Legislature 2008: Day 44

ATTORNEY GENERAL: The Charleston Daily Mail reports on legislation "that would put the brakes on any agencies or elected officials other than the Legislature spending state money," noting that "the bill comes amid a growing feud between some lawmakers and Attorney General Darrell McGraw."

CAPTIVE AUDIENCE: The House Chamber hosted a public hearing Wednesday on the "captive audience" bill, described by The Register-Herald of Beckley as "one that blocks employers from holding mandatory worker meetings to discuss politics and religion." MetroNews also covered the hearing.

GAS DRILLING: The Associated Press reports that "Property owners who allow natural gas operators on their land are hoping lawmakers pass a 'Bill of Rights' for them this session," but that "Industry officials are questioning the need for the bill."

LIQUOR TAX: The Charleston Gazette touches on one measure that would add a nickel to the cost of booze, with the resulting revenue creating the "West Virginia Addictions Treatment and Recovery Fund."

MINING: Public Broadcasting is declaring the demise one of Gov. Joe Manchin's agenda items, following action by a Senate committee.

PETS: Eastern Panhandle lawmakers have raised concerns about animal hoarding in West Virginia. The Journal of Martinsburg reports on their proposals to "require anyone with more than 20 dogs or cats to obtain a kennel license," and to "give county commissions the ability to enact ordinances to limit the number of animals a person can have."

STREAMS: The Senate Finance Committee has settled on 108 streams for the oft- and hotly debated proposed list of waterways to be afforded "Tier 2.5" protections. The Gazette has details.