Breaking News

Local Government

Bill allowing DNA collection for felony crimes struck down

CHARLESTON — The House of Delegates defeated a bill Thursday that would have allowed DNA to be collected by police from those arrested for some felony crimes. Following a long debate, delegates defeated HB 4627 on a 30-66 vote. The bill would have allowed police to collect DNA from a person arrested for a felony crime “of violence against a person, burglary or felony offense where the victim was a minor child.” The DNA collected would be stored until the completion of the criminal case against the person arrested. If the person was eventually found to be not guilty or the ...

Bill introduced allows committee to meet privately to hear details about sensitive matters

CHARLESTON — Tragic situations where lawmakers grew frustrated while trying to ask questions prompted a bill that passed the House of Delegates. The bill, HB 4595, would allow a legislative oversight committee to meet privately to hear details about sensitive matters like child protective services investigations or nursing home abuse allegations. Even though the provision allows closed door meetings, the concept is that lawmakers could gain access to sensitive information, perform oversight functions and potentially react in a timely fashion to adjust policies. The bill also ...

Region 4 forming framework for opioid settlement distribution

There’s a push in Charleston to get some of the state’s nearly $1 billion in opioid settlement money flowing by Election Day.  Region 4 wants to be ready.  To that end, the Monongalia County Commission hosted a meeting of regional representatives Thursday morning at the ...

Kingwood Council approves business licenses for two eateries

KINGWOOD — Members of Kingwood City Council approved two new business licenses. The first was for Jennifer Bracken, owner of Rt. 26 Dinner, LLC, located across from the courthouse on Price Street. The second was for Pepperonnies, a pizza shop owned by Ronald Shaver. A third business license for a salon that was to be located in a residential area was denied. Mayor Jean Guillot said a business in a residential area brings in extra vehicles and foot traffic. “If we allow one business to be in a residential area then we have to approve others,” he said. “It gives the business ...

Delegates examine changes to West Virginia elections laws

The House Judiciary Committee advanced a couple of bills affecting West Virginia election laws. The bills were left over from a Judiciary Committee agenda earlier in the week when other topics went long and delegates couldn’t get to the election policies. HB 4017 would make several election law changes, including establishing criminal penalties for coercing or offering payment for unlawful registration; and for casting a ballot in person after having voted an absentee ballot. Delegate Josh Holstein, R-Boone, sponsor of the bill said the intent “is to prohibit any kind of ...