New House clerk Harrison is familiar face in legislature

Changing leadership in the House of Delegates also brought a change in the House clerk, though the new addition is a familiar face around the legislature.

Former Delegate and Senator Steve Harrison left his job in the private sector to take the position under the new Republican leadership team.

“Leaving Poca Valley Bank after 18 years, I leave a lot of good relationships,” said Harrison. “But this is just an exciting time and an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up to work for Speaker (Tim) Armstead.”

Harrison represented Kanawha County in the legislature for 14 years, making him familiar with lawmaking process. But he admits there are things to learn, and for that he relies on the long-tenured legislative staff.

“We have a very experienced staff and I’m excited about working with them,” he said. “I was around here 14 years—10 on this side and four on the other—so I’m familiar with the process. But I may need help on some of the details.”

The clerk is responsible for reading bills in the House during floor sessions. The duties also include overseeing the printing of the journal and processing all bills as they move through the House.