Release from the House of Delegates:
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, will preside over the 85th Legislature when members of the House of Delegates return for the 60-day regular legislative session at noon Wednesday, Feb. 10.
The House of Delegates met Jan. 13 for Opening Day of the 1st Session of the 85th Legislature for organizational purposes and the election of officers. House Resolution 5, which was adopted Jan. 13 requires all members of the House of Delegates and staff present on the House floor during any floor session to wear a face covering unless that member is actively eating or drinking or recognized by the presiding officer for the purpose of speaking to legislative matters.
Of the 100 House members, 76 are Republicans and 36 are new members. Delegate Gary Howell, R-Mineral, will serve as Speaker Pro Tempore. Delegate Amy Summers, R-Taylor, will serve as Majority Leader and Delegate Kayla Kessinger, R-Fayette, will serve as Assistant Majority Leader. Delegate Paul Espinosa, R-Jefferson will serve as Majority Whip. Delegate Doug Skaff, D-Kanawha, will serve as Minority Leader and Delegate Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, will serve as Minority Whip.
“In this unprecedented time, our responsibility as elected officials has become even more crucial to West Virginia’s success,” Hanshaw said. “We will be working as quickly, as efficiently and as safely as possible this year to do everything we can to make West Virginia the easiest choice for families and for businesses.”
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has requested members of the West Virginia Legislature, the Board of Public Works and West Virginia Supreme Court Justices join him in the House of Delegate Chamber for his fifth State of the State address at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10.
Justice’s March 2020 Executive Order prohibiting any visitors to the Capitol unless they have an appointment remains in place as does the indoor face covering requirement. No tickets to the event are being made available this year.
The address will be broadcast live on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.