Funding And Staffing W.Va. Fire And EMS

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.

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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.