Saturday, March 9 marks the 60th and final day of the 2024 West Virginia Legislative regular session. Once the gavel falls at midnight, lawmakers will no longer be able to consider bills introduced during the past 60 days.
The only exception is the budget bill. The state constitution mandates that if the budget isn’t passed within three days of the end of session, the governor will issue a proclamation saying the legislature can come back together on Sunday to work out the final details. Gov. Jim Justice issued that proclamation on Thursday.
One monkey wrench this year affecting the progression of the budget bill, however, is a $465 million claw back in COVID-19 relief money — a demand by the U.S. Department of Education.
Justice has said his administration is in negotiations to address the situation, but without knowing what will happen, it is difficult to pass a state budget. Many lawmakers have expressed interest in returning in May to finalize the budget — allowing time to deal with the potential claw back.
Under the state constitution, the budget must be passed by June 30.
This year, there were 2,575 bills introduced. Only 253 have so far completed legislation. Aside from the budget, there are several key bills still up for discussion in both chambers. West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s award-winning news team is following the action throughout the evening.
Check back to our live blog for the latest updates from the West Virginia Legislature.
UPDATE 11:50 P.M. 12/24/2024
MASON COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ)-Two people are facing charges in connection with a death investigation in Mason County.
Investigators found the remains of a man Tuesday who had been reported missing. The remains were found along Broad Run Road in Letart.
Authorities arrested Brandon Harbaugh and Jodi Gerlach a short time later.
Harbaugh and Gerlach are charged with concealment of a deceased human body and conspiracy, according to Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Seth Gaskins.
Investigators identified the victim as Michael S. Phalen, 65, of New Haven, West Virginia. Investigators say Phalen was reported missing Dec. 12.
Harbaugh and Gerlach were arraigned Tuesday night in Mason County are in the Western Regional Jail on a $75,000 cash or surety bond.
UPDATE 7 P.M. 12/24/2024
MASON COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -A death investigation is underway after human remains were found in Mason County, according to Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Seth Gaskins.
Investigators found the remains of a missing adult male along Broad Run Road in Letart on Tuesday afternoon.
The Mason County Prosecuting Attorney identified the victim as Michael S. Phalen, 65, of New Haven, West Virginia.
Gaskins said that two individuals have been arrested in connection with the investigation. Both are charged with concealment of a deceased human body and conspiracy, although their identities have not been announced.
Copyright 2024 WSAZ. All rights reserved.
Accoring to Mike Casazza of 247 Sports, West Virginia University head coach Rich Rodriguez will retain assistant coach Chad Scott as part of his staff.
Scott spent the last six seasons under former head coach Neal Brown as the running backs coach and served as the offensive coordinator the last two seasons. He was also named the interim head coach for the Frisco Bowl.
The Mountaineer rushing attack ranked ninth among Power Four schools in rushing yards per game at 192.7 this past season and WVU was one of two FBS teams that has three players who have rushed for 630 yards or more.
Scott will be entering his19th season as an assistant coach. He began his career at Troy before taking jobs at Texas Tech (2010-12), Kentucky (2013-15), North Carolina (2016-18), Louisville (2019), and landed in West Virginia with Neal Brown in 2019.
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Sinks Grove, WV (WOAY)- In Sinks Grove, there is a small farm where there are some very happy animals. This farm also recently won the West Virginia Hive’s 2024 Pitch Southern West Virginia competition.
Waymaker’s Meadows Farm strives to provide healthy and local meat and produce to local markets.
Mike Teaney spoke with the farmers to share the good news.
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