Public Comments

I am requesting that SB 927 be passed. The WVDA should be the regulating authority on beekeeping in our state.  They do a fantastic job and it eliminates undue, oppressive regulations from local communities that seek to limit beekeeping. Pollinators are essential to us all and beekeeping should not be made potentially more restrictive. Thank you!

I support West Virginia Senate Bill 963, which aims to strengthen due process protections in domestic violence protective order cases, especially regarding firearm possession. As someone who has personally experienced the flaws in the current system, I had a domestic protection order filed against me simply because my ex girlfriend worked at Walmart, and my routine shopping there was twisted into an accusation of harassment. This highlights how vague and easily abused these orders can be, often granted by family court magistrates as a precautionary measure to avoid liability if they deny one and something tragic occurs, public outrage could force them to resign. While I support this bill for attempting to add safeguards like requiring evidence and hearings before seizing firearms, I worry it may not fully address the root issues, as courts could still err on the side of caution and strip people of their guns without sufficient justification.

That said, I believe lawmakers should consider further improvements in future legislation to make the system fairer. One key change could be eliminating the requirement to confiscate ammunition alongside firearms ammunition is bulky and heavy, creating unnecessary burdens for law enforcement, and without the guns themselves, it's essentially useless for causing harm. People should be allowed to keep their ammunition in these situations, as it poses no real threat on its own. It's also worth noting that many women strategically file for domestic protection orders against men right before hunting season, using them as a form of punishment to prevent hunting, even when the men have done nothing wrong. This tactic ruins lives and demonstrates how the system can be weaponized for personal vendettas rather than genuine safety concerns.

Ultimately, just because someone has a domestic protection order against them doesn't automatically mean they are violent or dangerous some individuals certainly should lose access to firearms for valid reasons, but others should not, particularly when the petitioners themselves, or their friends and family, have made actual threats against the respondent. In those cases, disarming the person who is genuinely fearful for their safety turns the order into a one way street that endangers the wrong party. Domestic protection orders should function as a two way mechanism to protect everyone involved, but right now, the entire section of code governing them is in dire need of a complete overhaul. The family court system in West Virginia is fundamentally broken, and I urge lawmakers to prioritize fixing it in the years ahead to ensure justice, fairness, and true protection for all residents. Thank you for considering my perspective as a West Virginia resident who has seen these issues firsthand.

1. Veterans deserve all thats owed to them

Help out our Veterans 4

• The legislature needs to prioritize childcare and take meaningful action this legislative session.
• Childcare employees working 20+ hours per week deserve a child care subsidy, regardless of household income.
• Child care subsidy payments to licensed facilities should be based on enrollment rather than daily attendance

I support policies that promote responsible energy development in West Virginia. As the state considers legislation affecting its energy resources, policymakers should also recognize the growing role of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence data centers, and blockchain infrastructure as major drivers of electricity demand and economic development.

Dear Senator/Delegate, I am a constituent from Cabell County and I am writing to urge you to oppose HB4964. This bill would shift major responsibilities for West Virginia’s child welfare system to a private entity through a community-based care model. While reform may be needed, moving core functions of foster care and case management away from direct state oversight raises serious concerns about accountability, transparency, and the well-being of children in care. West Virginia’s child welfare system is already under strain from high caseloads and staffing shortages. Large structural changes like those proposed in HB4964 could introduce instability at a time when vulnerable children and families need consistent support and oversight. I respectfully ask that you prioritize strengthening the existing public child welfare workforce and improving resources for families rather than implementing a system that could reduce accountability in the care of children. As your constituent, I strongly encourage you to vote NO on HB4964. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely, Katrina Melson/LSW

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I write in support of Senate Bill 929. In recent years, several West Virginia counties have experienced serious financial distress, often driven by structural imbalances that were allowed to persist too long without corrective action.

This bill strengthens accountability by allowing earlier intervention when basic financial reporting requirements are not met. Timely and accurate financial statements are a fundamental indicator of fiscal health. When a county cannot produce them, it is often a warning sign that deeper financial problems exist.

Unfortunately, another factor contributing to financial instability in some counties is the reluctance to make difficult decisions. Board members are elected officials and sometimes face pressure to prioritize politics or public perception over the long-term financial health of the school system. When necessary actions are delayed for political reasons, small problems can grow into crises.

SB 929 helps ensure that financial issues are addressed sooner, before they threaten the stability of a county school system. Strengthening oversight and accountability ultimately protects students, employees, and taxpayers.

1. Please support the bill without amendments.

I oppose. I am living proof that 15 years behind bars for murder is enough. Please take into consideration that a lot of people are convicted of crimes that occurred while they were intoxicated/ under the influence of drugs. I know I was. I had never committed an act of violence against anyone until that night. I received therapy while at Lakin and it made me see why I turn to drugs when under stressful situations. I served 16 years and since I've been released I haven't had a single parole violation.

The president is right. the democrats are crazy and getting worse.they forgot the  meaning of right and wrong  .they hate trump..I wouldn't turn my back on any of them.

I am in full support of SB927!

Please move bill SB 927 ahead without any changes.

As a medical cannabis card holder for West Virginia I publicly support this bill. I would like options because I can not use many of the products available to WV patients due to having asthma and there are very limited products available in my county. Please pass this for patients who need better options other than the flower or vapes, thank you.

I strongly support protecting bees and the beekeepers who care for them. Bees are essential to our food supply, local farms, and healthy ecosystems. Science-based, consistent protections are critical to keeping pollinators strong and agriculture thriving.

Protecting bees means protecting our food, our farmers, and our future.