Topics Piling Up For 2009 Session

The final monthly legislative interim meetings that precede the 60-day regular session are usually marked by a raft of draft bills endorsed by the study committees.

One would change West Virginia's "certificate of need process, by which the state regulates health care operations ranging from surgical procedures to capital expenditure," The Associated Press reports. "The draft would make it easier for state hospitals to open operations in neighboring states and exempt some smaller clinics from the process if they meet certain criteria."

AP also reports on a draft bill that would hike insurance premium surcharges paid by most West Virginians a fraction of a percent, "to help fund a pension-type benefit for volunteer firefighters." The Register-Herald has an item as well.

The Beckley paper separately notes the stalled status of a bill sought by landowners approached by oil and gas companies for what lies beneath. "One major provision would not only mandate a 15-day notice to a landowner but also require a 30-day waiting period before any land is disturbed for a drilling operation," that article said. "Drillers who own the mineral rights would be required to explain in full detail the scope of their planned operations and post a $5,000 bond per well to cover the costs of damages."

MetroNews reports on a measure that would "require fast food companies to display the calorie intake for food items on their menus." The item also has audio of Sen. Dan Foster, D-Kanawha and a physician, explaining the proposed bill.

The Journal of Martinsburg reports on a recent Chamber of Commerce luncheon for Eastern Panhandle lawmakers. "Most of it focused on legislators' concerns about the state's increasingly ailing economy and what can be done to help get it back on track," the newspaper reports.

And the Charleston Daily Mail sets the stage for Gov. Joe Manchin's fifth State of the State address, slated for Wednesday after the 79th Legislature gavels in for its regular session.