On this episode of The Legislature Today, the state budget was the focal point this week. Thursday night, the House of Delegates concurred with final tweaks made by the Senate earlier that morning to increase Hope Scholarship funding, covering five quarters of payments into the 2027-2028 school year, trim road paving, and for the first time, fund the Flood Resiliency Fund.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, bills must be out of their respective committees by Sunday to be able to meet crossover day next Wednesday, and lawmakers are still working their way through next fiscal year’s budget. Also, we speak with Emmett Pepper, the policy director for Energy Efficient West Virginia, to learn about the Ratepayers Bill of Rights.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, issues with Child Protective Services (CPS) and the state foster care system are persistent. The West Virginia Legislature faces questions on how to correct the problems that arise every year. News Director Eric Douglas speaks with Dels. Jonathan Pinson, R-Mason, and Hollis Lewis, D-Kanawha, to get their take on the issue. 

On this episode of The Legislature Today, in this school year alone, the state Board of Education has been asked to approve 19 school closures or consolidations. News Director Eric Douglas speaks with Sen. Mike Oliverio, R-Monongalia, a member of the Senate Education Committee, and Sen. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, to discuss what needs to be done to fix the issue. 

While the West Virginia Legislature may consider hundreds of bills during the 60-day session, there is only one thing they are required by the state constitution to do and that is to pass a balanced budget. The state is not allowed to operate in a deficit. News Director Eric Douglas spoke with House Finance Committee Chair Vernon Criss, R-Wood, and Minority Chair of House Finance Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia, to discuss the process for creating the state budget. 

On this episode of The Legislature Today, Sen. Randy Smith, R-Preston, is in his second year as the Senate President. In that role, he is also the lieutenant governor. Smith sat down with News Director Eric Douglas to discuss how he sees things going this session

On this episode of The Legislature Today, we sit down with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, to discuss how he sees things are going this legislative session.

The West Virginia Legislature is back in Charleston for the 2026 legislative session. Gov. Patrick Morrisey delivered his second State of the State to the legislature Wednesday night and is seeking a 3% pay raise for state workers and a 10% income tax cut, among other items. Also, in this show, Sen. Mike Woelfel and Del. Sean Hornbuckle offer the minority response.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, for our final show, WVPB reporters Curtis Tate, Emily Rice and Jack Walker discuss some of the big bills they’ve been following this session and what they are keeping an eye on in the final hours.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, microgrids are one of Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s top legislative priorities this year, and House Bill 2014 is the vehicle to bring more of them to the state. But county officials came to testify earlier this week against the diversion of local property taxes from those facilities to the state. Curtis Tate talks with Kelly Allen of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy about this issue.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, Briana Heaney talks with WVPB Energy & Environment Reporter Curtis Tate who has been following several bills this session. As most politicians say, West Virginia is an energy state. Both of West Virginia’s U.S. senators were at an event Tuesday sponsored by President Donald Trump where he signed an executive order with the intention of supporting the coal industry.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas speaks with Del. Anitra Hamilton, D-Monongalia, and Rev. Paul Dunn from the First Baptist Church of Charleston to discuss what the DEI bill potentially means.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, electricity prices have been rising in West Virginia at a rate faster than inflation. This summer, Appalachian Power seeks to increase them more, sparking public protest at the Capitol and the Public Service Commission (PSC). Curtis Tate talks with Gary Zuckett and Shawn Phillips of West Virginia Citizen Action Group to discuss this issue.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, the coal and natural gas industries play a large role in the state’s economy and the West Virginia Legislature pays close attention to what’s happening in terms of severance taxes, jobs and economic development. For our weekly reporter roundtable, WVPB reporters Briana Heaney and Curtis Tate are joined by Energy & Environment Reporter Sarah Elbeshbishi with the nonprofit newsroom Mountain State Spotlight.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas talks with House Finance Chairman Del. Vernon Criss, R-Wood, and Minority Chair of House Finance Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia, about the House budget.

In this episode, Assistant News Director Maria Young talks with Margaret O’Neal, president of United Way of Central West Virginia, who is familiar with the state’s unhoused population.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, the House of Delegates passed a bill Tuesday that would allow data centers to establish microgrids — self-contained sites that generate their own power. The bill is one of Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s legislative priorities. It is also of interest to Chris Hamilton, president of the West Virginia Coal Association. Our Energy & Environment Reporter Curtis Tate speaks with Hamilton about issues the coal industry is facing at home and abroad.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, education related topics from teacher pay, to curriculum and school discipline are all issues before the West Virginia Legislature this session. News Director Eric Douglas talks with Dale Lee, president of the West Virginia Education Association, in our studio about some of the proposed legislation this session and how it affects teachers. The WVEA and the American Federation of Teachers plan to merge this summer to become a single teacher’s union in the state.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas talks with Marshall Political Science Prof. Marybeth Beller to discuss the issues around the super majority and getting things accomplished.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, WVPB reporters Curtis Tate and Briana Heaney are joined by Caity Coyne, a reporter for the nonprofit news organization West Virginia Watch.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas speaks with Sen. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, and Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, to talk about a bill that would remove the ability of cities and towns across the state to set their own rules. It’s called home rule.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, the state budget continues to work its way through the West Virginia Legislature. We recently heard from Sen. Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Del. Clay Riley, a Harrison County Republican and vice chairman of the House Finance Committee. This time, News Director Eric Douglas sits down with Sean O’Leary, senior policy analyst at West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, to discuss the state’s budget from an analyst’s perspective.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, the House of Delegates for more than two hours debated a bill that would require public schools to accept religious vaccine exemptions. But Senate Bill 460 was rejected, 56-42.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, WVPB reporters Jack Walker, Emily Rice and Curtis Tate discuss what legislation their following in this week’s reporter roundtable.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, a number of bills have moved through the West Virginia Legislature this year that make changes to the practice of medicine in the state. A bill to remove the certificate of need for hospitals failed, but bills allowing optometrists and pharmacists to expand their practice are still moving. Sen. Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, has argued against some of these bills so he joined News Director Eric Douglas in our studio to discuss why. 

On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas speaks with Sen. Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Del. Clay Riley, R-Harrison, vice chairman of the House Finance Committee, to get their take on the budget process so far. 

On this episode of The Legislature Today, Jack Walker talks with Eastern Panhandle lawmakers Dels. Michael Hite, R-Berkeley, and Mike Hornby, R-Berkeley. They discuss lawmakers’ approach to regional issues like infrastructure constraints and a higher local cost of living.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, Curtis Tate speaks with Emmett Pepper of Energy Efficient West Virginia and Lucia Valentine of the West Virginia Environmental Council about energy and environment legislation they’re following, including Senate Bill 592, which would relax safeguards for aboveground storage tanks.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, WVPB reporters Briana Heaney and Curtis Tate are joined by Brad McElhinny of MetroNews for our weekly reporter roundtable.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas talks with Del. Cathie Hess Crouse, R-Putnam, and Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, about the issue of child care in the state and how it is a personal and economic development issue.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas talks with Jim Brown, the executive director of the West Virginia School Board Association. The group represents the school boards in all 55 counties in West Virginia. They discuss pending legislation that will affect school systems and students. 

On this episode of The Legislature Today, Assistant News Director Maria Young turned to the issue of legislation related to foster care and adoption as multiple bills wind their way through the two chambers. She spoke with Jaycie Bias, executive director with the West Virginia Foster, Adoptive & Kinship Parents Network, and Rachel Kinder with Mission West Virginia, a non-profit that advocates and focuses on those same areas. 

On this episode of The Legislature Today, Health Reporter Emily Rice talks with West Virginia’s new secretary of the Department of Human Services, Alex Mayer, to discuss the future of child welfare in a state with more than 6,000 children in its custody.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, WVPB reporters Curtis Tate and Emily Rice are joined by Lori Kersey from West Virginia Watch for our weekly reporter roundtable.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, legislation to outlaw opioid treatment programs that distribute methadone without offering integrated care in West Virginia, Senate Bill 204, is making its way through the West Virginia Legislature. Emily Rice brings us this story. Also, Assistant News Director Maria Young talks with Sens. Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, and Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, about the bill.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, Curtis Tate talks with Vice Chair of the House Energy and Manufacturing Committee Del. George Street, R-Preston, and Minority Chair of the Energy and Public Works Committee Del. Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, about energy issues in West Virginia. Among other topics, they discuss rising electricity prices, community solar and data centers.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas talks with Deak Kersey, the chief deputy secretary of state and the chief of staff for Secretary Kris Warner, about a series of bills working their way through the state legislature that pertain to elections. They touch on topics including removing ineligible voters from the rolls, clarifying eligibility requirements and prohibiting ranked choice voting.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, Curtis Tate talks with Minority Leaders Sen. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, and Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, to further discuss their priorities and how they see the session so far.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, Steven Allan Adams, veteran statehouse reporter for Ogden Newspapers, joins our WVPB reporters for our weekly roundtable.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, Curtis Tate caught up with two committee chairs: Del. Adam Burkhammer, R-Lewis, the chair of House Human Services, and Sen. Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley, the chair of Senate Finance. They spoke about the most pressing issues in their committees, including foster care and the state budget.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas sat down with two physicians – Sen. Tom Takubo, R-Kanawha, and Del. Matt Rohrbach, R-Cabell, to discuss the legislation aimed at providing exemptions to childhood immunizations.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas talks with the chairs of House and Senate Education, Sen. Amy Grady, R-Mason, and Del. Joe Ellington, R-Mercer. They discuss a wide range of topics including school discipline and ways the state can improve the ongoing teacher shortage.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas sits down with our host this week Curtis Tate to discuss a conversation he had with House Judiciary Chair Del. JB Akers, R-Kanawha, and Minority Chair of House Health Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, about the vaccine exemption bill that passed the Senate and is now before the House Health and Human Resources Committee.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, in the Senate Friday, lawmakers approved a bill that would allow for broad vaccine exemptions. Also, in our weekly roundtable, reporters discuss the biggest news of the week.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas speaks with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay. They discuss a number of issues including education, flooding in southern West Virginia and the crisis in foster care in the state.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, Health Reporter Emily Rice speaks with Jim Kauffman, president and CEO of the West Virginia Hospital Association, and Jessica Dobrinsky, chief of staff and certificate of need policy expert at the Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy, about changes lawmakers are proposing to state code this session.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas speaks with West Virginia Senate President Randy Smith, R-Preston. Smith was elected to be the Senate President for the 87th legislature that started this year.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas speaks with Speaker Pro Tempore and Deputy Speaker of the House Del. Matthew Rohrbach, R-Cabell. They discuss plans for legislation, the new process of debating bills in the House and legislation implementing religious exemptions from vaccines. Rohrbach is also a doctor.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have a roundtable with our Energy & Environment Reporter Curtis Tate, Health Reporter Emily Rice and Statehouse Reporter Briana Heaney. They discuss the first days of the 2025 state legislative session and look ahead to the remaining weeks.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey delivered his first State of the State address to the West Virginia Legislature Wednesday night. Minority Leaders Sen. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, and Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, sat down with News Director Eric Douglas to discuss Morrisey’s State of the State address and about being a minority to a supermajority in the legislature.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have our final reporter roundtable of the 2024 state legislative session. WVPB statehouse reporters Randy Yohe and Briana Heaney talk with Leah Willingham from the Associated Press about the past 60 days and the upcoming final hours of the session on Saturday.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, our Senate reporter Briana Heaney talks with Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, and Sen. Mike Oliverio, R-Monongalia, to discuss where things stand and how that compares to what they planned to do at the beginning of the session.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, when the session began in January, our government reporter Randy Yohe was assigned to cover the House of Delegates and our southern West Virginia reporter Briana Heaney was assigned the Senate. With a budget bill still to be finalized, Yohe and Heaney offer some of their insights into bill proposals, passed and failed, that affect the lives, wallets and communities of West Virginia. 

On this episode of The Legislature Today, much of the debate Tuesday morning in the House of Delegates focused on satisfying a $465 million federal claw back regarding the state’s spending on education. When it came to the budget debate – some promised program funding not education related – fell by the wayside.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, we’ve begun the final week of the 60-day West Virginia Legislative session, and everything wraps up Saturday at midnight. Randy Yohe talks with Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, to see how his caucus feels about the session and whether they met their priorities for this year. WVPB invited House Majority Whip Del. Marty Gearheart, R-Mercer, to join the conversation, but he was unable to participate.

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.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, we sit down a day early for our weekly reporter roundtable. Randy Yohe, Emily Rice and our newest reporter Jack Walker discuss some of the legislation that has moved so far this week.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, it was Crossover Day, meaning all bills must be passed out of their chamber of origin if they are to be considered this session. We also have a conversation about the possible future of artificial intelligence in West Virginia.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, there has been a lot of discussion this year about vaccines and whether they should be required in private schools, and there has been spirited debate on the topic in the last few days. Health Reporter Emily Rice spoke with Del. Chris Pritt, R-Kanawha, and Del. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, about this issue.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, West Virginia, like most of the country, is enjoying record setting low unemployment numbers after the coronavirus pandemic. Briana Heaney sat down with Josh Sword, president of West Virginia’s AFL-CIO, and Del. Clay Riley, R-Harrison, to discuss two bills that would reduce unemployment benefits in the state.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, we are in the final stages of the 2024 West Virginia Legislative session, and the pace is picking up with just two more weeks to go. Next Wednesday, Feb. 28, marks what is known as Crossover Day. That is the day all bills must be out of their chamber of origin if they are to be considered for passage this year.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, from staffing to security, West Virginia’s schools are facing a variety of issues. Bills introduced this year have ranged from associate degrees for vocational students to reducing barriers to teacher certification. Chris Schulz spoke with Senate Education Chair Sen. Amy Grady, R-Mason, about legislative action to address the state’s educational problems.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, there was contentious third reading debate in the House of Delegates over the much talked about bill to arm teachers as concealed carry protection officers.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, small and rural schools in West Virginia find it difficult to staff school resource officers and other security personnel, but a bill now making its way through the House of Delegates would allow teachers and other school staff to carry a firearm or other weapon on school grounds. Chris Schulz spoke with Del. Elliot Pritt, R-Fayette, and Del. Anitra Hamilton, D-Monongalia, for their perspective.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, the Legislative Auditor is a department under the West Virginia Legislature tasked with auditing offices under the executive branch. There is a bill making its way through the legislature that some say will “defang” the work done by the department while others say the bill strengthens it.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have our weekly reporter roundtable. Brad McElhinny from West Virginia MetroNews joins Randy Yohe and Curtis Tate in the studio to discuss what’s going on in the West Virginia Legislature and what they expect to see in the final weeks.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 571, creating an Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority for Corridor H. Curtis Tate spoke with Economic Development Secretary Mitch Carmichael about the importance of Corridor H to the state.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, leaders from both sides of the aisle have declared that childcare for the working men and women of West Virginia is a priority regarding economic and workforce development. So far, there has been plenty of talk but little legislative action. Randy Yohe spoke with Del. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, and Del. Evan Worrell, R-Cabell, to explore the issue.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, the “Women’s Bill of Rights,” or House Bill 5243, would put certain definitions of “man” and “woman” into code and determine who can use single-sex spaces like restrooms and locker rooms. Democrats call it an “anti-trans” bill. We talk with lawmakers and stakeholders to get perspective.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, bills about crime and punishment come before the West Virginia Legislature every year. Often, they adjust punishment or even establish a new section of the state’s criminal code. Randy Yohe spoke with Del. Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, and Sen. Mike Stuart, R-Kanawha, and a former U.S. attorney.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, we wrap up another week of the West Virginia Legislative session, and the pace is starting to pick up in both chambers. We also have a story from our student reporters and a history lookback as well.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, higher demand for coal and natural gas, as well as higher prices, produced a severance tax windfall for the state over the past few years. But prices have fallen, and with it, tax revenues. To get a better idea of where things stand, Curtis Tate spoke with Kelly Allen, executive director of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, the House of Delegates passed a bill this week that would restrict how data from community air monitors can be used. The state’s industry and mining trade groups support House Bill 5018, while community and environmental groups oppose it. Curtis Tate spoke with Del. Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, and Lucia Valentine from the West Virginia Environmental Council about the legislation.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, about 20,000 West Virginia children are homeschooled, with that numbers growing every day. Some officials in state education and the West Virginia Legislature help champion school choice. Others worry about the quality of the education and the safety of homeschooled children.  

On this episode of The Legislature Today, 90 bills to-date have been introduced this year between the Senate and the House about election laws. Briana Heaney spoke with Del. Josh Holstein, R-Boone, and Sen. Jack Woodrum, R-Summers, to get their perspective.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have our weekly reporter roundtable. Randy Yohe is joined by WVPB reporter Briana Heaney and Ogden Newspapers’ State Government Reporter Steven Allen Adams to recap the week’s action.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, Randy Yohe sits down with Del. Daniel Linville, R-Cabell, and Broadband Consultant Charlie Dennie to broadband connectivity for West Virginians.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, Briana Heaney talks with Sen. Mike Caputo, D-Marion, and Del. Anitra Hamilton, D-Monongalia, about legislation to make it illegal to discriminate against someone based on the texture and style of their hair.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, lawmakers have introduced bills this session that they say protect single-sex spaces. Advocates with LGBTQ rights organizations, though, say the legislation follows a pattern of singling out transgender people for discrimination.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, 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.

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.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, our guests discuss the current conversation over recreational marijuana in West Virginia. Also, lawmakers in the House of Delegates debated whether the first amendment protects your DNA, and a House committee spent the better part of two hours discussing a bill that would restrict bathroom use in schools based on sex, and another that would help arm teachers.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, 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.

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. Also, our guests have a discussion on food insecurity in West Virginia.

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.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have a retrospective show as we end the week.

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.

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.

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.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, Randy Yohe talks with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, about his hopes for this session. Also, Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, spoke from his seat on the Senate floor Monday to introduce a resolution calling on the state’s congressional delegation to reform the federal permitting process.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have a roundtable with WVPB reporters who recap the first days of the 2024 session and discuss what’s to come over the next eight weeks.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, the 2024 West Virginia Legislative session has kicked off. Chris Schulz brings us an overview of Gov. Jim Justice’s State of the State address, and Randy Yohe brings us the minority response. Yohe speaks with Minority Leader Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, and Sen. Mike Caputo, D-Marion.

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. 

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.

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.

On this episode of The Legislature Today, Gov. Jim Justice signed House Bill 2526 into law today. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Delegates met for almost eight hours as time runs out to amend and pass bills in this year's regular session.

A bill supporters say would stabilize utility costs and support the state's coal industry has bounced around like a ping-pong ball from one chamber to the next. Supporters tried to push it through again Thursday.

Lawmakers have submitted their version of the state budget to Gov. Patrick Morrisey. But two of Morrisey’s fiscal priorities are still making their way through the legislature.

A bill under consideration would remove a tool that school attendance experts say is most effective in tough truancy cases.

The Senate inserted a copy of SB 420 into HB 4026, an unrelated bill, despite the Senate bill advancing through the legislature.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey is upset with the pace of legislative action needed to access federal RHT funds.

The Senate Education Committee heard testimony about the real-world effects of the transfer rule on school athletics necessitating changes to mercy rules and damaging community relations.

With the 2026 legislative session winding down, the Senate passed a flurry of bills Wednesday, some of them aimed at helping vulnerable West Virginians.

Beginning in January 2028, a pilot program in Berkeley, Jefferson, Raleigh, Fayette, Monroe and Summers counties would transfer day-to-day management of child protective service cases to a private entity. 

A bill meant to protect students in public schools across the state passed the West Virginia Legislature Monday, as did a bill that aims to support young people aging out of foster care.

Watch our live TV broadcast of "The Legislature Today: Final Hours" on WVPB-TV, The West Virginia Channel, with the PBS app, or on YouTube, 8 p.m.-midnight, March 14. And follow our coverage all day with live updates in our Final Hours Live Blog here at wvpublic.org.

The bill creates new limitations on added ingredients in food served to West Virginia students, ranging from aspartame to high fructose syrups.

Sen. Randy Smith, R-Preston, explained his reasons for killing a bill that would have helped to facilitate public access to machine guns.

The Senate voted on a new version of the budget bill and sent it back to the House of Delegates for consideration there.

A senator expressed frustration with several bills cut from consideration this week.

State leaders pledged to pursue an agenda of economic development at this year’s legislative session. House Bill 4001 is a major part of that agenda.

Senators debated whether SB 420 would help stabilize utility prices and create coal jobs or have the opposite effect on utility bills.

The Senate passed more than 30 bills Wednesday, including some supporters say will help protect children.

While the West Viriginia Legislature held marathon sessions in the capitol to pass as many bills from each chamber as possible on Crossover Day, Gov. Patrick Morrisey took his tax cut message to the people at Tamarack in Beck...

House Bill 4425 repeals a bill the House passed just three years ago to allow students to transfer schools without losing eligibility to play sports.

House Bill 5319 makes it a criminal offense to camp or store personal belongings on public or private property without authorization. 

The Senate advanced a bill to privatize some of the day-to-day functions of CPS workers.

Senators advanced a bill to clarify and expand the definition of "indecent exposure" and enhance the penalties for those convicted of the crime.

The West Virginia Senate on Monday killed a motion to bring to the floor a bill that would delay moving a child to homeschool during an active abuse and neglect investigation.

Each year, the West Virginia Legislature passes bills to align definitions and rules in state tax code with federal rules. This year’s bills brought the state up to tax changes passed on the One Big Beautiful Bill (HR 1), passed by the U.S. Congress last summer. 

Del. Larry Kump, R-Berkeley, died over the weekend. He was 78 years old.

The regulations for vape and smoke shops include required licensing, location restrictions and signage requirements in an effort to curb appeal to children.

House Bill 5341 would require individuals convicted of certain domestic violence crimes to register with the West Virginia State Police.

The bill changed from a limitation on the Hope Scholarship program to a modification of the funds' distribution schedule.

On the first of three required readings the Senate passed a bill to remove curriculum and educational requirements for parents who want to homeschool their children.

Thursday was Affordability Day, a chance for advocates to urge lawmakers address rising electric bills.

A primary amendment presented by House Finance Chair Vernon Criss, R-Wood, would bring state appropriations $30 million under the governor’s revenue estimate of $5.5 billion.

After vigorous debate, the West Virginia Senate voted to ban the term "West Bank" from state agency use.

The House Judiciary Committee advanced a bill Wednesday morning that makes it a criminal offense to camp or store personal belongings on public or private property without authorization. 

An originating bill would redirect annual reductions in state aid back to schools, while other bills would require more oversight of county school district finances.

The West Virginia Senate voted Tuesday to give the state Agriculture Commissioner control over the beekeeping industry in the state.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey submitted his proposed budget to the legislature with a 5% personal income tax cut, and asked lawmakers to come up with another 5% tax cut as well.

Under a provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, colleges will lose access to federal student loans if graduates do not earn more than people with only a high school diploma. A House bill aims to bring state funding of post-secondary education in line with those new federal standards.

Preparing to consider a host of child welfare bills this week, members of the Senate Judiciary Committee held a listening session to hear from people who've been impacted by the system.

The bill allocates $12 million for supplementing the salaries of, and providing crisis response for, county emergency medical service personnel.

With just three weeks left in the 2026 legislative session, the list of completed bills is getting longer. And many of them are focused on election reforms.

Senators debated their version of the state's budget on Friday.

The Senate Health and Human Resources Committee discussed a bill to provide funds for abortion reversal medication.

Both finance committees have approved state budgets this week. The state budget is the only bill the legislature is constitutionally required to pass.

The House Finance Committee originated a bill that would place limits on the Hope Scholarship program, including a cap on funds and limits on where they can be spent.

The House has passed four election-related bills so far this session, with more in committee or being read on the chamber floor.  

The Senate moved multiple bills to third reading on Wednesday, a final move before being referred to the House of Delegates for consideration or to the governor's desk to be signed into law.

After the approval of microgrids to power data centers last year, the House of Delegates advanced a bundle of administrative rules Tuesday.

The Senate Finance Committee passed its version of the budget bill on Monday afternoon.

This year's annual Tobacco Free Day at the legislature featured high school students from across the state dressed in ponchos and carrying umbrellas to advocate use of the Rainy Day fund for smoking cessation programs.

The Senate passed the first completed bill of the current session, aimed at helping existing small businesses access funds for growth more easily.

The House of Delegates took action on their stated legislative focus of economic development Friday, as well as supports for Child Protective Service workers.

Abortions delivered to women in West Virginia for the purpose of causing an abortion would be banned under a bill that passed the Senate on Friday.

Sen. Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, expressed his support for the bills, but also urged his colleagues to look towards a complete overhaul of how the state funds schools.

House Bill 4412 would require certain websites to verify that an individual is 18 years of age or older to prevent minors from accessing harmful content.

James Paul is Gov. Patrick Morrisey's first appointment to the State Board of Education.

Hanshaw highlighted the "Skills to Work" bill (House Bill 4005), the "Recharge West Virginia Act" (House Bill 4004), and the "Portable Benefits Bill" (House Bill 4009). He also discussed the "Mountaineer Flex Bill" (House Bill 4013) and the "Industrial Access Road Bill" (House Bill 4007).

The House of Delegates focused most of their more than four hour floor session Tuesday on just three bills.

A bill approved by the West Virginia Senate on Tuesday would allow adults 18-20 to carry a concealed firearm without a provisional license.

In front of what Morrisey estimated were a couple hundred people at the Meadowbrook Mall, Morrisey explained why he believes personal income tax cuts are important to the state. 

This year's budget proposal calls for a 10% reduction in state income tax. One budget expert says there are too many uncertainties to make permanent cuts now.

House Bill 4600 would make the closing of polls on Election Day the deadline for all ballots.

A bill passed by the West Virginia Senate on Monday would require law enforcement agencies and municipalities across the state to cooperate with federal immigration agents.

The West Virginia Senate approved a bill Friday that would set penalties for anyone who incorrectly parks in a spot designated for Purple Heart recipients.

Children aged 13 and older would have the right to proper notice of a hearing where the outcome may affect them, the option to attend the hearing and the right to have the outcome explained to them.

Former Minority Leader Doug Skaff's life and public service were honored Thursday in the House of Delegates after his death last June.

The Recharge West Virginia Program would reimburse employers for the costs of training employees, and also requires the trained employees receive a 25% pay raise.

A bill to ban mail order medications intended to end a pregnancy in West Virginia is under discussion in the Senate.

The bill's sponsors believe voters have ample time in the leadup to Election Day to get their votes in.

The bill would increase the minimum number of officers in the Child Abuse and Neglect Investigations Unit from six to 21.

Two bills before the House Education Committee Monday seek to address school discipline generally and tobacco use in schools specifically.

Senate Bill 516 would increase the state’s minimum salary for teachers with a bachelor’s degree or higher to $50,000, bringing West Virginia in line with neighboring states like Virginia and Ohio.

Hancock County Schools is no longer at imminent risk of missing payroll. But lawmakers still need to address the district’s financial crisis.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey made his case for a 10% state income tax cut in front of a crowd in Parkersburg.

Fidelis New Energy and 8090 Industries announced the Monarch Compute Campus development in Mason County. When it is fully operational, Monarch is expected to generate 8 gigawatts of power using natural gas. 

House Bill 4080 would require city council members and mayors across the state to run with party affiliation listed on the ballot.

A discussion on which Bible to allow into certain public school classrooms pitted Sens. Amy Grady, R-Mason, and Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, against each other Wednesday.

Some senators have already expressed frustration that their chamber has not matched the House’s sense of urgency over the financial situation of Hancock County Schools.

Nearly a year after a severely underweight 11-year-old girl died, her father and caretaker have been charged with murder.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in West Virginia, accounting for about 4,200 deaths annually. And about 20% of West Virginia adults smoke. 

Some West Virginia college students face challenges in getting enough food and living a basic clean and healthy life. House Bill 4081 would provide those students some help. However, the bill is an unfunded mandate that generated some bi-partisan house floor debate. 

Sen. Laura Chapman, R-Ohio, told her colleagues it was "outrageous" not to suspend rules in order to vote on emergency funds for a school system in her jurisdiction.

The West Virginia Senate Minority Leader and Assistant Minority Leader, the only two Senate Democrats, listed their priorities for the 2026 legislative session.

The West Virginia House of Delegates suspended its own rule Monday to pass two bills aimed at mitigating a financial crisis in Hancock County Schools.

The Senate Health and Human Resources Committee recommends passage of SB 42, to allow the public to purchase Ivermectin over-the-counter, rather than requiring a prescription.

The House Judiciary Committee received updated numbers of child welfare lawyers and foster beds, as well as insights from a statewide tour of listening sessions last year.

Lawmakers gathered to hear Gov. Patrick Morrisey's vision for West Virginia in his second State of the State speech, delivered on Jan. 14, 2026.

The West Virginia Senate and House of Delegates both gaveled in Wednesday to begin the 2026 legislative session.

Join West Virginia Public Broadcasting this evening at 7 p.m. for Gov. Patrick Morrisey's 2026 State of the State address. You can watch the broadcast on WVPB-TV, The West Virginia Channel or stream it with WVPB Passport or our YouTube channel.

Passed in 2023, House Bill 3035 standardized reading and math education across the state and activated thousands of teachers’ aides to ensure targeted support for students. 

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia presented its case for funding for the Family Treatment Court program to lawmakers on Tuesday.

House Democrats say "kitchen table" issues like childcare and utility costs are at the forefront of this year’s legislative agenda.

Cutting consumer utility bills and changing core high school graduation requirements were two of the many issues discussed at the annual press lookahead for West Virginia’s 2026 legislative session.