March 30th, 2025 by WCBC Radio
This week has been a very busy one as we approach Crossover Day. Our days on the House floor have been long, often involving split sessions. As the name suggests, a split session means we convene in the morning, recess for committee meetings during the day, and then reconvene in the evening. This schedule allows us to take up committee reports more efficiently and helps us save a full day in the overall legislative process.
HB 3336 is one of the more interesting bills this week and one that generated a lot of debate in committee and some questions on the floor. The bill allows for different methods of plugging abandoned gas and oil wells in the state. West Virginia was the first state to drill oil wells in the nation. Contrary to popular belief Pennsylvania was not the first. As a result we have a lot of abandoned wells some way over 100 years old. Their condition varies and modern standard plugging methods don’t aways work and may not be the best way. This bill opens a trial program allowing well pluggers to try different techniques based on the type and condition of the well. The trial program was wildly successful and increased the number of abandoned wells plugged.
HB 2960, which authorizes the Division of Highways to contract with private companies for snow removal on secondary roads in Monongalia and Preston counties, is a well-intentioned bill—but ultimately a flawed one. It passed narrowly on a 50 to 48 vote, and I voted no. While the goal of improving snow removal is commendable, the Division of Highways already has the authority to outsource this work—and has chosen not to. The reason is simple: funding these contracts would come directly from the core maintenance budget, which means fewer resources for critical work like ditch cleaning, tree trimming, and pothole repair.
The concept had merit, but the trade-off in essential maintenance services is too steep to justify moving forward in this way.
Another bill of interest and much debate while on amendment state was HB 3343 entitled, relating to drugs and adding a provision relating to the scheduling of crystalline polymorph psilocybin approved by the Food and Drug Administration. I am told that most people know, crystalline polymorph psilocybin, as magic mushrooms. It is currently undergoing trials for treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a treatment for Alzheimer’s and some other disorders that effect the brain. Under current state code it is illegal and should the FDA approve for use, state code would match automatically the legalization of this drug for approved uses.
HB 2963 may seem technical on the surface, but its real impact is deeply concerning—especially for credit union members across West Virginia. The bill requires that any entity acquiring a state-chartered bank must be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). On its face, that may not sound problematic—but in practice, it’s a strategic move to block credit unions from purchasing banks. Credit unions, while not insured by the FDIC, are federally backed by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), which offers the same level of protection to depositors. The only difference is that they operate under a different federal insurance structure—one tailored to the unique mission and model of credit unions. So why this bill? The answer is simple: competition. Credit unions often provide better rates for borrowers and savers alike, which makes them a target for the banking industry. This legislation—pushed heavily by banks—places an artificial roadblock in the way of credit unions acquiring banks, while doing nothing to prevent the reverse.
Many credit union members reached out to express the same concerns I had when I first reviewed this bill. HB 2963 isn’t about consumer protection—it’s about limiting competition and restricting financial choice. It’s unfair, unnecessary, and not in the best interest of the people of West Virginia.
HB 3503, also known informally as “Taco’s Law,” ensures that counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions cannot overregulate commercial horticulture under the Water Pollution Control Act.
This bill was inspired by a local entrepreneur—nicknamed “Taco”—who owns a Mexican restaurant and began growing his own fresh vegetables in a greenhouse. His venture was so successful that others wanted to purchase his produce. As demand grew, he made plans to expand by adding three more greenhouses. Unfortunately, local authorities stepped in and denied permits, allowing him to build only one. This kind of regulatory overreach sends the wrong message to those trying to innovate and grow in our state. With HB 3503, we’re standing up for small farmers and entrepreneurs. We're making it clear that if you want to grow food and feed your community, the government shouldn’t stand in your way. We’re protecting the right to farm—thanks to Taco’s Law!
In the meantime, if you have any questions, need help with a state agency, or just have an idea that you think would make the state better, please let me know. My contact is Gary.Howell@WVHouse.gov, and my phone is (304) 340-3191
March 24th, 2025 by WCBC Radio
As we approach Crossover Day, this week marks a crucial deadline for Subcommittees to finalize their work, ensuring bills move forward through the full committees. Crossover Day is the day when all House Bills with the potential to become law are sent to the Senate, and vice versa. Unlike the U.S. Congress, our part-time legislature operates under strict timelines, making these deadlines even more significant. Here are some key highlights from this week’s developments.
Senate Bill 8, which has successfully passed the House, is now on its way to the Governor for final approval. This important bill permits the installation of newborn safety devices at designated safe-surrender sites, such as emergency medical service facilities, police departments, or sheriff's detachments. These devices provide a safe and secure way for parents to surrender newborns, ensuring the safety and well-being of infants while offering a responsible alternative to abandonment. The bill also outlines specific conditions for the installation and use of these devices, aiming to enhance public safety and protect vulnerable children.
This week, the House of Delegates passed Senate Bill 486, a crucial piece of legislation designed to safeguard the integrity of West Virginia’s elections by ensuring only eligible voters participate. The bill outlines the specific requirements for voter eligibility, including being a registered voter, at least 18 years old (with provisions for primary elections if the person will be 18 by the next general election), a U.S. citizen, and a bona fide resident of the area in which they wish to vote. A key aim of the bill is to prevent both legal and illegal alien residents from casting ballots, reinforcing the requirement that only U.S. citizens can vote in state elections.
Senate Bill 486 also addresses situations of mental incompetence and criminal convictions. It ensures that individuals determined mentally incompetent by a court ruling or those convicted of serious crimes such as treason or felonies are disqualified from voting. However, those who have had their sentences fully discharged or received a pardon are eligible to regain their voting rights. The bill further provides a clear process for reinstating voting rights for individuals previously disqualified due to mental incompetence, contingent on certification from the court. With these provisions, the bill aims to uphold the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that only qualified citizens participate in elections.
This week, the House passed House Bill 2067, the West Virginia Firearms Marketing Clarification Act, which now heads to the Senate. The bill is designed to protect West Virginia’s gun and ammunition manufacturers from frivolous lawsuits that claim their marketing practices contribute to harm. It sets clear limits on when negligent marketing claims can be made, requiring proof that the marketing targeted prohibited individuals, encouraged illegal firearm use, and violated specific laws. The goal is to prevent liberal cities and states from using lawsuits as a tool to shut down or damage the firearms industry in West Virginia, ensuring the protection of lawful commerce in firearms and ammunition.
This week, Fairs and Festivals Day at the legislature brought a lively display from the West Virginia Peach Festival, held annually in Mineral County. Set up in the lower rotunda, festival representatives were excited to invite attendees, handing out brochures, t-shirts, and hats. They also treated each legislator to a bottle of Mineral County’s signature Peach Cider. This year, the Peach Festival will take place from August 1 to 3 at the Fort Ashby Fairgrounds, with an expected turnout of around 14,000 people. It’s always a pleasure to see folks from back home here at the Capitol, and this year’s festival promises to be a fantastic celebration of local traditions and community.
Also this week, West Virginia made history as the first state in the nation to pass a resolution opposing the Chinese Communist Party’s misuse of United Nations Resolution 2758 to marginalize and exclude Taiwan from international organizations. This groundbreaking resolution sends a clear and principled message: West Virginia stands firmly on the side of freedom and democracy. The resolution makes it clear that UN Resolution 2758 was solely intended to determine who would represent "China" at the United Nations—it did not address Taiwan’s sovereignty, nor does it justify the ongoing efforts to block Taiwan’s participation in global institutions such as the United Nations, Interpol, or the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Beyond this strong political statement, the resolution reflects the deepening economic ties between West Virginia and Taiwan. Taiwan is investing in West Virginia, creating good-paying jobs and driving economic growth in communities across our state. To further strengthen this partnership, West Virginia has established a trade and investment office in Taipei, dedicated to promoting West Virginia exports and attracting additional Taiwanese investment. This growing economic relationship demonstrates how shared democratic values can foster meaningful partnerships that benefit both our state and our global allies.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, need help with a state agency, or just have an idea that you think would make the state better, please let me know. My contact is Gary.Howell@WVHouse.gov, and my phone is (304) 340-3191.
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