The Legislature Today

On this episode of The Legislature Today, we’re now a third of the way through the 60-day state legislative session. In the coming weeks, deadlines on what bills can be introduced and how they will be considered are coming quickly.

In the House, a bill passed that deals with the physician shortage in West Virginia and discusses ways to expand medical services rendered to the public.

In the Senate, the chamber approved five bills unanimously and sent them to the House. One of the bills could open more recreational trails in West Virginia. Briana Heaney has more.

Also, a piece of legislation introduced last Friday, aims to define sex-based terms used in state law. Emily Rice has the story.

And, West Virginia is not really known as an agriculture state, but you might be surprised at the variety and diversity of farming that goes on here. Bob Brunner brings us a look at Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol.

Finally, an ongoing discussion in the legislature is how to staff and fund fire and EMS services around the state. Randy Yohe has been following this issue and sat down with Chris Hall, the executive director of the West Virginia EMS Coalition, and Del. Clay Riley, R-Harrison, the vice chair of the House Fire and EMS Committee.

Having trouble viewing the video below? Click the 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, lawmakers are mulling over countless tax proposals that would directly affect West Virginians and their wallets. Randy Yohe sat down with Kelly Allen, the executive director at the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, and House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, to discuss budgets and taxes.

Also, in a Friday morning session, the Senate advanced legislation on the postal service, parental rights and pro-life education. Jack Walker has the story.

With controversy still bubbling over a proposed bill that could impose felony charges on a librarian or museum curator for exposing obscene material to a minor, it was Library Legislation Day at the Capitol. 

This week, our high school correspondents look at the role of the lobbyist in the legislative process. Hollywood often portrays them as throwing large sums of money around, but even the smallest nonprofit organization can have a lobbyist.

Finally, former state senator John Pat Fanning died recently. Fanning was elected to the West Virginia Senate on three different occasions. His first term began in June 1968 and lasted until 1980. He came back to the Senate in 1984 for a single term that ended in 1988. His longest time in the Senate was from 1996 to 2012. He left his position in 2012. Bob Brunner brings us this profile.

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, lawmakers in the House considered increasing oversight of three new health agencies that were formerly one. They also debated whether the first amendment protects your DNA. Randy Yohe has this story.

In the Senate, lawmakers passed a bill that would allow dental hygienists to provide tobacco cessation education. Lawmakers said this marks an initial step in boosting awareness on the dangers of vaping and e-cigarettes. Senate Bill 357 now awaits a vote from the House of Delegates.

Also, the House Committee on Education spent the better part of a two-hour meeting Wednesday discussing two bills. One would restrict bathroom use in schools based on sex, and another would help arm teachers. Chris Schulz has more.

The I-73 highway corridor is currently under construction in southern West Virginia. Meanwhile, state legislators are looking to translate the project into an economic opportunity. Jack Walker has more.

And, it was Veterans Visibility Day at the Capitol as lawmakers are considering several bills focused on veterans, active military and their families. Randy Yohe has more.

Finally, Emily Rice sat down with Rusty Williams, a patient advocate on the West Virginia Medical Cannabis Advisory Board, and Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, to discuss the future of marijuana in West Virginia.

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 first public hearing of the 2024 session was held, and it focused on a bill that criminally penalizes public facilities for presenting obscene material to minors. Randy Yohe reports on an emotionally charged event.

Also, the Senate passed and sent eight bills over to the House, including one to protect police dogs. Briana Heaney has the story.

Bills dealing with human trafficking, a school counselor’s duties and moonshine moved to third reading in the House. Randy Yohe has more.

Geospatial professionals from across West Virginia gathered at the Capitol to teach the public about their field. Jack Walker reports.

And, discipline has always been a part of a school education. But in recent years, concerns over student and teacher safety have elevated discipline to be the school issue of the day. Chris Schulz takes a look at the legislature’s attempts to address the matter.

Finally, new companies and new jobs are coming to West Virginia. And with those jobs comes the need for workforce development and new sources of energy. Curtis Tate spoke with Bill Bissett, the president of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association, and Dan Conant, founder and CEO of Solar Holler, about these issues.

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, a bill to rename the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) is on its way to the governor for a signature.

In the Senate, lawmakers passed and sent eight bills over to the House, including one controversial bill that permits teachers to teach intelligent design in public school classrooms. Briana Heaney has the story.

In this House, two bills on third reading dealt with aspects of medical and social care.

The legislature's first public hearing of 2024 will be Wednesday morning on House Bill 4654, regarding public facilities, minors and obscene material. Randy Yohe has more.

Hundreds of students gathered at the Capitol to spread their tobacco-free message. Emily Rice has this story.

And, the legislature’s education committees started off the week discussing who is responsible for maintaining records for special education and teaching about human development. Chris Schulz has more.

Finally, today was Facing Hunger Day at the Capitol. Both major food banks in the state were joined by local food pantries to promote legislative priorities. According to the USDA, more than 1 in 4 children experience food insecurity in the United States. In West Virginia and Kentucky, at least 78,800 seniors are living in poverty.

To continue this discussion, Briana Heaney invited Cindi Kirkhart, the chief executive officer of the Facing Hunger Food Bank, and Senate Minority Leader Sen. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, to help us better understand the scope of the problem.

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, dozens, if not hundreds, of bills have been introduced in the West Virginia Legislature this year that involve education. Randy Yohe spoke with Senate Education Chair Sen. Amy Grady, R-Mason, and teacher Del. Jeff Stephens, R-Marshall, about what some of those bills mean for public education in West Virginia.

Also, in the House, the bill to officially rename the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) has now passed both the House and Senate. Bills increasing penalties for child abuse and candidate residence passed on third reading. Randy Yohe has the story.

The Senate completed action on a bill that makes it a felony to give someone drugs that cause them to die. The chamber introduced other bills today and sent the Controlled Substances Act, Senate Bill 219, over to the House of Delegates. Briana Heaney has the story.

And, tourism industry partners and organizations from across the state gathered at the Capitol to recognize Tourism Day. Briana Heaney has the story, and she found a potentially underserved market.

Finally, the Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia held its winter meeting in Charleston last week. Curtis Tate stopped by and has this 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, we have a retrospective show as we end the week. We started our coverage with Gov. Jim Justice’s State of the State address, and we spoke with Minority Leader Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, and Sen. Mike Caputo, D-Marion, for the minority response.

On Monday, we spoke with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, on some of his expectations for the 2024 general session.

On Tuesday, WVPB News Director Eric Douglas spoke with Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, about his vision and goals for the 2024 session.

And, during the summer and fall, the House of Delegates chamber was completely renovated for only the second time since the Capitol was dedicated in 1932. The chamber was aesthetically and technically refurbished while maintaining its historic luster.   

Finally, one of our new features on The Legislature Today this year is the addition of two high school journalists to help our younger audience better understand how government works. This week, they examine how the West Virginia Legislature is comprised and the initial process of a bill becoming a law.

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, host Randy Yohe talks with forensic psychologist Dr. David Clayman and Senate Jails and Prison Committee Co-Chair Sen. Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley, to talk about the diversion of certain persons from the criminal justice system.

Also, in the House, a bill to help those with dementia and their families heads to the Senate, and a bill on whether authorities should release mugshots has sparked some controversy.

And, we’re now more than a week into the session, and bills have started to move through their respective committees. The Education committees in both chambers are addressing financial issues in the state’s schools. Chris Schulz has the story.

Finally, it was Rural Health Care Day at the Capitol. Many health care providers and health advocacy organizations were at the capitol to discuss challenges and advocate for possible solutions in rural health care. Briana Heaney has more.

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, Emily Rice sits down with Del. Amy Summers, R-Taylor, and Sen. Charles Trump, R-Morgan, to discuss why the Department of Health and Human Resources was broken up into three separate agencies and how it is going.

Also, West Virginia has been widely touted as an energy state. But it isn’t just coal and natural gas anymore. The largest solar facility in the state came online this month in Monongalia County. Curtis Tate brings us this look.

It was Fair Shake Network Day at the Capitol. This statewide grassroots organization is dedicated to getting a “fair shake” for people with disabilities and clings to the belief that diversity makes communities stronger.

And, the House Judiciary Committee debated House Bill 4595 relating to LOCHRA - the legislative oversight commission on health and human resources accountability.

Finally, the Senate School Choice Committee received an update on the state’s charter schools.

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, News Director Eric Douglas sits down with Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, to discuss his goals for the 2024 West Virginia Legislative session.

Also, teachers may be able to teach intelligent design in public schools if a Senate education bill becomes law. Emily Rice has the story.

Finally, two resolutions were once again introduced in the House. The first would directly affect our state-elected constitutional officers; the other gives powers usually reserved for the legislature to the people. 

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.

**Editor's Note: A previous version of this post stated there was a story in this episode from Curtis Tate on a solar facility. That was an error. This story had to be cut last minute for time. It instead aired in the Jan. 17, 2024 episode of The Legislature Today.