Bills To Support Vulnerable Citizens Pass In The Senate

The lives of every day West Virginians – some of them especially vulnerable – are impacted by several bills the senate passed in a flurry of activity Tuesday. 

Among the two dozen measures passed by the upper chamber was House Bill 4053 which establishes a Blue Envelope Program. Designed to ease communication for people with autism spectrum disorder, dementia or developmental disabilities, a blue colored envelope small enough to fit in a glove compartment contains details about the person’s condition and any accommodations that may be necessary. 

The envelope would be handed to law enforcement during a traffic stop or at the scene of an accident.

House Bill 4138 adds solicitation of a minor and the non consensual disclosure of private images to the list of offenses requiring registration as a sex offender. Sen. Tom Willis, R-Berkeley, who chairs the Senate Judiciary committee, urged passage.

“These are both despicable crimes, and the public should be aware of these individuals’ true nature,” Willis told his colleagues on the Senate floor. 

House Bill 4354 establishes minimum wardrobe requirements for children who are removed from their homes and provides $375 for necessary purchases through the Bureau of Social Services. The minimum requirements include clothing that fits, is in good condition and is appropriate for all seasons while the child is in care.