Judiciary advances new version of deliberate intent bill

February 25, 2023

Delegates seem ready to accept a compromise over the difficult issue of damages in cases where injured workers can prove deliberate intent by employers who cut corners on safety. “This has been a challenge,” said Delegate Rick Hillenbrand, R-Hampshire. “I think that this is a reasonable compromise, and I will vote in favor of this.” Delegate Steve Westfall, R-Jackson, agreed. “If you ever saw sausage made, we made sausage on this bill. We worked it and worked it,” Westfall said. “I think it’s a good compromise. It’s a pretty good deal right now.” West ...

Senate budget makes way for tax cuts

February 25, 2023

Senators on Friday started consideration of West Virginia’s general revenue budget, leaving room for the possibility of a tax cut. “It contemplates the largest tax cut to the citizens of West Virginia in the history of West Virginia, passing the Senate,” Senate Finance Chair Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, said while describing the bill in committee. Senate leaders, House leaders and members of the Justice administration have been discussing proposed tax cuts for weeks, with the governor and delegates advocating a big income tax cut and senators supporting a broader-based cut. So, ...

Speakers weigh how bill would affect individual rights, religion

February 25, 2023

CHARLESTON — A religious freedom bill drew passionate response during a Friday afternoon public hearing at the Legislature. Most speakers, almost 40, contended House Bill 3042, “Relating to forbidding government limitations on exercise of religion,” would open the door to curtailed rights for gay and transgender people and even for religious minorities. Some speakers, about 15, spoke in favor of the bill, saying it would assure that the government would not encroach on individual religious beliefs. “We, the people of faith of this great state, want the same benefits of ...

Westover putting increased focus on vacant and condemned properties

February 23, 2023

As the city’s public works director, Jason Stinespring is pretty familiar with about every property in Westover. Then there are some properties he’s very familiar with — 85 Monongahela Avenue; 15 Dunkard Avenue; abandoned trailers off Pennsylvania Avenue; and about 10 ...

Senate, House pass insulin copay and gas well inspector bills, among others

February 23, 2023

MORGANTOWN — Bills to lower insulin and insulin device copays, and to put more oil and gas well inspectors into the field topped the list of bills winning approval in the Senate and House on Thursday. SB 577 caps the cost of a 30-day supply of insulin at $35, and $100 for devices (a ...

Senate passes bill to address jail-funding problem

February 23, 2023

Senators passed a bill affecting the longstanding problem of regional jail bill costs. Senate Bill 596 sets a per day inmate base rate and establishes a formula for calculating fees. In some circumstances, it would allow a reduced rate or higher rates in others. Every 10 years, the rate ...