Under the Dome

Under the Dome is an update on actions and activities of the West Virginia Legislature, provided during the regular legislative session and interim sessions for West Virginia University faculty and staff by WVU’s Office of State, Corporate and Local Relations. This issue provides a review of the 2016 legislative session, the key accomplishments critical to WVU, the high-profile bills passed and defeated, and the budget proposals unveiled by the governor and legislature.

The second session of the 82nd Legislature concluded at midnight on March 12. Governor Tomblin extended the 60-day regular session through Tuesday, March 15, in order to deal with the budget. There was no agreement between the two chambers on the final budget. Therefore, it is expected that the legislature will reconvene in late spring to further consider the budget before the new fiscal year begins on July 1, 2016. A balanced budget must be signed by the governor before that date.

Under the Dome is an update on actions and activities of the West Virginia Legislature, provided during the regular legislative session and interim sessions for West Virginia University faculty and staff by WVU’s Office of State, Corporate and Local Relations. This issue provides a review of legislation critical to WVU and other legislative activity, including the budget proposals that were revealed this week by the Legislature.

A bipartisan group of House and Senate members have introduced bills to ensure the continued viability of WVU Tech. HB 4310 (sponsored by Delegates John O’Neal, Bill Anderson, Lynne Arvon, Mick Bates, Paul Espinosa, Barbara Fleischauer, Cindy Frich, Brian Kurcaba, Tim Miley, Eric Nelson and Joe Statler) was introduced last week. A companion bill, SB 386 (sponsored by Senators Jeff Mullins, Bob Beach, Craig Blair, Ed Gaunch, Mike Hall, Jeff Kessler, Roman Prezioso, Charles Trump and Bob Williams), was introduced as well. The bill has passed both the House and the Senate. Because the Senate Education Committee amended the bill, it returns to the House to concur with the Senate’s amendments. If the House concurs, the bill will go to the governor for his signature.