LEGISLATIVE SESSION WRAPS WV Legislative Session Ended Saturday Night
Reported by: Dave Benton
Web Producer: Dave Benton
Reported: Mar. 11, 2012 12:09 AM EST
Updated: Mar. 11, 2012 12:19 AM EST
Eyewitness News Photo
Charleston
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
The West Virginia Legislature wrapped up Saturday night at midnight. The state will now tighten limits on cold remedy purchases in the battle against methamphetamine labs. Pseudoephedrine can be used to make meth. Legislation passed that would prevent individuals from buying more than 48 grams of the drug in one year.
The Senate unanimously approved the final version after the House of Delegates passed it 80-8. The law also endorses a multistate tracking system for the sales. The law will cap purchases at 3.6 grams per day and 7.2 grams per month.
Another bill that passed will make texting while driving illegal. Starting July 1, 2012, a police officer can pull anyone over for texting while driving. July 1, 2013, police can ticket a driver who is talking on the phone.
A bill that would slow the growth of West Virginia's prison population died in the House. House Minority Leader Tim Armstead says he wants a comprehensive study of the State's criminal Justice and Corrections system. He also has concerns with a provision that would mandate a minimum of six months parole for all offenders.
W.Va. man charged with threatening high school May 23, 2013 5:28 PM EDT Boone County police have arrested a Raleigh County man who allegedly invoked the mass shooting in Connecticut in a threatening message against a high school.
Tea party vs. old guard in Senate GOP rift May 23, 2013 5:51 PM EDT A long-simmering feud between establishment Republicans and tea partyers is in full view again with Sen. John McCain accusing younger colleagues of using tactics that might tempt Democrats to change Senate rules that now protect the minority party.
Medical marijuana issue clears Ohio ballot board May 23, 2013 6:56 PM EDT A proposed constitutional amendment legalizing medical marijuana and certain uses of hemp has cleared Ohio's ballot board.
Dave Benton
