fee.
“We are talking about predators and $125 dollars a year,” said Raleigh County Del. Steele. “A shoplifter may be paying $50 per month for an ankle monitor.” “This is an easy bill to vote for, guys.”
The bill and the photo ID bill both passed. In addition to these two bills, 18 other pieces of legislation have been sent to the Senate for consideration.
“Lord knows we had enough drama in here today,” Steele explained. “I don’t know what they’re doing.”
The House returns on Monday, but Senators will reconvene under the dome at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
