The state legislature adjourned Saturday night. Which bills passed & which failed?
By Stephen Baldwin, RealWV
At the stroke of midnight on Saturday, Speaker Roger Hanshaw and Senate President Randy Smith both lowered their gavel and proclaimed the two most famous words in legislative proceedings–“sine die.” Which means, it’s over. At least for now.
This was Governor Patrick Morrisey’s first session in the governor’s mansion. He achieved several legislative priorities, was spurned by lawmakers on a few, and has insinuated that he will not hesitate to call lawmakers back this year for further action.
Here’s a quick recap of bills RealWV covered this session, showing which passed and which failed.
Which bills passed & which bills failed?
UNIVERSAL & PROFESSIONAL LICENSING ACT: Passed (priority for Gov. Morrisey)
NEW VACCINATION EXEMPTIONS FOR STUDENTS: Failed (priority for Gov. Morrisey)
CABINET REORGANIZATION: Passed (priority for Gov. Morrisey)
LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY OVER PUBLIC EDUCATION RULE-MAKING: Passed (rejected by voters in 2022 on the ballot)
MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS MOVED TO SAME DAY AS STATE ELECTIONS: Passed
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REFORM (exempting the legislature from FOIA, increasing the time agencies have to response, and raising rates): Failed
MEDICAID CUTS: Legislation withdrawn
INCREASING PENALTIES FOR ASSAULT OF ATHLETIC OFFICIALS: Passed
OPIOID TREAMTENT PROGRAM REFORM: Failed
PLACING LEGAL ADS ONLINE FOR FREE: Failed
BANNING FOOD DYES: Passed (effective in 2028)
BANNING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION PROGRAMS: Passed at the very last minute (priority for Gov. Morrisey)
GUARDIAN HELMET LAW (student athlete safety helmets for football): Failed
MICROGRID & DATA CENTER LEGISLATION : Passed (priority for Gov. Morrisey)
EMERGENCY HOMES FOR FOSTER KIDS: Failed
LOOSENING RESTRICTIONS ON ABOVE-GROUND STORAGE TANKS: Failed
BANNING CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY: Failed
RILEY GAINES ACT DEFINING “MALE” & “FEMALE”: Passed (priority for Gov. Morrisey)
BANNING RANKED-CHOICE VOTING: Passed
MAKING JUDICIAL ELECTIONS PARTISAN: Failed
CLOSING PRIMARY ELECTIONS TO INDEPENDENTS: Failed
TAXING DRUG TREATMENT TO PAY FOR BILLBOARDS OF DRUG DEALERS: Failed
DEATH PENALTY FOR THOSE WHO KILL FIRST RESPONDERS: Failed
CERTIFICATE OF NEED REFORM FOR MEDICAL SERVICES: Failed (priority for Gov. Morrisey)
EXPANDING WORK REQUIREMENTS FOR SNAP RECIPIENTS: Failed
ENHANCING PENALTIES FOR DRUG ACTIVITIES: Passed
UPDATING CRIME OF SEXUAL EXTORTION: Passed
ELIMINATING WIND TAX CREDITS: Failed
TERM LIMITS FOR STATE OFFICES: Failed
By the Numbers
In total, 247 bills completed legislative action this session. 150 of those bills came from the House and 97 came from the Senate. For a full list of those bills, click here. So far, Gov. Morrisey has signed 25 bills into law.
Stay tuned to RealWV this week for further details on completed legislation, potential vetoes from the governor, and the status of the state budget.
