David Walker (D-Clay)
House of Delegates
WV Legislature-District 33
With one week left in this session, the House has been busy pushing forward many beneficial pieces of legislation. This week alone we have passed over 70 bills.
Among those bills passed, House Bill 2159 would prohibit members of the news media from being compelled to give a court testimony relating to the source of information without the consent of the person or persons providing the information.
This bill would help protect media sources' identities and make it so that reporters are not forced to reveal their source of information without the direct consent of the informant.
Also passed was House Bill 3087 which would require qualifying law-enforcement officers to receive certification to carry a concealed firearm nationwide as provided in the federal Law-Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004.
Additionally, House Bill 3271 would establish a special fund in the state treasury which would be known as the "Volunteer Fire Department Workers' Compensation Premium Subsidy Fund."
This would provide that the state auditor administer the distribution of moneys from the fund to volunteer and part-time volunteer fire companies and departments to help provide payment for workers' compensation insurance premium increases. It would also provide additional funding from various sources and require reviews, assessments and reports to the Legislature prior to termination of these provisions.
Finally, an update on the "Bullying Bill." This bill was passed from the House this week and sent to the Senate. It is currently in the Senate Education Committee and will pass through Senate Judiciary before reaching the chamber floor.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comment 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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