Created by the Joint Committee on Government & Finance in 1976, the Office of Reference & Information disseminates information on all facets of the legislative process. The office serves the general public, lawmakers and the media by producing written and electronic educational materials, publications and news releases regarding the actions of the Legislature. In addition, the office designs and maintains the Legislature’s Web site, handles all legislative photography and houses the legislative research library. All work of the office is nonpartisan and covers the actions of both the Senate and the House of Delegates.
Publications
Membership Directory Updated for each new Legislature, this publication contains photographs and contact information for all members of the West Virginia Senate and House of Delegates. In addition, the directory lists the leadership of each chamber and memberships of all standing committees. The pocket-sized booklet also contains general information regarding the Senate and House; the toll-free telephone number and official Web site address for the Legislature; and, an address format for constituents to use when writing their representatives. Membership Directory (2020)
Wrap-Up Wrap-Up is the Legislature’s official newsletter, which is published weekly throughout each regular session. It contains summaries of bills and other legislative actions. View Wrap-Up online
A Bill Becomes Law Often used for educational purposes, this pamphlet illustrates the process through which legislation advances before it becomes a state law as it walks the reader through each step. Complete with photographs of the Senate and House Chambers, this publication contains detailed summaries of the various stages of the legislative process, including introduction of the bill, committee study, floor action and action by the Governor. It also includes a table with graphics depicting each of the steps. View the A Bill Becomes Law Online
Blog – Today in the Legislature
Today in the Legislature is a daily synopsis of legislative activities including the floor sessions, special events and days at the Legislature. Visit the Blog
News Releases
Upon lawmaker request, our staff prepares and distributes news releases or media advisories regarding legislation, committee appointments, public hearings and other issues. View Member’s News Releases
Photography
All official legislative photography is handled by the Office of Reference & Information – including event photography and historically significant Capitol photography. Visit the Capitol Photo Gallery
Legislative Library
Our office houses the Legislative Library, which has the Acts of the Legislature, House & Senate Journals, West Virginia Blue Books and the Annotated Code of WV. The library is open to the public for research – books and materials cannot be removed from the office.
Legislature’s Web site (www.wvlegislature.gov)
The West Virginia Legislature’s Web site continues to provide a vital online presence targeted toward raising public political awareness and educating citizens interested in the legislative process. It is the primary role of the Web site to offer constituents and staff a historical, educational and informational content center for the legislature, to improve and simplify daily legislative activities while maintaining constant communication with the public.
Social Media
Information Office staff run the official West Virginia Legislature Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/wvlegislature) as well as the offical Twitter feed (@wvlegislature) Two other Twitter feeds, one for house floor action (@wvhouse) and one for senate floor action (@wvsenate) are also controlled in-office.
Media Credentialing
The Media Credentialing form for access to the House and Senate floors during session can be found in the Information Office. Our office does not sign or authorize the form. An authorized member of the press corps must sign the form – the press offices are located directly across the hall from the Information Office.