On 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.

Delegates Discuss Process For Creating State Budget