David Walker (D-Clay)
House of Delegates
WV Legislature-District 33
This week the House and Senate passed a resolution that establishes joint rules between the two houses. These rules are important to the legislative process, especially near the end of session, so both chambers can meet to debate and discuss bills that have not been passed.
The House also passed the "Autism Bill," a bill that would require insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders and ensure that any limitations to coverage does not conflict with any other laws.
Our main priority is taking care of the kids and this bill will help those struggling families in need of assistance.
In the Agriculture committee, we passed a bill that would provide for aged or disabled farmers to continue to receive the benefit of having their farm land appraised as farm property after they cease farming due to age or other disability.
Those who have spent their lives as farmers should still receive the same benefits they always have. It is our responsibility to take care of those former providers who have worked so diligently.
Last week we celebrated Domestic Violence Prevention. This week, we passed a bill to aid in this process. The bill would create a misdemeanor crime of unlawful restraint. When the offender has a past or present domestic relationship with the victim, upon conviction, the accused would be subject to the penalties set for the criminal act of a domestic violence offense.
We are working are way through session quickly and these three bills are just the beginning in legislation that will benefit the people of this great state.
On a final note, I would like to thank Minnie Hamilton from the Health System of Grantsville and Pocahontas Memorial Hospital for stopping by my office. Minnie has extended the "Hands across the Mountains" in partnership to maintain Quality Healthcare Services to communities in Pocahontas County.
As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you feel need addressed. You can reach me by calling 304-340-3135, by e-mailing dwalker@mail.wvnet.edu or writing to my office address: Room 210W, Building 1, State Capitol Complex Charleston, W.Va. 25305.
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