As the Legislature reaches the last few weeks of the 2009 Regular

Session, the calendar plays an ever-increasing role in legislative actions. Several deadlines, established by both procedural and constitutional rules, come into play as the final day of session approaches. The following is a brief outline of these upcoming deadlines. For instance, March 23, 2009, the 41st Day on the Legislative Calendar, is the last day to introduce bills in the Senate and the House. However, this rule does not apply to originating or supplementary appropriation bills nor does it apply to Senate or House resolution or concurrent resolutions. The next deadline occurs on March 29th, the 47th Day. Bills are due out of committees in house of origin to ensure three full days of reading.

A major landmark day approaching happens on April 1st, which is the 50th Day or as it is called, “Crossover Day”. This is the absolute last day for House bills to be considered in the House and Senate Bills in the Senate. There is, however, certain exceptions to this rule. For instance, this rule doesn’t apply the Budget Bill or supplementary appropriations. The rule can also be suspended for a particular bill by concurrent resolution approved by two-thirds of both chambers.

April 8, the 57th Day, is another major deadline as it is the day committee reports are to be taken up by both bodies in order to guarantee three full days of reading. Legislation in committees may be reported out after this date but bills reported out of committee on the 58th day must be taken up for immediate consideration and read a first time to guarantee three full days. Likewise, committee reports can also be received on the final two days of session, but the constitutional rule requiring a bill be read on three separate days must be suspended by a four-fifths vote of the members.

Finally, this year the 60th Day or final day of the 2009 Regular Session falls on Saturday, April 11. According to the West Virginia Constitution, the regular session cannot exceed 60 calendar days.

Traditionally, the Legislature adjourns at midnight on this day before immediately going into extended session for the purpose of finalizing the budget. However, and this rarely has happened, the regular session can be extended for other purposes by a two-thirds vote by both the House and Senate.

As we near the finish line of the session and committee work intensifies it is always important to remember the rules theat govern our actions in the Legislature. Interested parties should always make themselves aware of these deadlines because 60 days can pass rather quickly if one is not paying attention and you may miss an opportunity to influence a legislative change.

A few groups came from Mingo County this week on Thursday to sit in on the floor session. The first group represented Mingo County’s ABLE

Families 4-H and were chaperoned by Sister Janet Peterworth. She escorted 16 young adults from the Kermit area to the Capitol to see the legislative process first hand and I thank them for their interest.

Also on Thursday, members from the Coalfield Community Action Partnership group came to the Capitol as well. I recognized Rebecca Blackburn, Angie Marcum, Rosa Wright, Mikki Fields, Bambi Murphy and Trina Fitzpatrick as they sat in the North Gallery overlooking the House Chamber. I always appreciate seeing friendly faces from Mingo County and I encourage all constituents to take the time and become aware of the legislative activity during the session.

One final reminder, this coming Monday, March 23 is, again, Mingo County Day at the West Virginia Legislature. If you are able, you should make the trip to Charleston and show the state all the great things that are happening in Mingo County.

If you should have any questions or comments regarding any issues or on any other pieces of legislation when they come before the Legislature, feel free to contact me here at my Charleston office. To write me, my address is Delegate Harry Keith White, Building 1, Room 460M, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. To call me please call (304) 340-3230 or call Toll free at 1-877-565-3447 and ask to be transferred. I encourage all my constituents to remain active and become part of the legislative process.