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Podcast - The Legislature Today Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting
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Telling West Virginia's Story
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Reporter Roundtable Discusses 2026 Session And What’s To Come In Final Hours
Mar 13Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Legislature Today, host and reporter Randy Yohe speaks with Senior Reporter Chris Schulz and Assistant News Director Maria Young. They discuss some of the biggest bills they covered during the 2026 regular session of the West Virginia Legislature — and what issues did not come up. They also look ahead to the legislature's final day, Saturday, March 14. Join West Virginia Public Broadcasting Saturday, March 14, 8 p.m. to midnight, for The Legislature Today: Final Hours Live. Learn more — and see our live blog — here. Wednesday this week was the last day for bills to make it out of committees. In total, there were 2,776 bills introduced this session, which is more than last year. We won’t know how many will officially pass until everything wraps Saturday night. Gov. Patrick Morrisey sent out a press release Thursday night indicating he signed Senate Bill 250, the budget bill, and he highlighted several of his key priorities, including full funding for the Hope Scholarship, increased funding for roads, and progress made toward the 5% tax cut he included in his version of the budget. Also, Maria Young has been following legislative efforts to get struggling students the help they need – but not everyone agrees on the best process for doing that. And, the West Virginia Legislature has completed its work on Senate Bill 4, called the halo bill, that creates a misdemeanor for approaching law enforcement officers and first responders in the field. The bill passed Thursday in the House of Delegates by a vote of 83 to 12 with four members absent. WVU student journalist Samantha Smith asked State Police in Monongalia County how they felt about the bill and brings us this report. Finally, our student reporters Nevaeh Siggers and Jenna Walker report on bills related to education and the foster care system that were introduced in both chambers this session. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsoazcTJqPk 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 every Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting during the state's regular session. Keep up with our daily coverage at wvpublic.org/thelegislaturetoday, and subscribe to our new podcast The Legislature This Week for a look back at all the major headlines from the past week at the statehouse.
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House, Senate Approves Budget Bill
Mar 6Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Legislature Today, Wednesday this week marked Crossover Day, the last day to consider bills in their chamber of origin, and next week is the final week in the 60-day West Virginia Legislative session. Nearly 2,800 bills were introduced this year. It remains to be seen just how many pass. Lawmakers have until Saturday, March 14 at midnight to work through those bills. The state budget was the focal point this week. Thursday night, the House of Delegates concurred with final tweaks made by the Senate earlier that morning to increase Hope Scholarship funding, covering five quarters of payments into the 2027-2028 school year, trim road paving, and for the first time, fund the Flood Resiliency Fund. During the very minutes the Senate took its vote on the budget bill, News Director Eric Douglas was speaking with Kelly Allen, the executive director of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, to discuss the budget and tax cuts. While some of the questions raised in the interview have now been answered, what remains is how they will play out for the state. Allen mentioned she hoped the budget compromise discussions would play out in public, but it those discussions were held in private. Also, in this show, West Virginia University (WVU) News student reporter Lilly Reisenweber spoke with lawmakers and Monongalia County Board of Education officials to see how the Third Grade Success Act is working, and how it is changing elementary education. And, our student reporters Nevaeh Siggers and Jenna Walker report on bills related to Child Protection Services (CPS) that were introduced in both chambers this session. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lbpDTgaA_g 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 every Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Keep up with our daily coverage at wvpublic.org/thelegislaturetoday, and subscribe to our new podcast The Legislature This Week for a look back at all the major headlines from the past week at the statehouse.
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Stakeholder Weighs In On ‘Ratepayers Bill Of Rights’
Feb 27Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Legislature Today, Friday, Feb. 27, marks the 45th day of the 60-day session, and deadlines are coming fast. Bills must be out of their respective committees by Sunday to be able to meet crossover day next Wednesday, and lawmakers are still working their way through next fiscal year’s budget. On Thursday, West Virginians gathered at the capitol for Affordability Day to urge lawmakers to take action on rising electric bills. They were promoting legislation called the Ratepayers Bill of Rights. To learn more, News Director Eric Douglas sat down with Emmett Pepper, the policy director for Energy Efficient West Virginia. Also, before the Senate Judiciary Committee began consideration of a host of child welfare bills this week, they first heard from people impacted by that system. And, our student reporters Saja Huggi and Lily Rhodes both had the day off from school and volunteered to be legislative pages. They bring us this insider's look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZME7mRblvbA 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 every Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Keep up with our daily coverage at wvpublic.org/thelegislaturetoday, and subscribe to our new podcast The Legislature This Week for a look back at all the major headlines from the past week at the statehouse.
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Delegates Discuss Needs Of State Foster Care System
Feb 20Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Legislature Today, issues with Child Protective Services (CPS) and the state foster care system are persistent. The West Virginia Legislature faces questions on how to correct the problems that arise every year. News Director Eric Douglas speaks with Dels. Jonathan Pinson, R-Mason, and Hollis Lewis, D-Kanawha, to get their take on the issue. Also, in this show, the House of Delegates this week hit a significant deadline and can no longer introduce new bills this session. The Senate will hit the same milestone next week. The Senate advanced multiple bills this week that could have a big impact across the state. They include bills to allow the use of mobile devices by CPS workers in child abuse and neglect investigations, another would offer a long-acting reversible contraception to male and female patients receiving methadone and suboxone, and another bill would create the Office of Healthy Lifestyles within the state Department of Health. Both chambers also advanced state budget bills, the only bill the legislature is constitutionally required to pass. The budget is expected to include a 3% pay raise for public employees, a 3% increase to the employer share of PEIA and a personal income tax cut. Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s proposed budget included a 5% cut, but he has asked lawmakers to find another 5% to make a total tax cut of 10% this year. Finally, our student report this week comes to us from Nevaeh Siggers and Jenna Walker. They explain a variety of actions in the legislature that involve teachers in West Virginia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9SeS6M7CI8 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 every Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Keep up with our daily coverage at wvpublic.org/thelegislaturetoday, and subscribe to our new podcast The Legislature This Week for a look back at all the major headlines from the past week at the statehouse.
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State Senators Discuss School Funding Needs
Feb 13Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Legislature Today, in this school year alone, the state Board of Education has been asked to approve 19 school closures or consolidations. A big part of the reason for that is falling enrollment, especially in rural counties. The state’s school aid formula hasn’t been adjusted in decades, while requirements on public schools have changed. News Director Eric Douglas speaks with Sen. Mike Oliverio, R-Monongalia, a member of the Senate Education Committee, and Sen. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, to discuss what needs to be done to fix the issue. Also, in this show, we are past the halfway mark in the 60-day legislative session. The last day to introduce legislation in the House of Delegates is next Tuesday, while the same deadline will pass in the Senate the following week. House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, held a press conference immediately following a lengthy floor session Tuesday. He reviewed bills the House has been working on that follow his "Jobs First Opportunity Everywhere" agenda. And, a bill approved by the West Virginia Senate on Tuesday would permit adults under 21 to carry a concealed firearm without first getting the provisional license that’s currently required. Finally, our student report this week comes from Lily Rhodes and Saja Huggi as they discuss some of the recent bills in the House and Senate that have implications on today's youth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpXUf6o-wQs 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 every Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Keep up with our daily coverage at wvpublic.org/thelegislaturetoday, and subscribe to our new podcast The Legislature This Week for a look back at all the major headlines from the past week at the statehouse.
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Delegates Discuss Process For Creating State Budget
Feb 6Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Legislature Today, while the West Virginia Legislature may consider hundreds of bills during the 60-day session, there is only one thing they are required by the state constitution to do and that is to pass a balanced budget. The state is not allowed to operate in a deficit. News Director Eric Douglas spoke with House Finance Committee Chair Vernon Criss, R-Wood, and Minority Chair of House Finance Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia, to discuss the process for creating the state budget. Also, in this show, former Minority Leader Doug Skaff's life and public service were honored Thursday in the House of Delegates after his death last June. Voters who inadvertently cast their ballots at the wrong precinct can still have their votes counted on Election Day – at the discretion of the county commissioner. Senate Bill 61 would change that. We learn why. And, supporters say if legislators pass Senate Bill 173, it will close a loophole in West Virginia’s anti-abortion laws by banning the delivery of medications intended to end a pregnancy to someone in West Virginia. The bill came up for discussion this week in the Senate Health Committee where there were strong opinions on both sides. Finally, our student report this week comes from Nevaeh Siggers and Jenna Walker as they discuss resources available to track and research the bills and procedures of the West Virginia Legislature. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bryx7GaKE1Y 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 every Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Keep up with our daily coverage at wvpublic.org/thelegislaturetoday, and subscribe to our new podcast The Legislature This Week for a look back at all the major headlines from the past week at the statehouse.
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Senate President Smith Says ‘It’s A Balance’ When Addressing Issues During Session
Jan 30Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Legislature Today, Sen. Randy Smith, R-Preston, is in his second year as the Senate President. In that role, he is also the lieutenant governor. Smith sat down with News Director Eric Douglas to discuss how he sees things going this session. Also, in this show, earlier this week, the Senate Education Committee spent over an hour Tuesday discussing House Bill 4574 to provide emergency funding to Hancock County Schools but adjourned without taking action. We have the latest. And, discussion on the Senate floor on a bill to place the historically significant Robert Aitken Bible in certain public school classrooms Wednesday turned contentious. Maria Young has the story. Finally, we’ve recruited two teams of high school students this year to follow the West Virginia Legislature and report on issues to the next generation. This week, we hear from our student journalists Lily Rhodes and Saja Huggi as they dive into elements of Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s State of the State address. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cufp4IUnifk 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 every Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Keep up with our daily coverage at wvpublic.org/thelegislaturetoday, and subscribe to our new podcast The Legislature This Week for a look back at all the major headlines from the past week at the statehouse.
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Speaker Hanshaw Says Job Creation Is Top Priority For 2026 Session
Jan 23Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Legislature Today, we sit down with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, to discuss how he sees things are going this legislative session. Also, in this show, at the beginning of the week, the House of Delegates urgently moved House Bill 4574 and House Bill 4575 through the approval process, suspending constitutional rules to make it happen in one day. The bills provide emergency funding for Hancock County Schools, however, they stalled in the Senate. And, we’ve recruited two teams of high school students this year to follow the West Virginia Legislature and report on issues to the next generation. This week, Nevaeh Siggers and Jenna Walker provide us with some basic tools to track the legislature during the session. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iulf5CI5u6I 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 every Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Keep up with our daily coverage at wvpublic.org/thelegislaturetoday, and subscribe to our new podcast The Legislature This Week for a look back at all the major headlines from the past week at the statehouse.
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Morrisey Outlines Priorities In State Of State, Hornbuckle, Woelfel Offer Minority Response
Jan 16Tap to summarizeThe West Virginia Legislature is back in Charleston for the 2026 legislative session. Both chambers gaveled in on Wednesday at noon and will be in session through March 14. Between the House of Delegates and the Senate chambers, 931 bills have so far been introduced to be considered. Gov. Patrick Morrisey delivered his second State of the State to the legislature Wednesday night. He went over his plans for the Mountain State, much of which he will need the support of the legislature to accomplish. As Maria Young reports, Morrisey is asking for increased funding for higher education and critical infrastructure. He is also seeking a 3% pay raise for state workers and a 10% income tax cut, among others. Also, in this show, Sen. Mike Woelfel and Del. Sean Hornbuckle, both Democrats from Cabell County, serve as the minority leaders in their respective chambers. The pair sat down with WVPB News Director Eric Douglas to discuss what Morrisey said in his State of the State address. They also discuss being a minority to a supermajority in the legislature. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mij61IYNAU 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 every Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Keep up with our daily coverage at wvpublic.org/thelegislaturetoday, and subscribe to our new podcast The Legislature This Week for a look back at all the major headlines from the past week at the statehouse.
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Reporter Roundtable Looks Ahead To Final Hours Of 2025 Session
Apr 11, 2025Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Legislature Today, for our final show, WVPB reporters Curtis Tate, Emily Rice and Jack Walker discuss some of the big bills they've been following this session and what they are keeping an eye on in the final hours. Join us Saturday, April 12 for our Final Hours program as we follow along with legislative action from 8 p.m. to midnight. In the House Friday, Jack Walker recaps some of the bills lawmakers discussed as the session wraps up. Also, the Senate and House are working together to get bills across the finish line, but first they have to agree with changes that the other chamber made. Briana Heaney has more. And our high school reporters Emily Browning and Malia Saar wanted a better understanding of the mechanics of the legislature. A couple weeks ago, they got a chance to speak with Steve Harrison, a former delegate, senator and served the House of Delegates for several years as the House Clerk. Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHmhdI1cRFY 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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