Session Roundup

• The Senate has passed its version of Gov. Joe Manchin's proposal that aims to ensure 180 days of instruction each school year, The Associated Press reports. The Register-Herald of Beckley and The Charleston Gazette also have items.

• AP also reports on a pending Senate measure "aimed at creating new legislative oversight of mental health care and at increasing the reimbursement rates for a variety of behavioral health services."

• The Gazette discounts prospects for a tobacco tax hike this year, after finding that "the Senate and House of Delegates finance chairmen said Wednesday they don't plan to act" on that legislation.

• The Charleston Daily Mail reports that House leadership "still wants to freeze a pending insurance premium increase for public workers despite the governor's latest budget concern." The paper had suggested the measure's demise earlier.

• Lawmakers seeking an amended budget bill from Manchin may have to wait until next week, AP reports. "Manchin has delayed releasing an amended proposed budget, while he works with the Legislature's top leaders to select the nearly $200 million in needed cuts," the article said.