By JOSELYN KING The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register WHEELING, W.Va. — Local lawmakers say it’s unlikely the West Virginia Legislature will consider legalizing recreational marijuana in 2018, as the state has more pressing issues. Senate Majority Leader Ryan Ferns, R-Ohio, said a move to make the use of cannabis lawful[Read More…]
Government
W.Va. Del. Howell to re-introduce bill to provide IDs for homeless
By RUSTY MARKS The State Journal CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Del. Gary Howell, R-Mineral, wants to re-introduce a bill he co-sponsored during the 2017 session of the state Legislature that would provide identification documents to homeless people free of charge. “This bill is designed to help homeless people get the documents[Read More…]
Mineral County delegate to re-introduce bill in West Virginia legislature to help homeless obtain IDs
By ANDREA LANNOM The Register-Herald CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Mineral County delegate says he will re-introduce a bill that aims to help homeless people obtain documents they need to secure employment or apply for public benefits. Delegate Gary Howell, R-Mineral, announced his plans to re-introduce the bill in a Wednesday[Read More…]
Raleigh Delegate to become legislative liaison at the West Virginia governor’s office
By ANDREA LANNOM The Register-Herald CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Raleigh County Delegate John O’Neal will take a position with the governor’s office at the end of the month. O’Neal, a Republican who has served as assistant majority leader in the House, has been hired as a legislative liaison for Gov. Jim[Read More…]
West Virginia House leaders back bill amending Ethics Act to include volunteers
By JAKE ZUCKERMAN Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Leaders from both parties in the West Virginia House of Delegates are backing legislation to counter Gov. Jim Justice’s decision to bring on a sitting board member of EQT Corp., a publicly traded natural gas driller, onto his senior staff as a[Read More…]
West Virginia Senate Majority Leader Ryan Ferns: Budget woes will give way to reform
By JOSELYN KING The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register WHEELING, W.Va. — West Virginia Senate Majority Leader Ryan Ferns said unlike the last two years, budget concerns shouldn’t consume the time and energy of state lawmakers when they return to Charleston next month — but they still could have a taxing[Read More…]
West Virginia legislator announces biills that seek to protect sexual assault survivors
The Herald-Dispatch CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Sen. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, on Monday announced two bills enhancing protections for survivors of sexual assault to be introduced on the first day of the 2018 regular session. Together, the bills would ensure survivors in West Virginia receive timely and free access to medical forensic examinations[Read More…]
WV Legislative lookahead: Eastern Panhandle lawmakers offer wish list for 2018
By JIM MCCONVILLE The Journal of Martinsburg MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — State legislators from the Eastern Panhandle are ready to roll up their sleeves. To that end, state lawmakers representing the Eastern Panhandle offered up their personal grocery lists to what they see will be important legislative issues examined next year[Read More…]
Media Alert: Register now for 2018 W.Va. Legislative Lookahead, Jan. 5 in Charleston
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Each year the media of West Virginia gathers for the West Virginia Legislative Lookahead: A preview of key topics expected at the upcoming West Virginia Legislative session. The Lookahead is a day-long series of seminars.. This year the topics include taxes, education, oil and gas legislation, and WV Forward. The 2018 event is Friday, Jan.[Read More…]
State and local officials consider meals tax bill
By CHARLIE BOOTHE Bluefield Daily Telegraph CHARLESTON, W.Va. — When the 2018 session of the West Virginia Legislature opens, one bill Del. John Shott (R-Mercer County) may once again try to push through is the local meals tax option. But it will depend on support from municipal organizations. “If the[Read More…]