The Legislature Today Discusses Broadband Expansion, Education Bills, Personal Income Tax Repeal Proposal

This week on The Legislature Today, we explore an issue with overwhelming bipartisan support this session – broadband expansion. Also, we have updates on other bills that could have impacts on needle exchange programs, the state constitution and education.

Host Suzanne Higgins is joined on set by senior reporter Dave Mistich and WVPB’s Report For America Corp. member Emily Allen.

SB 334 would establish new licensing requirements for harm reduction programs operating syringe exchanges. The bill’s sponsors want to address the problem of discarded needles, but opponents say it is so stringent, it will likely prohibit or shut down most needle exchange programs in the state. Health reporter June Leffler reports.

Broadband expansion is the goal of HB 2002, which is now in the Senate. Emily Allen spoke with Del. Daniel Linville, R-Cabell, Chair, House Technology & Infrastructure Committee, and Sen. Robert Plymale, D-Wayne. Both are long-time champions of the issue.

Major education bills saw significant action this week, including a voucher program that could shift more than $100 million of public education funding to private or home schools. Education reporter Liz McCormick has this update and more.

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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 The Legislature Today at 6 p.m. on WVPB TV and Radio, with a TV encore at 8:30 p.m.