Members Only
West Virginia Insurance Federation
c/o Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP
Jill C. Bentz
P.O. Box 11887
Charleston, WV 25301
304.357.9929
jill.bentz@dinslaw.com
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News Room Many bills in play as deadline approaches March 12, 2010 As the Legislature hits the final two days of the regular session, a number of bills still could become law before turning into proverbial pumpkins by the stroke of midnight Saturday. Lawmakers approve insurance liens for W.Va. cities March 11, 2010 Lawmakers have signed off on allowing West Virginia's cities and towns to tap insurance proceeds when clearing away buildings destroyed by fire. Senate Committee Scraps Intermediate Court Bill March 2, 2010 Legislation that supporters said would improve the state's business climate by guaranteeing an automatic right of appeal died Tuesday. The Senate Finance Committee on a voice vote rejected a bill that would have established an intermediate court of appeals in West Virginia. Manchin tours dilapidated structures March 1, 2010 As Gov. Joe Manchin toured several dilapidated structures in Huntington on Monday morning, he said there is plenty of evidence supporting two bills he wants legislators to pass. March 1, 2010 Huntington's Mayor tells MetroNews cleaning up rundown properties does more than just make a neighborhood look better. March 1, 2010 A bill creating another court system in West Virginia likely won't pass this session, but that's okay with one of the sponsors. Judicial changes proposed at Legislature February 24, 2010 From revamping Supreme Court elections to raising the bar for county magistrates, West Virginia lawmakers are advancing a number of proposals this session to change the state's judicial branch. Thompson still sees work to do February 24, 2010 House Speaker Rick Thompson is still hoping to create a state business court and help lower the high school dropout rate. He also wants eventually to find a fix for the massive retiree health care costs the state faces. Insurance fraud unit ups convictions, indictments February 10, 2010 Investigations by the state Offices of the Insurance Commissioner's Fraud Unit resulted in the indictment of 79 individuals last year on 310 felony counts and 55 convictions, Insurance Commissioner Jane Cline said. February 10, 2010 A bill banning texting while driving in West Virginia cleared its first legislative hurdle Tuesday, but not before going through some major modifications. War of words shows rift over W.Va. appeals February 7, 2010 Last week's back-and-forth between West Virginia's Supreme Court and its Chamber of Commerce has laid bare the prevailing criticism of the Mountain State's judicial system. Proposed appeals court doesn't impress justice February 2, 2010 West Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Robin Davis says she considers the idea of creating a new appeals court in West Virginia a waste of both time and money. Unopposed seats abound in state legislative races February 2, 2010 West Virginia's general election is nine months away, but the outcome has already been largely decided for more than a third of the legislative seats up this year. Chief Justice Davis: No Intermediate Court Needed February 1, 2010 The chief justice of the state Supreme Court says there's no need for an intermediate appeals court in West Virginia, but she admits the current High Court rules are outdated and need revamped. Chamber wrong about court appeals, chief justice says February 1, 2010 In a rare appearance before a joint meeting of the House and Senate Judiciary committees, West Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Robin Davis took the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce to task Monday. Commentary: Steve Roberts | West Virginians deserve right of appeal February 1, 2010 During his recent State-of-the-State address, Gov. Joe Manchin called for establishment of a right of appeal in West Virginia. West Virginia is the only state that does not provide a right of appeal from a final judgment in a lower court in either civil or criminal cases. This significantly tarnishes the state's reputation in terms of its legal and judicial climate. Letter to the Editor | W.Va. Deserves Right of Appeal January 31, 2010 During his recent State of the State Address, Gov. Joe Manchin called for establishment of a right of appeal in West Virginia. West Virginia is the only state that does not provide a right of appeal from a final judgment in a lower court in either civil or criminal cases. This significantly tarnishes the state's reputation in terms of its legal and judicial climate. Letter to the Editor | Establish right of appeal in the Mountain State January 30, 2010 During his recent State-of-the-State Address, Gov. Joe Manchin called for establishment of a right of appeal in West Virginia. West Virginia is the only state that does not provide a right of appeal from a final judgment in a lower court in either civil or criminal cases. This significantly tarnishes the state's reputation in terms of its legal and judicial climate. State employee raises possible for 2011 January 25, 2010 If the state can afford them, Gov. Joe Manchin has plans to give state employees pay raises for four straight years starting in 2011. January 24, 2010 State politics are going to change, and it's a trend that will be favorable for the Eastern Panhandle as it unfolds. Legislators: Political power shift to Eastern Panhandle now under way January 24, 2010 Sen. Herb Snyder is convinced that the state's political landscape is changing, a power shift that's already causing concern in some southern counties which have historically dominated West Virginia's legislative agenda. W.Va. Delegate Randy Swartzmiller to Seek Sixth Legislative Term January 22, 2010 West Virginia Delegate Randy Swartzmiller, D-Hancock, announced Thursday evening that he would seek a sixth term in 2010. Longtime State Senator Will Not Seek Reelection January 21, 2010 Hancock County State Senator says he will not seek reelection this year. "This is a decision that's been very difficult," Senator Ed Bowman said on Thursday's MetroNews Talkline. Senate Democrats to focus on OPEB, financial issues this session January 18, 2010 The Senate’s been in session for four days, but it’s too early for the floor sessions to have really heated up. On Monday, Senate Majority Leader Truman Chafin (D-Mingo) spoke about what’s on the Democrats’ agenda this year. January 18, 2010 State lawmakers are waiting to hear more information from the state Supreme Court after Governor Joe Manchin mentioned some possible new High Court rules during his State of the State Address last week. Interest Rates Upon Judgments or Decrees January 15, 2010 Appeals of West Virginia has set the interest rate at 7.00 percent for judgments and decrees entered during the 2010 calendar year. Manchin unveils array of legislation January 13, 2010 Gov. Joe Manchin said he has plans to combat the effects of the economic recession during his sixth State of the State address in Charleston on Wednesday night. State chamber recommends lower taxes, judicial system reforms January 6, 2010 The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce unveiled its recommendations for the upcoming legislative session Tuesday, calling on lawmakers to cut business taxes and reform the state's judicial system. January 4, 2010 House Speaker Rick Thompson says West Virginia is in for some lean years. Unger declares Senate re-election bid January 4, 2010 Even after serving his third four-year term, Sen. John Unger has projects he wants to complete, which is one of the reasons he has decided to seek re-election. W.Va. lawmaker Miley named new Judiciary chair December 8, 2009 House Judiciary Vice Chairman Tim Miley will now take over the committee in the West Virginia Legislature. Manchin selects new chief of staff December 8, 2009 Gov. Joe Manchin has chosen from within his cabinet for his new chief of staff. Justices reverse insurance antitrust verdict December 3, 2009 West Virginia's Supreme Court of Appeals reversed a $4,233,627 antitrust verdict against Erie Insurance, finding that Mercer County Circuit Judge William Sadler incorrectly identified Erie subsidiaries as separate corporations. Editorial: City, counties in need of greater financial flexibility December 2, 2009 A work group appointed by West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin is looking for ways to modernize the state's tax system, and it is likely to turn attention to matters that could affect local governments. Manchin chief of staff Puccio steps down December 1, 2009 Gov. Joe Manchin's longtime friend, confidant, and long-serving chief of staff announced Tuesday he is stepping down at the end of the month. Workers' comp changes debated at public hearing November 17, 2009 More and more injured workers fail to get needed medical treatment under new state rules created after a 2005 law privatized the state's workers' compensation system, lawmakers were told Tuesday evening. Report urges new court of appeals November 16, 2009 West Virginia should create a new appeals court to unburden the state Supreme Court, a judicial reform panel appointed by Gov. Joe Manchin recommends. Lawyers for W.Va. workers' comp claimants to be discussed November 14, 2009 Some state lawmakers are questioning why injured workers can't hire lawyers to represent them when BrickStreet and other insurance companies deny them the right to receive medical care. City pension funds to get look in Legislature November 12, 2009 Legislation to help bail out 47 critically underfunded municipal police and firefighter pension plans is likely to top the agenda for a special session of the Legislature next week, officials said Thursday. Gasoline tax may go to lawmakers in special session November 10, 2009 Legislative leaders expect to adjust the built-in escalator in the gasoline tax in West Virginia so it is stabilized when they return next week for a special session originally focused on troubled municipal police and fire pensions. West Virginia may again look at cell phone ban November 4, 2009 The state Division of Motor Vehicles supports both an outright ban on texting and restrictions on talking, according to Deputy Commissioner Steve Dale. October 25, 2009 While working to promote a balanced and fair interpretation of the law, members of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals also are hoping to boost public confidence in the high court. October 5, 2009 Following three public hearings and hours of testimony, Governor Joe Manchin's Independent Commission on Judicial Reform will now get to work. "I don't think it will be easy," Commission Chairman Carte Goodwin told MetroNews. "Just the sheer volume of information we've gathered in the past several weeks is immense and that's going to take a lot of work in itself." BrickStreet makes final payment September 30, 2009 BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Co. announced it has made a $43.5 million final payment to the state Offices of the Insurance Commissioner to settle debts incurred during the transition from a state-operated insurance plan to a private workers' compensation insurance company. Official sees battles over state judges September 14, 2009 The head of the West Virginia judges' association is worried that "significant forces" are trying to change the way judges do their job. Work continues on bailout for police, fire pensions September 14, 2009 State lawmakers and Manchin administration officials are making progress on a plan to help bail out near-bankrupt city police and firefighter pension plans around the state, but a spokesman for Gov. Joe Manchin said Monday a special session is unlikely this week. No W.Va. lawmaker consensus for aiding city pensions September 14, 2009 West Virginia cities and towns seeking help with their police and fire pension funds may not yet have enough votes in the Legislature to pass a relief proposal, lawmakers said Monday. Manchin: Push pension bill back September 14, 2009 October is off limits for calling a special session on the troubled municipal police and fire pensions in West Virginia cities, Gov. Joe Manchin insisted Monday. Wheeling Joins Home Rule Battle August 7, 2009 Officials in Wheeling, Charleston and Bridgeport, W.Va., want to protect their state-granted home rule powers, so they are seeking to join Huntington's lawsuit against the West Virginia Insurance Federation. Insurance Federation, City Agree to Ordinance Injunction August 7, 2009 The City of Huntington agreed to an injunction on a new ordinance aimed at recouping losses on dilapidated property. W.Va. employers' workers' comp costs to drop August 6, 2009 Some West Virginia employers will pay less for workers' compensation coverage in November. Circuit Court Grants WVIF's Motion for Injunctive Relief July 30, 2009 The Circuit Court of Cabell County granted the West Virginia Insurance Federation's Motion for Injunctive Relief on Thursday, July 30. The Court's Order, which was agreed to by the parties, enjoins enforcement of the City of Huntington's Ordinance. The Ordinance would have forced insurance companies to withhold $2,000 of every $15,000 of insurance proceeds payable to a policyholder following a total fire loss within the City. The captured payment would have been held in escrow by the City and not released until all debris from a fire loss had been cleared from the property. Preliminary injunction agreed to in insurance case July 30, 2009 The city of Huntington has agreed to a preliminary injunction, which stops enforcement of an ordinance aimed at ridding the city of burned-out structures. Insurance group challenges WVa home rule pilot July 21, 2009 An insurance group is challenging West Virginia's experiment giving four cities greater freedom from state control. July 20, 2009 A pilot program designed to give cities more autonomy is being challenged in court, and the ramifications of the case could affect the second largest city in Harrison County.\ Fire destroys 2 Ridgewood homes July 14, 2009 Fire destroyed two homes along Ridgewood Road early Tuesday morning in the hills above Ritter Park. Insurance Companies and Huntington At Odds July 03, 2009 The West Virginia Insurance Federation wants a judge to strike down a new city ordinance in Huntington. July 03, 2009 The West Virginia Insurance Federation is contending in a lawsuit that a pilot program giving Huntington and three other cities home rule powers is unconstitutional and should be terminated. Insurance Federation lawsuit seeks end to home rule program July 02, 2009 The West Virginia Insurance Federation is contending in a lawsuit that a pilot program giving Huntington and three other cities home rule powers is unconstitutional and should be terminated. GOVERNOR MAKES APPOINTMENTS TO INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL REFORM COMMISSION June 15, 2009 The Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor to serve as Honorary Chairwoman GOVERNOR'S SPECIAL SESSION CALL FOR JUNE 15 June 15, 2009 I, JOE MANCHIN III, GOVERNOR of the State of West Virginia, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 7, Article VII of the Constitution of West Virginia, do hereby call the Legislature of West Virginia to convene in Extraordinary Session at twelve o’clock noon on the fifteenth day of June, two thousand nine, in its chambers in the State Capitol, City of Charleston, for the sole purpose of considering and acting upon the following matters: GOVERNOR'S SPECIAL SESSION CALL May 29, 2009 The following is the language from the official special session call... 17 items on list for special session May 28, 2009 transmission tax for high-voltage power lines and changes in liquor-license bidding are among issues legislators could take up when they finish work on the state budget. Lewis County Fire Departments Want Billing Ordinance Passed May 26, 2009 Chief Michael Young says fire departments always respond to accidents in case they are serious and people need to be extracted from their vehicles. May 8, 2009 The provisions of the new law will take effect ninety days from passage -- which will be July 10, 2009. April 20, 2009 Governor Joe Manchin says he'll call state lawmakers into special session sometime during or after their extended session that begins May 26. Justice keeps options open for 2010 run April 8, 2009 Shortly after being appointed and sworn in to fill the vacancy on the state Supreme Court Wednesday, Justice Thomas McHugh made clear he will not run for the seat in 2012. Lawmakers extend session to June for budget April 8, 2009 With a resolution adopted by the Senate and House Wednesday, legislators are on track to wrap up the 2009 regular session about the same time as the school year ends for most children in West Virginia. State senator files paper for 2012 governor's race April 8, 2009 West Virginians chose their last governor just five months ago, but Sen. Jeff Kessler believes it pays to plan for the future. Manchin Orders Review Of State Judicial System April 4, 2009 Governor Joe Manchin has signed an executive order creating a nine-member panel to "evaluate and recommend reforms" to the state's judicial system, which has largely been the same for the past 25 years. Get the Feeling You're Being Watched? If You're Driving, You Just Might Be March 27, 2009 The village of Schaumburg, Ill., installed a camera at Woodfield Mall last November to film cars that were running red lights, then used the footage to issue citations. Results were astonishing. The town issued $1 million in fines in just three months. March 22, 2009 West Virginia Supreme Court Justice and former longtime legislator Joseph P. Albright died late Friday in Pittsburgh where he was undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer. He was 70. March 21, 2009 West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Joseph P. Albright died Friday evening, March 20, 2009, at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian of complications of esophageal cancer. He was 70. Manchin agenda moving forward, but economy looms March 20, 2009 Gov. Joe Manchin's legislative agenda is moving forward largely intact, but everything happening under the Capitol dome from now on is being measured by an economic situation that seems to change by the week. Lawmakers resisting tax hike proposal March 19, 2009 A House bill that would hike insurance policy taxes to boost struggling municipal police and firefighter pension funds may be dead on arrival if it reaches the state Senate. November 12, 2008 Stanley Rogerson owned the house at 2800 Eoff St. for 15 years before city officials used $7,285 in federal Community Development Block Grant money to demolish it. Governor Names Longtime Administrator as Deputy Chief Of Staff March 6, 2009 Gov. Joe Manchin today appointed Harry Bergstrom as deputy chief of staff for the Manchin administration. Bergstrom, a longtime Division of Highways administrator, has worked in a variety of state government roles the past 31 years. State not 'judicial hellhole,' professor says February 19, 2009 The Mountain State doesn't deserve its reputation as "judicial hellhole," a Texas law professor told legislators Wednesday. Lawmakers propose reining in W.Va. insurance agency February 18, 2009 West Virginia gives its insurance commission a lot of leeway over regulating workers' compensation coverage. But pending legislation could change that. Manchin's proposed budget has no pay raises, no tax hikes February 12, 2009 Gov. Joe Manchin's proposed $4.32 billion 2009-10 budget plan contains no new pay raises for teachers or state employees, and no tax increases, Manchin administration officials said Wednesday. Lawmakers say speech State of State address hit mark February 12, 2009 State lawmakers said Gov. Joe Manchin struck the right tone and touched on the right issues in his State of the State address Wednesday, and they're keenly aware of the economic constraints they'll face this session. State's National Guard authorized for storm cleanup, if needed February 12, 2009 Gov. Joe Manchin has authorized the use of National Guard troops to help clean up from severe thunderstorms that knocked out power to thousands, caused widespread damage and killed at least one person. Thousands without power from high winds in Kanawha Co. February 12, 2009 More than 7,000 customers in Kanawha County remained without power at 3:15 p.m. today, the result of the storm that crashed through the state on Wednesday afternoon. Lawmakers propose insurance regulatory reforms February 11, 2009 A broad insurance regulatory reform bill that would create a national office of insurance and monitor the insurance industry for systemic threats was proposed by lawmakers Wednesday. Insurance agent sues over contract February 11, 2009 A Rupert insurance agent has filed a civil complaint against a Rainelle insurance company, claiming a Rainelle man reneged on a contract after the defendant purchased the plaintiff’s insurance business. Lawmakers have mixed views on surcharge to help firefighters February 10, 2009 Local lawmakers' reaction is mixed to a legislative proposal to increase the surcharge on homeowners' insurance to help pay for a financial incentive to retain volunteer firefighters. Fire chief proposes 'pension' as VFD incentive February 2, 2009 State Fire Marshal Sterling Lewis said he believes giving volunteer firefighters a pension-like benefit after they retire is the best idea he's heard to combat widespread staffing shortages. Tennant the new face in WVA executive branch January 19, 2009 There is a new face among those sworn in on West Virginia's executive branch. Manchin to attend Obama inaugural January 19, 2009 After being sworn in for his own inauguration today, West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin will head to the nation's capital to watch history take place on Tuesday. Armstead says GOP can remain ‘force’ in Legislature January 19, 2009 Republicans are small in number under the Capitol dome but large in ideas, so expect them to remain an aggressive force in setting policy, House Minority Leader Tim Armstead vowed Monday. Democrats hopeful for second term January 19, 2009 Democratic lawmakers expect Gov. Joe Manchin to steer the ship of state through a churning sea of economic waves with the same cautious conservatism that led him through his first term. January 19, 2009 Buffeted by a fresh snow and plunging temperatures, Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin took the oath of office for a second time Monday and called for “a new West Virginia,” one that shuns the bleak outlook of an economic doomsday and builds on strides made over the last four years. Legislature to keep eye on economy January 15, 2009 As the 79th Legislature convened at noon Wednesday at the Capitol, the national financial crisis loomed large. Ross named to replace Proudfoot in House January 9, 2009 Former state Sen. Mike Ross has been appointed to succeed Delegate William D. Proudfoot, who died in an auto accident two days before Christmas. West Virginia-based BrickStreet Launches Out-of-State Coverage October 28, 2008 BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Co., headquartered in West Virginia, will expand its services in 2009 by offering to provide its West Virginia policyholders with workers' compensation coverage in other states. Board of directors elected at BrickStreet annual meeting October 28, 2008 An unopposed slate of candidates won election to BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Co.'s Board of Directors starting Jan. 1, but not without a ripple of dissent. Jill Cranston Bentz: City insurance proposal will create more problems October 25, 2008 Someone once said that "for every difficult problem, there's a solution that's quick, easy -- and wrong." A proposed insurance ordinance now pending before Huntington City Council is a good example. Burnt buildings at center of debate October 24 2008 A group that represents the insurance industry in West Virginia is resisting a proposed city ordinance that would make property owners pay for tearing down fire-damaged structures. |
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