Staff writer
CHARLESTON The West Virginia Senate voted Wednesday to allow the state to continue a three-year program to screen recipients of public assistance for drug use.
Senate Bill 387 relating to drug screening of applicants for cash assistance passed 24-9 with Democratic Sens. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, and Bob Plymale, D-Wayne, voting with the Republican majority.
SB 387 would extend a three-year pilot program through the Department of Health and Human Resources which screens applicants of West Virginia’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. The program would continue to Dec. 31, 2022, and gives the secretary of DHHR authority to continue the program beyond that date.
For The Intelligencer
Photo Courtesy of W.Va. Legislative Photography
Senate Health and Human Resources Committee Chairman Mike Maroney, R-Marshall, voices support for a bill extending the pilot program that screens applicants for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
CHARLESTON The West Virginia Senate voted Wednesday to allow the state to continue a three-year program to screen recipients of public assistance for drug use permanently.
Senate Bill 387 relating to drug screening of applicants for cash assistance passed 24-9 with Democratic Sens. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, and Bob Plymale, D-Wayne, voting with the Republican majority.
SB 387 would extend a three-year pilot program through the Department of Health and Human Resources that screens applicants of West Virginia’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. The program would continue to Dec. 31, 2022, and gives the secretary of DHHR authority to continue the program beyond that date.
With open government questions, Senate slows bill adjusting State Resiliency Office By
February 28, 2021 - 9:33 am
Senator Stephen Baldwin asks questions during a meeting of the Legislature s Joint Committee on Flooding. (Will Price/West Virginia Legislative Photography)
Senators are considering a bill that could result in less public information about the State Resiliency Office, which was established to deal with the emergencies and disasters that occur all too often in West Virginia.
The office already has several exemptions to state open records laws and could have one more if Senate Bill 389 passes.
The bill was on course for passage in the Senate on Monday. But senators laid over the bill on Friday after concerns arose about the public’s access to information about the office. Whether it is changed or not, it could still pass the Senate this week.
CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Republican supermajority in the Legislature is quickly moving bills this year, citing a possible COVID-19 outbreak, but the minority is questioning the motive.
Del. Tony Paynter, R-Wyoming, is seen with his mesh mask around his chin as he speaks on the House of Delegates floor Thursday, Feb. 18. Delegates are required to wear a mask, but the type is not specified and it can be removed when they address the floor.
Perry Bennett | West Virginia Legislative Photography