Folk Reporters

WV bill would eliminate the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs and name a building after him

Senate Bill 879, introduced by the only Latino woman in the Legislature, is not the first sign that elected officials want the office gone.

Latest in Folk Reporters
WV lawmakers advance bill to let doctors involuntarily commit someone without contacting the courts

Black people are significantly more likely to be committed to psychiatric hospitals against their will.

WV Lawmakers push broadband accountability bill, again

But will it finally pass?

WV Senate passes bills banning abortion pills and restricting media reliability monitors
WV lawmakers consider bill to include maternity leave in public school & university leave banks
WV Senate committee advances bill removing curriculum, vaccine and standardized test requirements for private schools

 SB 216 would allow private schools to teach students virtually anything — or nothing at all. It would remove requirements related to instructional hours, curriculum objectives, standardized tests and vaccines.

WV senate advances bill to criminalize sending people abortion pills 

Senate Bill 173 would impose mandatory prison sentences of between three and 10 years on non-medical professionals who prescribe or send abortion medication to West Virginia residents through online services.

WV bill would outlaw and penalize programs offering needle exchange services

HB 4413 would make needle exchange programs illegal in West Virginia. Folks who refuse to follow the law would face up to $2,500 daily in fines. 

WV Senate committee advances bill to reduce fees for small farms

Under SB 226, farmers could sell up to 30 tons of animal feed annually, without paying inspection fees or getting a Commercial Feed Distributor permit — as long as the feed is produced exclusively on-site.

WV lawmakers once again advance bill to help create on-campus food and health aid pantries

HB 4081 would create a new grant program under the WV Higher Education Policy Commission. Grant dollars could be used to purchase food, bandages, toothbrushes, soap, tampons or even the space needed to open a pantry.