On Friday, March 11, 2022, the West Virginia Legislature passed H.B. 4336, which changes the methodology the State Tax Commissioner utilizes for oil and gas property tax valuation. ...more
On Saturday, March 5, 2022, the West Virginia Legislature passed S.B. 650, and on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, it passed S.B. 694. After lengthy debate, the Legislature passed S.B. 694, which authorizes the West Virginia...more
The West Virginia Legislature commenced its 60-day regular session on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 and proceeded to introduce and advance legislation at breakneck speed. However, it was the short special session, which...more
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice appointed Thomas E. Scarr of Huntington, Daniel W. Greear of Charleston, and Donald A. Nickerson, Jr. of Wheeling to staggered terms on the newly-created West Virginia Intermediate Court of...more
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice signed SB 469 into law, codifying provisions from a 2020 executive order suspending the mandate requiring a notary be physically present with individuals when signing documents or making...more
On March 29, in a development that provides some measure of relief to businesses operating in West Virginia, particularly within the financial services industry, Gov. Jim Justice signed into law amendments to the West...more
March 31, 2021 was "Cross-Over" Day at the West Virginia Legislature. This is the day when all bills must pass out of their house of origin and on to the other chamber. Historically, just over 23 percent of all bills clear...more
Welcome to the 2021 Legislative Brief, your one-stop shop for legislative news from a variety of sources throughout West Virginia, and my view of the legislative happenings on the horizon. Today marks the 52nd day of the...more
Welcome to the 2021 Legislative Brief, your one-stop shop for legislative news from a variety of sources throughout West Virginia, and my view of the legislative happenings on the horizon. Today marks the 45th day of the...more
On March 18, 2021, the West Virginia legislature passed Senate Bill 5 – an Amendment to the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act (WVCCPA). The Amendment provides more clarity about several aspects of litigation...more
Governor Justice has approved significant legislation protecting businesses from COVID-19 lawsuits, promoting the establishment of public charter schools, and increasing oversight of local boards of health. As of yesterday,...more
Several states have passed laws addressing the compensability of COVID-19-related workers’ compensation claims. West Virginia hasn’t enacted any specific legislation about whether contracting the coronavirus should qualify as...more
After 28 days, and with more than 1,634 bills introduced, the West Virginia Legislature already has enacted significant legislation promoting the establishment of public charter schools, increasing oversight of local boards...more
The 60-day Regular Session of the West Virginia Legislature convened on February 10, 2021 and, after 12 days that included a rare Saturday session on February 13, 2021, both chambers have advanced significant legislation...more
Welcome to the 2021 Legislative Brief, your one-stop shop for legislative news from a variety of sources throughout West Virginia, and my view of the legislative happenings on the horizon. Today marks the 10th day of the...more
The 60-day Regular Session of the West Virginia Legislature convened on February 10, 2021 and, after a short week, has already advanced significant legislation addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as certain...more
Two extraordinary events will leave an indelible imprint on the manner and scope of legislative activity expected when the West Virginia Legislature convenes its 60-day Regular Session on February 10, 2021. First, a global...more
While yesterday’s federal election results from West Virginia were not a surprise, the down ballot races, especially for the State Legislature, clearly demonstrated what was a strong red wave that engulfed incumbents, swept...more
Economic turmoil brought on by the coronavirus pandemic has created much concern about a potential rise in residential foreclosures. On August 5, 2020, Governor Jim Justice followed his presentation on school reopening...more
The West Virginia Legislature adjourned its 60-day Regular Session sine die on March 7, 2020. By the time the clock struck midnight, 356 bills ultimately completed the legislative process and were sent to Governor Justice for...more
We recently discussed the Telephone Consumer Protection Act’s (TCPA) exemption for autodialed calls, prerecorded messages, and text messages made for emergency purposes and what the exemption means for businesses who need to...more
The 2020 Regular Session of the West Virginia Legislature recently passed the one-third mark and, as of this writing, the House has introduced 1155 bills, while the Senate introduced 656. We will continue reporting on and...more
My View from the Capitol - Today marks the 10th day of the 60 day Regular Legislative Session. The revenue estimates for the coming fiscal year are $108 million below last year. This is in part due to a decrease in the...more
As you know, the 2020 Regular Session of the West Virginia Legislature commenced on January 8. As of this writing, the House has introduced 903 bills, while the Senate has introduced 467. We will be reporting on and tracking...more
On March 27, 2019, Governor Justice signed two bills that impact the coal severance tax in West Virginia: 1) HB 3142, which reduces the rate of severance tax imposed on steam or thermal coal and 2) HB 3144, which creates a...more