Charleston, West Virginia (WOWK) — For the first time this legislative session, West Virginia senators returned to the state capitol over the weekend.
On Saturday, the upper chamber passed legislation on a variety of issues. In total, lawmakers approved 21 bills.
When discussing the Mountain State’s drug overdose rate, Republican Sen. Brian Helton of Fayette County stated, “I truly believe this is the number one issue in West Virginia.” We recover in so many ways when we can bounce back from this.”
The upper chamber passed the Joel Archer Substance Abuse Intervention Act. The bill, named after a young man who died from a drug overdose, allows for the involuntary treatment of people suffering from substance use disorders.
“This is a bill for hope. “This may be a small bill, but it is extremely important to the people of West Virginia,” said Republican Sen. Mike Stuart of Kanawha County. “Some people will recover because we gave them another chance. Every parent simply wants one more opportunity to make a difference for their children.”
The act, as well as another bill establishing the Troops to Teachers Program, passed unanimously. The legislation aims to make it easier for former military personnel to return to the classroom and teach.
“Among this veteran population in West Virginia, there’s a tremendous wealth of talent,” said Berkeley County Republican Sen. Tom Willis. “This bill opens up that talent to help meet the shortage of qualified teachers in our public schools with the type of person who has proven character and skills that we want standing in front of our children.”
All but one senator supported a bill aimed at improving West Virginia’s miles of short-line railroad.
Republican Senator Robbie Morris said this will benefit mining, manufacturing, and other industries.
“We have tourist railroads that provide a great benefit to our economy,” said Randolph County representative Morris. “This would also apply to the tourist railroads. This is an excellent economic development bill. “I urge passage.”
The legislative session concludes exactly two weeks from Saturday. The session will end at midnight on April 12.
