2006 WV Legislative Session

The 2006 West Virginia Legislative session began on January 11, 2006. For more information on what is happening at the Capitol check out the Legislature's website. Over the last couple of years they have added a number of new features which allow the general public the ability to stay informed about what is happening on the floor at the Capitol.

You can get the Daily Summaries with links to the bill history and further links directly to the draft and final bills. Its a great way for all West Virginians to stay up to date with the actions being taken (or not being taken by their legislators). You can also read the Senate and House Daily Journal which provides more details of what happened on the floor of each house.

For those unfamiliar with the bill process -- one of the most important keys in understanding what bill you are currently looking at when you go to the actual bill text is whether it is the introduced bill, the engrossed bill, the enrolled bill, a bill originating in committee or a committee substitute bill. Below is a key that is useful when looking at the bills.

intr = The bill is officially started in the Legislative Process.
eng = The bill after it has been read a second time in its house of origin.
enr = The final version of the bill.
org = The bill originated in a committee
sub = An amended version of the bill recommended by a committee.

For some basic information about how a bill becomes a law in West Virginia check out "How a Bill Becomes a Law". Something new that I hadn't noticed in the past is that the Legislature Capitol Photo Gallery. The panoramic photo of the new Capitol dome above is a link from the new gallery.

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