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West Virginia’s 2026 legislative session has officially begun.
Both chambers gaveled in shortly after noon Wednesday, first the House of Delegates with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, and then the Senate under President Randy Smith, R-Preston.
Once a quorum was established, the House quickly voted down two amendments, one to allow video broadcasting of House committee meetings and the other to require roll call votes when tabling bills.
“When a motion to discharge is tabled, the decision effectively ends consideration of the bill,” said Del. Chris Anders, R-Berkeley, who sponsored the measure.
“My amendment simply requires that the decision be made by recorded vote so that the people of West Virginia can see where their representatives stand,” he said.
In the House, more than 300 bills were introduced and assigned to various committees.
In the Senate, 249 bills were introduced.
Photo Credit: Will Price/West Virginia Legislature
A formality, Gov. Patrick Morrisey was invited to give his State of the State address, set to begin at 7 p.m.
The session runs 60 days, through March 14.
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