Looking Back on the Final Day of WV’s 2026 Legislative Session
Filming cops, teacher pay raises, Raylee's law, cannabis cash and...magic mushrooms?
Civics
Civic-focused stories covering politics, voting rights, public policy, and governance within Appalachia. This category also includes discussions on Black representation in politics and initiatives that encourage civic engagement among Appalachian and Black communities.
Latest in Civics
OP-ED: How we should actually spend that $276 million in Hope Scholarship funds
The solution to the education needs gap isn't going to come from a scholarship that cannot serve all children in need.
It’s the last day of WV’s Legislative Session. Here’s what bills are dead and what’s still in play.
Here’s a roundup of key measures that could still become law—and ones that are (probably) dead as we approach sine die.
“Make West Virginia Healthy Again” Act would fight obesity, malnutrition, diabetes, and more.
HB 4982 has already passed the House and gone to Governor Patrick Morrisey’s desk. It would give the existing Office of Healthy Lifestyles greater authority, create the Healthy Lifestyle Fund and require Medicaid recipients to have access to additional programs.
WV Senate committee considers slew of anti-LGBTQ+ bills, advances two
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced bills targeting transgender West Virginians and drag performances. It also pulled a bill that would have forbidden state entities from engaging in any discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity.
WV Senate committee advances bill to reinstate death penalty
Senate Bill 1037 would reinstate the death penalty as a possible punishment for people convicted of first-degree murder with aggravating circumstances.
WV Senate passes bill to put the state in charge of beekeeping rules
Some lawmakers expressed concern that SB 927 would unfairly take away local control.
OP-ED: How we should actually spend that $276 million in Hope Scholarship funds
The solution to the education needs gap isn't going to come from a scholarship that cannot serve all children in need.
It’s the last day of WV’s Legislative Session. Here’s what bills are dead and what’s still in play.
Here’s a roundup of key measures that could still become law—and ones that are (probably) dead as we approach sine die.
“Make West Virginia Healthy Again” Act would fight obesity, malnutrition, diabetes, and more.
HB 4982 has already passed the House and gone to Governor Patrick Morrisey’s desk. It would give the existing Office of Healthy Lifestyles greater authority, create the Healthy Lifestyle Fund and require Medicaid recipients to have access to additional programs.
WV Senate committee considers slew of anti-LGBTQ+ bills, advances two
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced bills targeting transgender West Virginians and drag performances. It also pulled a bill that would have forbidden state entities from engaging in any discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity.
WV Senate committee advances bill to reinstate death penalty
Senate Bill 1037 would reinstate the death penalty as a possible punishment for people convicted of first-degree murder with aggravating circumstances.
WV Senate passes bill to put the state in charge of beekeeping rules
Some lawmakers expressed concern that SB 927 would unfairly take away local control.