Senate Judiciary Chairman Discusses Bill to Create New Court of Appeals

On The Legislature Today, there are several highly-watched bills seeing action this week – the Senate unanimously passed the community and technical college bill, Governor Jim Justice signed a bill eliminating the West Virginia Film Tax Credit, and some public education employees have announced a rally here at the Capitol for Feb. 17. In the Senate Judiciary Committee, discussions over a proposed Intermediate Court of Appeals is the subject of debate. Host Andrea Lannom chats with Senate Judiciary Chairman Charlie Trump, R-Morgan, about the issue – SB 341.

Next, we look at a promising effort in economic diversification. Thousands of miles of streams throughout Appalachia run bright orange with pollution called acid mine drainage. But if researchers at West Virginia University have their way, this and other coal waste could produce valuable products called Rare Earth Elements. Those elements are essential in many high-tech products. Northern Panhandle reporter Glynis Board brings us the story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4dj3U2nIcQ

We have another “I’d like to Know” segment. We hear from a Braxton County viewer who has questions about mineral rights and owners’ rights as legislators consider several oil and gas industry-related bills. Sen. David Sypolt, R-Preston, responds.

We’d like to hear from more of our viewers. Post your video questions to our Twitter or Facebook accounts with the hashtag, #WVIdLikeToKnow, or send an email to wvidliketoknow@wvpublic.org.

Join us again on January 31 where we’ll hear from Sen. Mike Romano, D-Harrison, who will discuss his opposition to the Intermediate Court of Appeals bill. We’ll also talk with Chelsea Ruby, Commissioner of Tourism about several bills this session impacting her division. And we’ll have another story featuring an economic diversification effort – this one featuring an agribusiness program.

The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s source for daily legislative news and information. The only live television program covering the West Virginia Legislature, the broadcast features reports from the Senate, House and committee meetings with in-depth interviews and analysis of the legislative process in West Virginia.

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