Senate committee reports four bills, including municipal fire marshal authority and changes to polling-location rules

The Senate Government Organization Committee on Tuesday reported four bills to the full West Virginia Senate with recommendations that they pass.

Senate Bill 443 would authorize municipal fire marshals to assist in the lawful execution of a state or federal law officer’s duties when requested and under the direct supervision of that officer. Committee counsel said the bill has run in prior sessions and that Chris Collins, fire marshal for the city of St. Albans, was present in the audience in support.

Senate Bill 481 amends two code sections to substitute the phrase "polling location" for "precinct" in the requirements for election officials. Counsel said the change allows ballots from effectively sub-precinct ballot styles to be counted separately at one location without requiring a distinct set of election officials for each ballot style; the County Clerk's Association supports the change and Brian Wood, Putnam County Clerk, was noted as present.

Senate Bill 146 would create a new article allowing property owners or governing bodies of common-interest communities (for example, condominium associations) to record a simple amendment removing unlawful deed restrictions—defined as conditions that would interfere with sale or occupancy based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability or other protected characteristics and that violate state or federal law. Counsel noted the uniform law was promulgated in July 2023 and adopted in several other jurisdictions.

All measures were agreed to without amendment in committee and were reported to the full Senate; SB 481 and SB 146 carry a double reference and will first be sent to the Judiciary Committee as provided in the original reference.

The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.