From The Well


At the center of the West Virginia state capitol is an area known as “The Well.” It is the informal gathering place for lobbyists, reporters, constituents and lawmakers. Centrally located between the chambers of the House of Delegates and Senate, The Well is often where information is shared, alliances are formed and deals are made.

From The Well

The Impact of COVID-19 on Working Women and Policies that Might Promote Gender Equality in the Labor Market


Brian Skinner Government & Policy, Policies, Women, Workforce

By Brian Skinner, Esq. The COVID-19 pandemic has upended work and home life for everyone, but women in particular have carried the largest share of the burden. A recent article in the NY Times highlights the heavier domestic burden borne by women caused by the pandemic. Including, the fact that they are more likely to lose …Read More

Pennsylvania governor urges legalization of adult-use cannabis: What About West Virginia?


Brian Skinner Cannabis, Legislature, marijuana, West Virginia

By Brian Skinner, Esq. On Tuesday, Governor Tom Wolf of West Virginia’s neighbor to the north, Pennsylvania, called on state lawmakers to legalize a commercial recreational marijuana program during the fall legislative session. Pennsylvannia’s Medical Marijuana Program was signed into law on April 17, 2016, and one year and two days later, West Virginia’s Medical Cannabis Program, a virtual carbon …Read More

Ohio Legislature Considers Bill to Provide Health Care Providers, Businesses and Schools with Liability Protections


Brian Skinner COVID-19, Legislation, Ohio, Workforce

By Brian Skinner, Esq. On June 30, 2020, the Ohio Senate passed a substitute bill for H.B. 606 passed by the House on May 28, 2020. The Senate amendments substantially rewrite the House bill by including many of the provisions of S.B. 308 passed by the Senate on June 3, 2020. The bill grants temporary …Read More

The Voting Process Explained — First, We Register


Brian Skinner Uncategorized

By Democracy Docket In the United States, the first step to vote unfortunately isn’t as easy as just turning 18. You first have to register to vote and every state has different rules and regulations for this step that vary widely. https://www.democracydocket.com/2020/08/voting-process-explained-registration/  

Companies Postpone Returning Employees to the Office


Brian Skinner Business, COVID-19

  By Brian Skinner, Esq. An August survey by the Pacific Business Group on Health, found that 57% of major U.S. employers said they will postpone return-to-work plans because of recent increases in coronavirus infections. About 43% say they are planning to bring employees back to the worksite, but with multiple, enhanced safety measures in place. Part …Read More

Voting by Mail in Ohio and West Virginia


Brian Skinner Elections, Vote by Mail

By Brian Skinner, Esq. In July of this year, Democracy Docket published a report that includes a state-by-state assessment of voters’ ability to vote by mail in the 2020 General Election. As the report notes, the U.S. Constitution makes the 50 states primarily responsible for regulating elections. Consequently, voters across the country face a patchwork of …Read More

Force Majeure and Medical Cannabis Related Real Estate Options in a COVID-19 World


Brian Skinner Medical Cannabis

By Brian Skinner, Esq. COVID-19 has prevented countless West Virginia companies from operating normally. For example, in March 16, 2020, Governor Justice initiated efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 by declaring a State of Emergency in West Virginia. Subsequent containment measures were announced and are continuing to be announced, including the closure of all …Read More