Now that we are a month into the 2005 regular session with over 270 bills introduced, it is a good time to review some of the notable and ignoble bills so far.

It is hard to believe that by the time this article is published, over 300 bills will be introduced in the Senate alone. Now if most of the bills actually improved our life in West Virginia (they’re supposed to do that, right?) I guess the number wouldn’t be that astounding. Sadly, most don’t.

There is, for instance, the bill that “promotes mental hygiene.” Mental hygiene? That must have been in the first paragraph of the original draft of the Constitution (you know, the version that got lost) just between “provide for the common defense” and “promote the general welfare.”

Then there is what I call the “candidate welfare bill.” If you want to run for office and are a poor fundraiser, you can sidle up to the state and have them pay for your campaign. This brainchild of Senator Chafin (and I am generous to even use the word “brain”) would spend money you and I don’t have to support potential candidates they can’t prove didn’t run because of the lack of money.

A bill like this is historically unnecessary. Take Senator Harrison’s last successful campaign for Senate. The incumbent, John Mitchell, spent over 250% more than (then Delegate) Harrison. When the dust settled, Harrison spent $38,501.78 to Mitchell’s $97,400.81. That is proof money isn’t the answer to a successful campaign.

Even Senator Dempsey won his first Senate term with only a few $1000.

But I’m being overly cynical here. There are some bills that do good.

Senator Harrison authored a bill that would give couples intending to be married a discount on the marriage license if they agree to a certain number of hours of marriage counseling from individuals recognized by West Virginia: certified counselors and religious leaders.

Senator Sprouse authored what is fondly called the “anti-Byrd bill.” It prohibits monuments or buildings from being named after anyone while they are in office. According to this bill, to be gloriously enshrined into the public life with your name boldly displayed on some edifice, you have to be out of office or dead.

Senators Yoder and Weeks presented a bill that would repeal most of the taxes in West Virginia and replace it with a comprehensive income tax. While I don’t know if it is revenue neutral, it is music to my (overtaxed) ears.

So that is some of what is happening. It is always interesting, that is for sure.