This week, before emancipation, Appalachia provided pathways to freedom for enslaved people trying to escape bondage. A new project identifies more than two dozen previously unknown underground railroad sites. Also, the Fly Around Music & Arts Festival in North Carolina was inspired by the hard work that followed Hurricane Helene. And, a ballad about floods recorded a generation ago still provides solace for people today.
Deputy Speaker Of The House Talks Floor Debate Changes, Vaccine Exemptions
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On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas speaks with Speaker Pro Tempore and Deputy Speaker of the House Del. Matthew Rohrbach, R-Cabell. They discuss plans for legislation, the new process of debating bills in the House and legislation implementing religious exemptions from vaccines. Rohrbach is also a doctor.
We also feature a conversation between Health Reporter Emily Rice and Del. Evan Worrell, R-Cabell, to discuss his objectives this session as chair of the House Health Committee.
In the Senate Monday, SB 460, or the vaccine bill, was on first reading. The bill will be on second reading Tuesday, or the amendment stage, and is likely to have amendments offered.
Also, we bring you the latest on changes in the House of Delegates. The most notable does away with public hearings in favor of public comment in the committee process. Supporters say the procedural overhaul will give delegates more time to carefully consider bills and their effects on West Virginians, including public input. But opponents argue the new system gives committee chairs discretion to ignore certain members of the public.
And LGBTQ advocacy groups brought a rainbow of color to the Capitol rotunda Monday. They came to discuss their work, plus their priorities and concerns for this year’s legislative session. Jack Walker has the story.
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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 new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
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On this West Virginia Week, the state is under a flood watch through Sunday, the fire in Parkersburg is under investigation and a class action against the state’s foster care system will move forward.
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The West Virginia Department of Human Services said the program was on hold due to uncertainty over the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding.
A class action lawsuit against the W.Va. foster care system will move forward without waiting for a possible petition and ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court, a judge has ruled.
