State

State

Senator Tarr Proposal Raises Concerns Over Limits on Toxic Exposure Lawsuits

January 19, 2026 WV Statewire

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CHARLESTON — Legislation introduced by Sen. Eric Tarr (R-Putnam, 4) would significantly limit when plaintiffs can recover damages for future medical monitoring in civil lawsuits, drawing criticism from consumer and labor advocates who say it could restrict access to early disease detection. Senate Bill 93 (2026) would bar courts from awarding damages for increased risk […]

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State

Del. Scot Heckert Introduces Bill Restoring Voting Rights to Convicted Felons

January 19, 2026 WV Statewire

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CHARLESTON — Del. Scot Heckert (R-Wood, 13) has introduced legislation that would explicitly restore voting rights to individuals convicted of felonies once they are released from incarceration. Del. Heckert introduced House Bill 4406 (2026), which would amend state law to clarify that people become eligible to register to vote and cast a ballot upon release […]

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State

Senator Rucker Introduces Bill to Recognize Gold and Silver as Legal Tender

January 19, 2026 WV Statewire

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CHARLESTON — Sen. Patricia Rucker (R-Jefferson, 16) has introduced legislation that would recognize gold and silver as legal tender in the state and establish a framework for their use in private and public transactions. Sen. Rucker introduced Senate Bill 413 (2026) titled the Transactional Gold and Silver Act, would allow gold and silver specie to […]

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State

State Senator Tom Willis Files U.S. Senate Bid, Challenges Capito

January 19, 2026 WV Statewire

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CLARKSBURG — Republican state Sen. Tom Willis formally entered the race for U.S. Senate, filing his candidacy with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office and immediately drawing a sharp contrast with incumbent Sen. Shelley Moore Capito during remarks in Clarksburg. Willis, who represents Senate District 15 in Berkeley County, said his decision to run […]

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State

Toby Heaney Announces Candidacy for West Virginia State Senate in District 2

January 16, 2026 WV Statewire

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CLARKSBURG — Toby Heaney officially filed paperwork at the Secretary of State’s Clarksburg Office to run for the West Virginia State Senate, representing District 2. Speaking at a press conference following his filing, Heaney described his candidacy as a commitment to public service and focused on economic issues he says are vital to the state’s […]

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State

Morrisey Calls for 10% Income Tax Cut, Public Employee Raises in State of the State

January 16, 2026 WV Statewire

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CHARLESTON — Gov. Patrick Morrisey on Wednesday called for a 10% income tax cut and average pay raises of about 3% for public employees as he delivered his first State of the State address of the 2026 legislative session. “Tonight, I can report that we are making real progress. The Mountain State comeback is underway,” […]

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State

House Bill Seeks to Eliminate Standardized Testing in All Schools

January 16, 2026 WV Statewire

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CHARLESTON — Legislation introduced in the West Virginia House of Delegates would end statewide standardized testing in both public and private schools. House Bill 4077, sponsored by Del. Kathie Crouse, was introduced during the 2026 regular legislative session and calls for eliminating all standardized exams administered by the State Board of Education. Under the proposal, […]

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State

WVGOP Rejects Effort to Reopen Primaries After Procedural Dispute, Illegitimate Appointments

January 11, 2026 WV Statewire

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CHARLESTON — An effort to reopen the West Virginia Republican Party’s closed primaries for the 2026 election failed Saturday after a contentious State Executive Committee meeting marked by procedural challenges, disputed committee appointments and vocal objections from party members. The meeting, held Saturday, January 10, followed earlier action by the party’s resolutions committee, which met […]

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State

Manchin Presses WVGOP to Reopen Republican Primaries as Party Weighs Decision

January 7, 2026 WV Statewire

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CHARLESTON — Former U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin is pleading with West Virginia Republicans to allow independent voters to participate in GOP primary elections. Manchin made his case as Republican Party leaders prepare to meet this weekend to determine whether the party will continue limiting primary participation to registered Republicans. The longtime Democrat said closed primaries […]

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State

West Virginia Senate Majority Whip Jay Taylor Announces Bid for Reelection

January 6, 2026 WV Statewire

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GRAFTON — West Virginia Senate Majority Whip Jay Taylor announced he is seeking reelection, pointing to his conservative voting record, leadership role in the chamber and focus on issues affecting rural communities. “It has been an honor to serve the people of our district and to fight every day for conservative values and common sense,” […]

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