Session Agendas Taking Shape

The West Virginia Legislature begins the 2010 regular session next week. Among the potential issues that may arise during the 60 days:

• A plan for addressing "the staggering liability of post-employment health care for West Virginia’s retired public workers," The Register-Herald of Beckley reports.

• A proposal from Gov. Joe Manchin "to consolidate and centralize the state's vehicle fleet," The Charleston Gazette reports.

• The Gazette also has an item on possible legislation "that would ban insurance companies from using gender as a factor in determining rates."

• Public Broadcasting reports on a proposed measure "regulating the amount of total dissolved solids in the state’s waters," in the wake of a September fish kill that "wiped out the aquatic life in Dunkard Creek, a stream that meanders between West Virginia and Pennsylvania." With audio.

• The Gazette highlights the legislative wish list of the state Chamber of Commerce.