Session Roundup

The House and Senate have until Wednesday to exchange nearly all of the bills that they'll consider during what remains of the 60-day session.

The Associated Press is among those reporting on the Senate's passage of the measure meant to set the rules (and revenues) for any eventual casino at The Greenbrier. AP notes that the bill also "would allow the distribution of free-play coupons to gamblers at the state's racetracks. The Register-Herald of Beckley and MetroNews also have reports.

AP also highlights a bill that targets cyberbullying, but which would also criminalize "statements published online about someone 'which are false and designed to entice or encourage other people to ridicule or perpetuate the untruth about that person.'" Critics question the effect on online speech, particularly "anonymous political dissent."

The Intelligencer notes progress for a separate but related bill that "would exempt the state's four racetracks from existing state law prohibiting the sale of beer, wine or alcohol between the hours of 3 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sundays."

The Wheeling newspaper also updates on proposals sponsored by the local delegations, such as one to "create a special, free hunting and fishing license for people with a life-threatening condition who are under 21," and another to "extend the 'drug free zone' policy on school properties to designated school bus stops."

The Herald-Dispatch of Huntington focuses on a locally spawned measure, which "protects park districts from lawsuits filed by people who are injured by acting carelessly on park property." The article said the bill "stems from state lawmakers' discussions with Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District officials about the district's financial struggles. One out of every five tax dollars that the park district receives goes to pay insurance premiums."

The Charleston Daily Mail reports on a pending House bill that "would give the Ethics Commission power to petition circuit courts to remove local officials from office if they're deemed guilty of violating ethics laws."

Public Broadcasting offers a roundup of several measures slated for votes before Wednesday's deadline, including one to permit state employee furloughs and to delay mining discharge limits. With audio.

The Register-Herald compares dueling House and Senate bills that each address the (for now) public records reflecting concealed weapon permit holders.

AP and others had reported earlier on the Senate vote rejecting the "calorie count" bill. But The Charleston Gazette reports that "one of the key supporters of the bill said Monday evening he hopes the Senate will reconsider its action this morning and vote to pass the bill."