Front Porch Conversations: Commenting on a WV House of Delegates Bill

How do I make a public comment on a bill that I either like or don’t like?

Welcome to our Front Porch!

Way back in February 2025, the West Virginia House of Delegates changed its rules on how members of the public can comment on a bill – they did away with public hearings. 

Now, during this Legislative Session, the House has a link on the WV Legislature website that provides members of the public with a chance to make a public comment on a bill being considered. 

Just remember, every public comment becomes a matter of public record. 

For example, on February 1, the following public comments were available to view on House Bill 4834, which would permit women’s wrestling in public high schools as a sanctioned event:

• Girls participating in wrestling is becoming a very popular sport in West Virginia Schools. These girls train just as hard and as many hours as their male teammates and deserve the recognition, advancement and collegiate opportunities that would be offered as a sanctioned sport.
• Female athletes deserve to be recognized for their accomplishments in there own divisions.
• Sending this note in support of sanctioning high school women’s wrestling in West Virginia.

Now, because bills being considered in the Senate operate on a different set of rules, that body has no public comment link on the WV Legislative website. However, if the House is considering a Senate Bill, then that public comment link becomes an option. 

An example of this, is Senate Bill 388, which requires a copy of the Aitken Bible to be made available to certain public elementary and secondary classrooms: 

• This bill is a waste of time. It seems purposely designed to get everyone riled up when we have real challenges facing our schools. Enough.  There is nothing now that prevents classes from having bibles available for students. This is the state micromanaging classrooms and choosing a specific bible pushed by an out-of-state lobbyist. I’m Catholic and have nothing against bibles, but I don’t appreciate this government overreach. Do better.  
• This bill is idiotic.  I’m 1000% more concerned that the school provide an actual education.  Wv ranks where in education?  🙄

The question, however, does become, “Will legislators read the public comments?” 

Although they aren’t specifically required to, it would be a real shame if a legislator voted on a bill without reading the public comments made by West Virginians – you know, the people who voted them into office. 

To access the public comment link, two members of the West Virginia House of Delegates have created “how-to” videos. Here they are: 

Del. Kayla Young:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ARgchBA3n

Del. Evan Hanson:

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18EZUejoZa

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