CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, unveiled leadership assignments and a revamped committee structure for the upcoming 87th Legislature, which convenes Wednesday, Jan. 8. Hanshaw, first elected in 2014, is anticipated to secure his fifth term as Speaker.
“Each of the ladies and gentlemen who will come to this building to take the oath of office will do so with the confidence of the 1.8 million West Virginians who are counting on us to chart a course of leadership and progress that will improve their daily lives,” Hanshaw said.
“A new Legislature is an opportunity to adjust the foundation we have here to facilitate the work of the House, and we believe the lineup we’ve assembled will bring about new discussions, new approaches and new solutions.”
Leadership Assignments
Delegate Marty Gearheart, R-Mercer, will return as Majority Whip, while Delegate Matt Rohrbach, R-Cabell, will serve as Speaker Pro Tempore and continue as Deputy Speaker, a role Delegate David Kelly, R-Tyler, will also take on.
Delegate Pat McGeehan, R-Hancock, will assume the position of House Majority Leader, supported by Assistant Majority Leaders Delegates Tom Clark, R-Webster; David Green, R-McDowell; Keith Marple, R-Harrison; Dave McCormick, R-Monongalia; Erica Moore, R-Roane; Mickey Petitto, R-Harrison; and Elliott Pritt, R-Fayette.
Assistant Majority Whips include Delegates Jim Butler, R-Mason; Jordan Bridges, R-Logan; Eric Brooks, R-Raleigh; Dave Foggin, R-Wood; Sarah Drennan, R-Putnam; and Bill Ridenour, R-Jefferson.
Delegate Mike Hornby, R-Berkeley, will serve as Conference Chairman, with Delegates John Paul Hott, R-Grant, and Doug Smith, R-Mercer, as Conference Vice Chairmen.
New Committee Structure
Hanshaw announced a significant overhaul to the House’s committee process, reducing the number of standing committees to six: Health and Human Resources, Energy and Public Works, Finance, Government Organization, Education, and Judiciary.
Each will have subcommittees for more detailed legislative work.
“For far too long, the success rate of a legislative session has been measured by the number of bills passed, and that’s just not the appropriate assessment for what should be a focus on problem-solving,” Hanshaw said.
Bills will follow a structured three-day process within committees: introduction with agency reviews and public comments on the first day, markups on the second, and votes on the third. Hanshaw emphasized the goal of fostering a solution-oriented approach.
“Not every problem is solved by enacting a new law, and we think regular discussions with Executive Branch agencies will give all of us a better understanding of the challenges, successes and resources out there in every corner of our state,” he said.
Committee Leadership Highlights
The Standing Committee on Finance will be chaired by Vernon Criss, R-Wood, with Clay Riley, R-Harrison, as Vice Chair. Subcommittees will address revenue, banking and insurance, investments, and appropriations.
The Judiciary Committee will be led by Chairman Brandon Steele, R-Raleigh, with JB Akers, R-Kanawha, as Vice Chair. Subcommittees will focus on courts, homeland security, and legal services.
Other committee leaders include:
- Health and Human Resources: Chairman Evan Worrell, R-Cabell, and Vice Chair Michael Hite, R-Berkeley.
- Government Organization: Chairman Chris Phillips, R-Barbour, and Vice Chair Doug Smith, R-Mercer.
- Education: Chairman Joe Ellington, R-Mercer, and Vice Chair Joe Statler, R-Monongalia.
- Energy and Public Works: Chairman Bill Anderson, R-Wood, and Vice Chair Mark Zatezalo, R-Hancock.
Hanshaw acknowledged the adjustments this new structure will require but expressed optimism.
“We know this will be a big adjustment for a lot of us, especially our staff and the public, but we are optimistic about this approach, which we think will be easier to follow and will lead to a more solution-oriented approach to lawmaking,” he said.
