Associated Press Published

W.Va. Lawmakers Eye Redistricting, Free College

Capitol, West Virginia State Capitol

West Virginia lawmakers have begun advancing proposals for redistricting House of Delegates seats and providing free community and technical college during their first full week of their 2018 session.

Hundreds of other bills have been freshly introduced, several at the request of the Justice administration.

Those include the plan to fund residents’ tuition toward college associate’s degrees in technical trades and help vocational high school students gain college credits.

Many senators have voiced support, though some say they want to ensure the programs apply to students who are home schooled or attend private schools. Another hearing is scheduled next week.

The redistricting bill, which has advanced to the House floor, would establish 100 House districts following the 2020 Census, each with a single delegate. Now some larger districts among 67 currently have multiple delegates.