The House passed HB 4003 on Monday.

The intent of the bill is to establish a clear legal right title to extract rare earth metals from coal waste piles.it will also define the roles for cleanup.

These rare earth metals contain elements that are in very high demand because of the roles they play in making most electronic products, as well as automotive products. The Bill passed nearly unanimously

Speaker of the House, Roger Hanshaw said, “We remain committed to creating a business climate that turns heads and catches national attention for opening up avenues previously thought to be restricted and off the table in West Virginia. I will continue to repeat to anyone who will listen that we are an economy in transition, and we are a welcome economy for investments, expansions and new industries right here in the Mountain State.”

Senate Bill 4, which is a reversal of the States nuclear power ban became law this week.

House Resolution 13 passed the House this week.

This resolution creates the Select Committee on Tourism and Economic Diversification. The select committee will continue through the remainder of the 85th Legislature. S

peaker Pro Tempore Gary Howell was appointed Chairman of the new Select Committee.

“I’m honored to add the important work of this Committee to my duties this year as we continue to develop a more diverse economy and do everything, we can to make West Virginia the easy choice for job creation and prosperity,” Howell said.

The House also passed HB 4098. This bill makes it clear in code that geothermal energy may be developed in the State. The bill does two things:

1. It outlines ownership rights geothermal energy

2. Provides regulatory oversight to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection

“This is a new chapter in West Virginia’s history, and this is part of the all-in energy program that we are following currently,” Delegate Mark Zatezalo said.

In a continued effort to gain as much knowledge as we can about the needs of our aging correctional facilities and the employees who work in them, members of the Select Committee on Jails and Prisons, as well as other delegates toured Mt. Olive Penitentiary this week.

Chairman David Kelly said, “I want to personally thank the many people who worked hard to make this tour, and last weeks tour to Western regional Jail, a reality. The people, who work in these facilities, are heroes. They are truly dedicated to their profession. We must never forget the sacrifices they make daily.”

The Select Committee on Jails and Prisons passed out four bills on Friday morning. These bills were referenced to other committees.

1. HB4371: This bill adds Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation employees who work at institutions managed by the Commissioner to The Survivors Benefit Act.

2. HB4375: To ensure that imposition of certain sexual offenses applies to those persons working in juvenile facilities against juveniles detained or committed in juvenile facilities

3. HB4490: Extending the expiration date of the freeze of the per diem cost for incarcerated inmates in regional jails for a period of two years

4. HB4497: Relating to the repeal of the article governing the Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority Board

As of Friday, February 11th, we have introduced 1,286 bills in the House and 24 bills have completed legislation.