Short Takes from the Session: Day 17

REPTILES & FOSSILS (Insert punchline here): The roster of bills afoot this session include measures to name an official reptile and fossil for West Virginia. The Associated Press' Tom Breen has the story, which delves into the history of declaring state symbols. The Register-Herald of Beckley focuses on the reptile bill.

DISABILITIES: More than 100 West Virginians rallied at the Capitol this week. "Their message for lawmakers: eliminate the long waiting lists to get help from state programs, and help people with disabilities stay in their own homes," Public Broadcasting reports. Those at the rally also honored advocate Ken Ervin, who died last year. The Charleston Gazette also has a story.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION: Some lawmakers continue to push for some sort of oversight as the insurance system becomes fully privatized, The Times-West Virginian of Fairmont reports.

PRISONS: As the Legislature debates ways to tackle rising corrections costs, Senate Finance Chairman Walt Helmick tells MetroNews "the state needs to consider building one or two new state prisons." With audio.