Final Week Of 2024 Session Looms, Budget Questions Remain

On this episode of The Legislature Today, there is just one more week of the 2024 West Virginia Legislative session. These last days of the regular session are usually when state budget issues are debated and resolved. But a surprise notification from the federal government that the state return nearly half a billion dollars in COVID-19 funds has several major legislative funding issues on hold. Randy Yohe has more.

In the Senate Friday, the chamber advanced several pieces of legislation including bills on suspended school personnel, artificial intelligence (AI) and running for office. Briana Heaney has that story.

In the House, the chamber approved bills on gun shops, county funds and they memorialized a former delegate who recently passed away. Randy Yohe has more. 

Also, hundreds of high school students filled the Capitol Rotunda on Friday to show off their career and technical skills. Emily Rice has more.

Finally, this session, our student reporters have been covering issues of interest to them while they have learned about the legislative process. News Director Eric Douglas sat down with Ameera Mustafa and Ben Valleau to hear what they had to say about their experience.

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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.