Transcript Highlights:

• The agency impact would be the Department of Labor and the West Virginia courts.
• Yes, Jonathan Pinson, served in the West Virginia House of Delegates. Okay, great.
• Legislation to enact the compact is currently pending in 12 other states in addition to West Virginia
• Legislation to enact the compact is currently pending in 12 other states in addition to West Virginia
• The compact is similar to other occupational licensing compact the West Virginia has already enacted.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee met, approved the March 5, 2026 minutes, and then took up several health- and human-services-related bills. House Bill 5086, concerning peer support programs for covered caregivers, was explained as creating training and testimonial privilege protections; the committee adopted an amendment clarifying that boards may still require participation in a board-designated professional health program, and then reported the bill to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass. House Bill 5004, an educational bill on PANS and PANDAS, was supported by the sponsor, who described his family’s experience and the importance of earlier diagnosis; it was reported to the Senate without amendment. House Bill 5327, which would require the Department of Human Services to create an ALS services program, also received supportive testimony from the sponsor and members, but the transcript reflects the bill being reported as House Bill 537; it was moved forward without amendment. The committee then considered House Bill 5096, which would remove personal care and intellectual/developmental disability waiver services from certificate-of-need review. The sponsor argued the change would reduce regulatory burden and expand access, while a county aging-program director testified that certificate-of-need revenues help fund senior meals and services and that eliminating the requirement would reduce important support for aging providers. After a division vote, the motion to report the bill failed 3-9. House Bill 4695, allowing PEIA patients to switch to an alternative medically appropriate covered treatment without new prior authorization if it costs no more than the original treatment, was explained as carrying an estimated $13 million annual cost to PEIA and was reported to the Senate. The committee also advanced House Bill 5582, enacting the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, after discussion of a committee amendment removing a new-background-check-at-initial-licensure provision; the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported. Another House Bill 5582, concerning the TANF drug screening program, was described as removing the sunset date and allowing oral fluid testing in addition to urine samples; it too was reported. Finally, House Bill 5466 renamed the batterer intervention program as an abuse intervention program and allowed live synchronous virtual delivery with an in-person option; the sponsor said the change would expand access statewide, and the bill was reported to the Senate. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This compact is similar to other occupational licensing compacts that West Virginia has already enacted
• West Virginia is already enacted, and I have a list of those in the abstract enacting.
• Everyone that I've represented in the industry and individuals that live in West Virginia that asked
• This bill makes various changes pertaining to the West Virginia Board of Funeral Examiners.
• But there was a court case out of Virginia involving that same kind of language.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Government Organization met with a quorum present, approved the minutes, and then considered a series of House bills, most of them related to licensing, local government administration, and agency operations. House Bill 5063 would let county commissions appoint a county commissioner as a voting member of a convention and visitors bureau board, including for multi-county CVBs; it was reported to the full Senate. House Bill 5087 would join the interstate cosmetology licensure compact, allowing licensed cosmetologists to obtain multi-state practice privileges in compact states, and it was also reported. The committee then took up a strike-and-insert amendment for House Bill 4793, which combined provisions affecting barbering/cosmetology apprenticeships and lowered certain age and education requirements; after adopting a Jefferson amendment clarifying the salon training language, the bill was reported as amended. Members next approved a strike-and-insert for House Bill 5638, which clarifies the State Chief Information Security Officer’s duties, changes cyber risk review procedures, and updates references to the Office of Technology head as the chief information officer; it was reported as amended. House Bill 4483, dealing with the Board of Funeral Examiners, was amended to change the effective date for licensee-in-charge requirements and make technical corrections, then reported as amended. House Bill 5653, requested by the Department of Revenue, would expand confidentiality protections to cover audit manuals, guidelines, procedures, algorithms, and related materials to prevent taxpayers from gaming audit selection, and it was reported. House Bill 4452 repeals acreage limits on church property ownership, and House Bill 4801 expands permissible uses of hotel occupancy tax funds to include demolition of unsafe structures and planning or improvement of public property; both were reported. The committee also advanced House Bill 5622, which creates an expedited process for municipalities to conform local election terms and procedures to the state requirement that municipal elections be held with statewide primaries or general elections, and recognizes the Secretary of State as keeper of municipal charter rolls. House Bill 4546 would allow business entities to file reports biennially instead of annually, with higher biennial fees and updated enforcement provisions; its strike-and-insert amendment was adopted and the bill was reported as amended. House Bill 5613 would define and regulate telematics for state fleet vehicles, require reporting on unsafe driving and corrective actions, and include cost-benefit information in annual reports; it was reported. House Bill 5323 would let the Division of Natural Resources adjust license and stamp fees for inflation by removing a prior CPI-based restriction, and House Bill 4819 would revise criminal-record standards for certain non-Chapter 30 occupational licenses, shifting to a direct-relationship standard while preserving existing exclusions for violent sexual offenses; both were reported. The committee then adjourned after closing remarks from the chair and vice chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> those numbers include sewer Tower West those numbers include sewer Tower West in<00:17:59.880><c
• </c><00:41:45.440><c> Minnesota</c> to learn a bit about Virginia Minnesota to learn a bit about Virginia
• </c><00:42:24.079><c> live</c> those seniors living in Virginia live those seniors living in Virginia
• <00:43:24.599><c> is</c> Virginia is Virginia is 23740<00:43:26.800><c> or</c><00:43:27.119><c> 1978<
• </c><00:43:32.640><c> are</c> seniors living alone in Virginia are seniors living alone in Virginia are

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In my home state of West Virginia, that formula funding is upgrading and modernizing our roads and bridges
• Republican colleagues on the committee from Ohio, West Virginia, and Wyoming won't do well under this
• This includes 2,300 projects in West Virginia and almost 500 projects in Rhode Island.
• Virginia.
• So it happens frequently in the winter for us in West Virginia.

Keywords: Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, IIJA, bipartisan infrastructure, funding flexibility, NEPA, environmental reviews, bureaucratic delays, federal funding, infrastructure investment

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, discussing the ongoing implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Chairman Capito highlighted the bipartisan nature of the legislation and the necessity of refining existing provisions to ensure effective delivery of transportation projects. Notable emphasis was placed on the need for flexibility in funding to address inflation impacts and delays caused by bureaucratic hurdles, especially relating to environmental reviews under NEPA. Witnesses from state transportation agencies provided valuable insights into real-world challenges faced in project execution, ultimately underscoring the importance of continuous federal support for infrastructure development. The discussion also touched on the broader implications of federal funding freezes by the previous administration, which have reportedly hindered several ongoing and planned projects. This issue raised significant concern among committee members, who urged the need for reliable funding and the removal of unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that could cause delays in project implementation. The meeting concluded with a commitment from the members to work collaboratively to overcome these challenges and ensure a smooth path forward for critical infrastructure investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• So have you looked at Virginia? Mr.
• Vega: Yeah, the Virginia, the Northern Virginia area, that's one of the largest Mr.
• And so a big portion of that was in Northern Virginia.
• of Virginia.
• And so that's why West Texas has been perfect for us.

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss data centers and their impact on Texas's energy infrastructure. The meeting featured testimony from key representatives of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and ERCOT, who outlined the evolving landscape of energy generation and the challenges posed by the rapid growth of data centers. Notably, ERCOT reported over 450,000 MW of generation resources planned for connection, with a significant portion attributed to data centers, which now represent around 87% of new large load interconnection requests. The committee explored proposed changes to the interconnection process, including a new 'batch study' approach aimed at streamlining the approval of multiple projects simultaneously. This change is intended to address the challenges of managing numerous simultaneous requests and to provide more certainty for developers regarding their energy needs. Testimonies emphasized the importance of ensuring that the costs of infrastructure upgrades are borne by the data centers rather than residential ratepayers, with discussions around the financial commitments required from developers. Several data center developers also provided testimony, highlighting the economic benefits of their projects, including job creation and increased local revenues. They expressed concerns about the potential for a moratorium on future growth due to the new interconnection rules and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to address water usage and environmental impacts. The committee plans to continue discussions on these topics in future hearings, with a focus on balancing economic growth with energy reliability and resource management.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I yield two minutes to the representative from West Virginia. >> Gentleman's recognized for
• Speaker, I yield two minutes to the representative from West Virginia. >> Gentleman's recognized for
• Speaker, I yield two minutes to the representative from West Virginia. >> Gentleman's recognized for
• West Virginia is saying gentleman from West Virginia is saying hell<01:11:55.440><c> no</c><01:11:55.600
• </c><01:12:04.320><c> Virginia</c> bill, the gentleman from West Virginia bill, the gentleman from West

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, March 27, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This compact is similar to other occupational licensing compacts that West Virginia has already enacted
• West Virginia is already enacted, and I have a list of those in the abstract enacting.
• Everyone that I've represented in the industry and individuals that live in West Virginia that asked
• This bill makes various changes pertaining to the West Virginia Board of Funeral Examiners.
• But there was a court case out of Virginia involving that same kind of language.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator West. Senator West, here. Senator Wheeler, here. Senator Williams, here.
• </c><00:47:21.680><c> All</c><00:47:21.920><c> very</c> Virginia off to the side.
• All very Virginia off to the side.
• </c> Senator<00:49:07.360><c> West.</c> Senator West. Senator West.
• </c><00:53:02.800><c> program</c> used to work for the Virginia program used to work for the Virginia

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:26 Approval of Minutes 00:02:27 LIHEAP Presentation and Public Hearing 00:02:42 Conservation Opportunities in Kentucky 00:29:52, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up a public hearing and presentation on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Shannon Hall of the Department for Community Based Services and Rick Baker of Community Action Kentucky explained that LIHEAP is a 100% federally funded block grant that helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, avoid utility disconnects, and support weatherization. They outlined the program’s components, eligibility limits, seasonal application periods, and recent participation figures, including tens of thousands of households served through the summer cooling, fall subsidy, winter crisis, and spring subsidy components. They also described weatherization priorities, the partnership with Kentucky Housing Corporation, and the role of Community Action agencies in administering the program statewide. Members asked about Assurance 16, the balance between need and available funding, summer cooling assistance, weatherization measurement, renter versus homeowner participation, and whether federal changes could affect LIHEAP. Hall and Baker said Assurance 16 supports energy-burden reduction through education, case management, and conservation strategies; that funding has generally been sufficient in recent years but crisis funds have sometimes been exhausted quickly in the past; and that summer assistance is primarily electric utility support. They also said weatherization uses return-on-investment testing and that Kentucky still has a large backlog of homes needing service. On federal funding, they said the recently passed federal bill did not directly cut LIHEAP, but future appropriations could still affect it, and any major reduction could leave a gap the state might need to consider filling. The committee approved the minutes and later approved the LIHEAP finding of fact; no members of the public signed up to testify. After concluding LIHEAP, the committee heard a presentation from Heather Jeff of The Nature Conservancy on conservation opportunities in Kentucky. She described the organization’s voluntary land-protection work and highlighted the Cumberland Forest project, a conservation easement on about 55,000 acres in Bell, Knox, and Leslie counties supported in part by a $3.875 million state appropriation. She also reported on mine-land reforestation, elk habitat work, and the rapid allocation of a $2 million appropriation for the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund. Jeff emphasized the economic value of conservation for tourism, hunting and fishing, agriculture, forestry, bourbon, and flood protection, and said the group is finalizing a Kentucky conservation needs assessment and related feasibility research.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know from the standpoint of West Virginia you know we've lost all of our cabinetry and we've lost
• I mean think about this in West Virginia we cut a third of our growth. our forest in West Virginia any
• better than the problems in the West.
• And in this situation, West Virginia would rate really well, but we're going to rate our contribution
• And in West Virginia, we get 800 a year. They aren't bad, but 800 a year.

Bills: HB471

Keywords: forest management, wildfire prevention, public lands, Tribal jurisdiction, Fix Our Forests Act, wildfire, forest health, hazardous fuels reduction, fuels treatment, prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, mastication, fuel breaks, fire breaks, wildland-urban interface, WUI, fireshed, fireshed management area, fireshed registry, Fireshed Center

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act, which aims to address the ongoing crisis of wildfires exacerbated by climate change and the need for updated forest management practices. Various committee members voiced concerns about past federal management failures and emphasized the necessity for collaborative approaches involving local communities and stakeholders in forest management. As discussions unfolded, there were varying perspectives on the implications of certain provisions in the bill, particularly around regulatory changes and their likely impacts on public participation and environmental reviews.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under existing law, abuse and neglect proceedings are handled exclusively by West Virginia circuit courts
• Last year, the State of West Virginia had 207 guardians ad litem, or the year before—this most recent
• I believe the West Virginia First Foundation is now expected to fill some of that gap, as a reason why
• I think the good Lord is at work to help the kids of West Virginia.
• Virginia are paid less than the national average.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 4893, which would increase penalties for contempt of magistrate court and raise the maximum fine a court may impose without a jury trial. Counsel explained that the bill would raise fines for first, second, and third offenses, add community service, and allow weekend jail or work release for a third offense. The committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, reported the bill to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and adopted a title amendment. The committee then took up House Bill 5684, a pilot program creating child protection commissioners to help handle abuse and neglect cases. Counsel and the sponsor described the proposal as a way to reduce circuit court backlog, improve the frequency and consistency of hearings, and provide more focused attention to children and families while leaving final decision-making authority with circuit judges. Supporters cited the heavy caseloads, shortages of guardians ad litem, and a Texas model that reportedly improved efficiency; one senator criticized the bill as adding bureaucracy, while others said the system needs a new approach. Members discussed funding through a companion bill tied to the medical cannabis fund, with an initial startup amount and ongoing annual support. Several senators raised concerns about the lack of a sunset date and the need for measurable outcomes. The committee adopted an amendment requiring the Supreme Court’s Administrative Director to identify measurable outcomes, establish a pre-implementation baseline, and provide annual reporting to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance, including costs and projected costs. House Bill 5684, as amended, was then reported to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• So have you looked at Virginia? Mr.
• And so a big portion of that was in Northern Virginia.
• So there's that in West Texas. Mr. Raymond: Okay.
• in the state of Virginia.
• And so that's why West Texas has been perfect for us.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent the 35th District, which is in Western Virginia.
• That is being facilitated by the Virginia Health Care Foundation.
• Let’s make sure we’re also feeding Virginia.
• You mentioned certainly Virginia was under the gun to do this.
• Virginia.

Keywords: House Select Committee on Advancing Rural and Small Town Health Care, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><02:32:45.200><c> or</c> Northern District of West Virginia, or Northern District of West Virginia
• Last Congress, then West Virginia Secretary of State M.
• Last Congress, then West Virginia Secretary of State M.
• Last Congress, then West Virginia Secretary of State M.
• </c> discuss his efforts to protect West discuss his efforts to protect West Virginia<02:35:33.960><c

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the member from Coventry. >> The member from Virginia yields to the member from South Burlington.
• Berdick at West Rutland. Burka Bradber. Yes. Birkart South Burlington. Yes.
• Berdick at West Rutland. Burka Bradber. Yes. Birkart South Burlington. Yes.
• Berdick at West Rutland. Burka Bradber. Yes. Birkart South Burlington. Yes.
• </c><00:30:05.520><c> Westes</c> &gt;&gt; Bighgam. I'm St. Town. Berd. Westes &gt;&gt; Bighgam.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that covers the Commonwealth of Kentucky as well as Cincinnati, parts of Indiana, and Huntington, West
• Virginia.
• > Cincinnati, parts of Indiana, and Cincinnati, parts of Indiana, and Huntington,<00:01:52.399><c> West
• </c><00:01:52.560><c> Virginia.
• </c> Huntington, West Virginia. Huntington, West Virginia.

Keywords: This meeting failed to start and as part of it was not live streamed. This is the complete meeting pulled from backups. 00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 01:03 - Discussion of 26RS HB 510 05:32 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 510 06:32 - Adjournment, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sir, is the potential to impose cost in the East Sea to Russia, the potential to impose cost in the West
• Most recently in the West Sea, we're able to, during Freedom Shield, conduct an air assault.
• conventional torpedoes if we were to add a tactical nuclear capability to Virginia-class submarines?
• Inherently it would occupy some of the vertical launch system tubes that would be in a Virginia-class
• By the way I did a little geography test it's over 1,000 miles west of Hawaii.

Keywords: Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. military strategy, China military drills, Taiwan, Philippines, North Korea, defense budget, military modernization

Summary: The meeting focused on significant strategic discussions regarding the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and its military posture in the region. Admiral Paparo and General Brunson were commended for their services, with the Chair noting an alarming shift in the balance of power towards China. Key topics included China's aggressive military drills near Taiwan, the increasing coercion against the Philippines, and the need for the U.S. to reaffirm its commitments to its allies in the region. Concerns were raised regarding China's military modernization and its implications for U.S. forces, alongside discussions on North Korea's threats and its burgeoning nuclear capabilities. The committee emphasized the urgent need for military and defense appropriations to counteract these growing security challenges.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator West Virginia, just think about this just for a second. I'm a coach.
• You know, if you think in West Virginia, one out of every five kids faces food insecurity every single
• You know, when I was a governor in West Virginia, we made a real priority.
• It's unusual that the First Lady of West Virginia, when I was a governor, and my wife, Kathy, is with
• Absolutely many of our kids in our schools in West Virginia these are the primary meals of their whole

Bills: SB222

Keywords: whole milk, school lunch, school meals, National School Lunch Program, Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, Child Nutrition Act, USDA, nutrition standards, dairy, nonfat milk, low-fat milk, reduced-fat milk, lactose-free milk, nondairy beverages, plant-based milk, milk substitution, parental consent, legal guardian, food allergies, allergic reaction

Summary: This meeting of the committee focused primarily on the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, S222, which aims to permit schools to offer a fuller range of milk options, including whole, reduced, and low-fat varieties, that have garnered bipartisan support. Chairman Bozeman opened the session by highlighting concerns over children's nutrition and the obesity epidemic, emphasizing the significance of nutritious school meals in addressing these issues. Experts from various organizations were invited to discuss the implications of this bill as well as the current challenges facing school meal programs, including budget constraints and food supply issues. The meeting included passionate testimonies about the direct impacts of current dietary guidelines and federal funding reductions affecting schools' abilities to provide healthy meal options.

Transcript Highlights:

• Both Ohio and West Virginia are currently working to pass similar legislation to HB3791 at this moment
• In Ohio, there's language approved by the 8-1-1 to make this change, and in West Virginia, House Bill
• At this time, the Chair will call Virginia Palacios.
• This time, the Chair called Virginia Palacios.
• Virginia, we show you are registered as Virginia Palacios, Executive Director of Commission Shift Action

Bills: HB2766, HB2891, HB3334, HB3791, HB3911, HB4021, HB4041, HB4042, HB4384, HB4426

Keywords: inactive wells, oil and gas regulation, environmental protection, Railroad Commission of Texas, well plugging, Railroad Commission, penalties, violations, pipeline safety, civil penalties, criminal penalties, wildfire prevention, oil and gas, safety inspections, administrative penalties, excavation, notification, utilities, underground facilities, regulatory compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• Moore of West Virginia. Amendment number 39 by Mr. Shoden from Michigan. Amendment number 47 by Mr.
• Moore<00:58:49.440><c> of</c><00:58:49.599><c> West</c><00:58:49.839><c> Virginia.
• </c><00:58:50.799><c> Amendment</c><00:58:51.200><c> number</c> Moore of West Virginia.
• Amendment number Moore of West Virginia.
• Moore of West Virginia. >> A recorded vote has been requested.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, April 30, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, she was born in a, um, growing up on a farm in Virginia during segregation.
• Uh, she was born in a, um, growing up on a farm in Virginia during segregation.
• West knew education would be her means of escape, but she didn't know her quiet work on a naval base
• </c><00:30:11.520><c> during</c> growing up on a farm in Virginia during growing up on a farm in Virginia
• ><c> University,</c><00:30:28.080><c> and</c> H.B.CU, Virginia State University, and H.B.CU, Virginia

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 06:11 Orders of the Day 06:59 HB 7 07:15 HB 48 17:57 HB 266 20:32 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 22:33 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 31:03 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 33:29 ConC/Rules Report 36:49 Floor Amendments 37:57 Adjournment 38:24, 958, all