The Legislature Today

On this episode of The Legislature Today, Randy Yohe talks with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, about his hopes for this session.

Also, Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, spoke from his seat on the Senate floor Monday to introduce a resolution calling on the state’s congressional delegation to reform the federal permitting process.

In the House, the body advanced a bill that would help those with dementia and their families in case of an emergency often called a walk away. Yohe reports.

And, Monday was also Child Advocacy Day at the Capitol, bringing together child welfare advocates to provide resources and educate the public. Emily Rice has the story.

Finally, it was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and there were speeches and other activities such as ringing the state bell after a quick march from the Culture Center to the Capitol. This is an annual event. Bob Brunner brings us the story.

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The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.

Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, it was the second annual Fairness For All Day in the Capitol rotunda. This is an opportunity for the LGTBQ+ community from around the state to rally together and lobby for legislation.

Also, the Senate closed out its first week after passing 36 bills and introducing 143 more. Briana Heaney has more.

We also introduce a new segment this year featuring two high school students who are helping us out by presenting a weekly story about the inner workings of the legislature.

And, before lawmakers gaveled in this week, they got a rundown on the state of West Virginia’s economy. Curtis Tate has that story.

Finally, we have a roundtable with WVPB reporters who recap the first days of the 2024 session and discuss what's to come over the next eight weeks.

Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.

The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.

Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, the 2024 West Virginia Legislative session has kicked off. Chris Schulz brings us an overview of Gov. Jim Justice’s State of the State address, and Randy Yohe brings us the minority response. Yohe speaks with Minority Leader Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, and Sen. Mike Caputo, D-Marion.

Also, we recap the action from the first two days. Between the two chambers, there were nearly 1,000 bills introduced. Briana Heaney gives us an overview of Senate action.

We also hear about nine delegates who left the House since last session along with honors for a long-time staff member who passed away recently, and the legislature recognized the longest serving woman and Republican in the Senate.

And, Curtis Tate tells us about a report presented to both chambers on the economic outlook for the state.

Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.

The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.

Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, we conclude our daily coverage for the 2023 legislative session with one last reporter roundtable. Randy Yohe, Chris Schulz, Emily Rice and Curtis Tate are all on the set together to discuss bills that have passed and the bills that are left. 

Both chambers traditionally work until midnight Saturday night as they work out differences on bills and try to get last minute pieces of legislation passed. 

Things grew contentious in the Senate Friday morning as Sen. Robert Karnes, R-Randolph, demanded to be recognized on the chamber floor as the first bill of the day was introduced. Chris Schulz has more.

A bill to set the minimum age for marriage in West Virginia at 18 appeared dead in the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday but it got new energy when committee chairman Sen. Charles Trump, R-Morgan, moved Thursday to have the bill removed from his committee and brought before the full body. The bill is on third reading in the Senate, but as of our deadline, the bill has not been taken up.

The Senate is also poised to pass House Bill 2007. That legislation would restrict gender-affirming health care for transgender youth. On Thursday, LGBTQ rights groups and their allies came to the Capitol to protest the bill. Curtis Tate has that story.

Meanwhile in the House, a bill to help charter schools garnered plenty of debate and a bill focused on a recovery house pilot program was called life a life-or-death measure. Randy Yohe has the story.

The House also passed the state budget Friday morning after the Senate took up and amended its budget bill the previous evening. It’s now on its way to the governor’s desk.

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On Saturday, March 11, West Virginia Public Broadcasting will be broadcasting floor sessions throughout the day on the West Virginia Channel and on our YouTube channel.

At 8 p.m., join us for live coverage as we air our special “Final Hours” program of the 2023 legislative session.

The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, there was a united reaction from lawmakers to a bill passed yesterday that limits the number of treatment beds a county can have. Government reporter Randy Yohe has more.

Yohe also gives us a story from the House of Delegates, which discussed extending a state of emergency for the state’s corrections system and changes to medical facilities relating to pregnant women.

Meanwhile, the Senate passed more than 20 bills Thursday, many of which were related to issues of education that legislators have made a priority all session. Education reporter Chris Schulz gives us a rundown.

Beyond education, the Senate also passed House Bill 2814, which would create a hydrogen power task force to study hydrogen energy in the state’s economy.

Also passed was House Bill 3189, the PFAS Protection Act, which would identify and address sources of the “forever chemicals” to reduce toxic chemicals in drinking water supplies.

We also hear from Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice as she discusses the health-related bills she has been following in the final days of the session with host Bob Brunner.

Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.

The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.

Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, Education Reporter Chris Schulz sits down with House Education Committee Chairman Joe Ellington, R-Mercer. Just before the start of the session, the state had to come to grips with several reports showing concerning declines in math and reading scores. They discuss what has been done so far to improve student outcomes.

House Bill 3337, which limits the number of substance use treatment beds in each county, also passed the House Wednesday after returning from the Senate amended. It’s on its way to the governor’s desk for signature.

Wednesday was also Red Cross Day at the Capitol - a chance to showcase the organization's mission of saving lives through blood donations and the efforts of generous volunteers. Assistant News Director Caroline MacGregor has the story.

Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.

The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.

Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, Gov. Jim Justice signed House Bill 2526 into law Tuesday. The bill includes a 21.25 percent tax cut across all six income brackets, with the governor’s office calling it the largest tax cut in state history. Government reporter Randy Yohe has the story.

With the signing of the bill, lawmakers have taken a significant step towards finalizing a budget. However, there are still some coronavirus relief monies yet to be appropriated, and significant debate on how to use them. Reporter Chris Schulz has more.

Yohe also sits down with Del. Matthew Rohrbach, R-Cabell, and House Minority Leader Doug Skaff, D-Kanawha, to discuss changes to the Public Employees Insurance Agency as Senate Bill 268 has passed through both chambers and is on the way to the governor’s desk. 

It was also deaf awareness day at the Capitol, an event of understanding and education for all West Virginians. 

Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.

The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.

Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have officially begun the final week of the 2023 West Virginia Legislative session. WVPB’s News Director Eric Douglas talks with reporter Curtis Tate about bills he’s been following this legislative session, including the latest on a bill that would limit gender-affirming health care in West Virginia.

Also, on Saturday, the House of Delegates met in an extended session and took up several major bills, including an effort to shore up the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA).

Justice signed a bill into law Monday that separates the Department of Health and Human Resources into three separate agencies — one for health, one for human resources, like Child Protective Services, and a third for health facilities.

A bill to recognize an unborn child as a victim in a DUI causing death passed the Senate Monday with amendments. The bill now returns to the House for their agreement.

And lawmakers considered a bill that would provide public charter schools access to funding from the Safe School Safety Fund.

Finally, West Virginia’s working men and women took center stage in the Capitol rotunda. On Trades Apprenticeship Day at the West Virginia Legislature, the old is new again when it comes to learning an occupation.

Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.

The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.

Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have our weekly reporter roundtable to recap the week and explore what’s still to come. WVPB’s Chris Schulz and Emily Rice sit down with Brad McElhinny of WV MetroNews.

Also, the Senate’s PEIA bill is now in the hands of the House of Delegates. The proposed health insurance premium increases and coverage reductions to shore up the financially challenged program has many up in arms. The bill defenders say proposed pay raises and tax cuts will even things out. 

The Senate completed legislative action on some 20 bills, including six supplementary appropriations.

In the House, a bill to reduce how much West Virginians pay for insulin passed and was sent back to the Senate for their consideration. Emily Rice has more.

The Senate Health and Human Resources Committee had a lengthy debate Thursday on House Bill 2007. The bill would restrict gender-affirming health care for transgender minors. As Curtis Tate reports, the committee approved the bill but not entirely along party lines.

Finally, innovation met education on Career Technical Education Day at the West Virginia Legislature. From offering baked goods to analyzing biometrics, West Virginia students put on a 2023 vocational show.

Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.

The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.

Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, with West Virginia’s abortion ban clarified and solidified in state code by recent legislation, Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice speaks with Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, and Del. Ric Griffith, D-Wayne, on women’s and maternal health in West Virginia.

Also, late Wednesday afternoon, the House Finance Committee advanced a $4.6 billion general revenue budget. In a surprise move, Gov. Jim Justice increased the state revenue estimate by $850 million.

A bill to require police training for contact with persons with autism spectrum disorders, Alzheimer’s or related dementias passed the House of Delegates on Thursday morning. As Emily Rice reports, the bill now awaits the governor’s signature.

The Senate Education Committee took up a bill Thursday aimed at addressing the state’s bus driver shortage. Chris Schulz has more.

Finally, musicians, theater folks, painters and sculptors filled the Capitol rotunda on Arts Day at the 2023 West Virginia Legislature. Randy Yohe reports he found themes of longevity among the muses, along with an amiable artistic forecast for the future.

Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.

The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.

Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.