On 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.

State Senators Discuss School Funding Needs