Folk Reporters

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.

Latest in Folk Reporters
BBG Tech Joins West Virginia TechConnect Cohort to Accelerate Innovation
BBG Tech: New Innovation and Entrepreneurship Push Could Open Doors for West Virginia Startups
BBG Tech: West Virginia Education Leader Takes AI Classroom Policy to Congress
“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.

Black By God’s Folk Reporters are rebuilding rural civic coverage in West Virginia
bees
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.

WV house committee advances bill that would limit opportunity for low-Income students

House Bill 4587 would prohibit state funds, including student aid, from going to “low-earning” degree programs.