CHARLESTON, W.Va. — It’s the last week of the 2013 Regular Legislative Session, and for measures tied to seat belts, prisons and casinos, there is much to be done.
“We do have a lot of work to do,” said state House of Delegates Majority Leader Brent Boggs.
Boggs said he will be meeting with other members to determine a plan of attack for the rest of the week leading up to the end of the session.
A number of key bills are still floating around the State Capitol, including Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s prison reform bill that is meant to address overcrowding in West Virginia
That bill has been awaiting action from the House Judiciary Committee since it passed the state Senate last month. Boggs said progress is being made.
“I do know the Speaker has been actively meeting with the Chair of Judiciary as well as the Minority Leader in discussions about the criminal justice bill, the governor’s bill, and I think things are certainly moving forward,” said Boggs.
Several other pieces of legislation still remain unsigned by the governor, including legislation that would elevate not wearing a seat belt to it a primary offense. There’s also legislation that would allow a new casino to be built in Pendleton County
“We are listening to all opportunities,” said Boggs. “Delegate (Tim) Armstead and I talk on a regular basis looking for common ground and trying to find — and many times do find — consensus on issues.”
Despite a series of measures to cram in before the looming deadline, Boggs said he is pleased with what has been done up this point.
“I think it’s been a session of opportunities that we have, quite frankly, seized,” he said, referencing the education reform bill as a prime example. “We passed a very meaningful bill.”
The legislative session will conclude Saturday night.
