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Local Government

Senate proposal expands work requirements for SNAP benefits for adults without dependents

CHARLESTON — Senators are advancing a bill that would expand requirements for work or employment training for able-bodied adults without dependents for benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The bill also extends the age range for people affected to 59. The age range for current procedures is from 18 to 52. And the bill would establish requirements to report information about how the program is working to a legislative oversight committee. There’s a three-year implementation schedule for the changes. The Senate Workforce Committee advanced SB 562 on ...

Farming, gun and baby-changing bills pass out of House of Delegates

MORGANTOWN — Farming, guns and baby diapers were among the topics occupying the House of Delegates on Tuesday. SB 171 prohibits counties from enacting or enforcing agricultural ordinances that contravene or are stricter than state agricultural laws. It applies to state-registered ...

‘Crime in parking lot is crime in building’

CHARLESTON — The full House of Delegates will consider opening up public and school libraries to felony charges for the display or dissemination of obscene material to minors. The House Judiciary Committee, after a couple of weeks of delayed action on the bill, voted 21-3 to advance the bill after about two and a half hours of discussion. The sponsor of the bill, Delegate Brandon Steele, made closing remarks in the committee to characterize the policy as a bulwark against pedophilia. His voice rising, Steele said, “What I hope the chilling effect is of this legislation is ...

A sampling of bills introduced Monday, Feb. 12

MORGANTOWN — Here is a sampling of bills introduced Monday, Feb. 12. Local sponsors and co-sponsors are noted. SB 744, to prohibit civil rights violations based on disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. SB 745, to limit the price of prescription drugs to West Virginians ...