A Discussion On The Statewide Camping Ban Legislation

On this episode of The Legislature Today, several cities across West Virginia have implemented camping bans designed to prevent homeless people from sleeping on park benches, in doorways and other public spaces. A bill to ban so-called camping statewide is making its way through the legislature. 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.

A bill to establish a forest carbon registry was defeated in the Senate. Emily Rice has more.

The House discussed a list of bills Wednesday, including a bill that would exempt the legislature from sharing information that is currently accessible to the public through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Briana Heaney brings us this story. 

And following up on Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s executive order, a bill to codify the elimination of certain diversity, equity and inclusion programs (DEI) has passed the Senate and is now in the House Education Committee. As Randy Yohe shows us, while Senate Bill 474 pinpoints the executive branch and schools, some state entities receiving state funding are still wondering where they fit under the new policy.

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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.

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