Final Reporter Roundtable Discusses Remaining Bills As Session Nears Final Hours
Mar 10, 2023
Show notes
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.
Lawmakers Discuss Capacity Of Treatment Facilities, Senate Passes Education Bills
Mar 09, 2023
Show notes
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.
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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.
Improving State Education Scores Focus For Lawmakers
Mar 08, 2023
Show notes
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.
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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.
Justice Signs Tax Bill Into Law, Lawmakers Discuss PEIA Changes
Mar 07, 2023
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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.
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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.
W.Va. Legislature Enters Final Week Of 2023 Session
Mar 06, 2023
Show notes
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.
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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.
Reporter Roundtable Talks PEIA, Pay Raises And Gender-Affirming Health Care
Mar 03, 2023
Show notes
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.
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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.
Lawmakers Discuss Women’s Health Care Legislation
Mar 02, 2023
Show notes
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.
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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.
Lawmakers Talk Latest Action As Crossover Day Comes To A Close
Mar 01, 2023
Show notes
On this episode of The Legislature Today, it was Crossover Day at the West Virginia Legislature, meaning it was the last day for a bill to be read a third time in its chamber of origin. Chris Schulz talks with Dels. Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, and Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, about the day’s action.
Also, Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 10 – the Campus Self-Defense Act – into law. The new law authorizes the carrying of concealed pistols or revolvers under certain circumstances and in certain areas on the grounds of an institution of higher education.
A bill purporting to forbid “government limitations on the exercise of religion” now only needs the governor’s signature to become law following Senate action late Tuesday.
And a bill that lawmakers are calling the Women’s Right to Know Act passed the Senate. Emily Rice has this story.
Finally, in the House, delegates considered a flurry of bills, including one that would essentially block the state board of investments from investing in companies that refuse to support fossil fuels. Another approved bill would establish stricter statewide marriage consent laws.
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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.
Understanding Proposed Changes To PEIA
Feb 28, 2023
Show notes
On this episode of The Legislature Today, the Senate passed a bill over the weekend making changes to the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). Like health insurance everywhere, expenses keep increasing, but the state program hasn’t kept up, causing some state hospitals to declare that they would no longer accept the program.
The bill that has headed to the House of Delegates includes premium increases, which Gov. Jim Justice has previously said he would not accept. Reporter Chris Schulz speaks with Fred Albert, president of AFT-WV, and Del. Matthew Rohrbach, R-Cabell, the deputy speaker of the House, to understand the bill.
Also, a public hearing in the House chamber Tuesday morning focused on a bill that would enhance oversight of the West Virginia Fusion Center.
A bill that changes how candidates for office across the state announce their intent drew close to an hour of discussion on the Senate floor. Chris Schulz has more.
The House of Delegates approved House Bill 3270, which would amend the deliberate intent statute to limit non-economic damages to $500,000 in these kinds of cases.
There was also spirited debate in the House chamber on House Bill 2953, a locality pay study bill meant to retain in-state employees now crossing the borders – but it failed by vote of 42 to 56.
Finally, Tuesday was E Day, or Environmental Day, at the state legislature. Various statewide and local organizations came to lobby lawmakers on a variety of issues. Some came as individuals representing concerns specific to communities. A few lawmakers stood with them. Energy and Environment Reporter Curtis Tate brings us this 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.
Building Up W.Va. As A Vacation Destination State
Feb 27, 2023
Show notes
On this episode of The Legislature Today, with West Virginia tourism growing as a four season, nationwide destination, there's an abundance of legislation to enhance hiking and biking, with rail trails and rest stops along the way.
Assistant News Director Caroline MacGregor has more on this outdoor recreation push with House Minority Leader Doug Skaff, D-Kanawha, who sits on the House Committee of Economic Development and Tourism, and Sen. Mark Maynard, R-Wayne, who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Outdoor Recreation.
Also, over the weekend, the House and Senate both met for regular floor sessions. The Senate passed four key bills including a tax cut proposal, a bill on employee pay raises for certain employees, a bill to shore up PEIA and a budget bill. Those have all headed to the House.
The Senate and Gov. Jim Justice now agree over the estimated $750 million Senate plan that includes an initial personal income tax cut of around 20 percent, a personal property tax credit for vehicles and a 50 percent personal property tax break on equipment and inventory aimed at small businesses.
The Senate also passed 20 bills Monday on a variety of issues ranging from alcohol consumption to high school sports. Chris Schulz has more.
And the House passed a bill that would create a military funeral honor guard in remembrance of Medal of Honor recipient Woody Williams. The chamber also approved the contentious Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Finally, representing nearly a quarter million West Virginia senior citizens, AARP maintains a strong lobbying force at the state capitol. On AARP Day, at least two bills top the list to help the elderly, and often, the rest of us as well.
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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.
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