West Virginia is now live streaming its state senate sessions. The move is a big leap for the state which has a mixed record on transparency. The senate is still in the process of installing all of the cameras and expects to offer live streams of the full session soon.
Right now there is a single camera focused on the dais. Eventually another three or four cameras will provide a full and complete view of all of the activity on the floor. The end result will look more like C-Span than the current version in the sense that when a member steps forward their name will appear on the screen as they come into view.
Each session will convene at 11 a.m. local time.
Cameras are also being installed in the house chamber for a similar setup.
“I am a proponent of public involvement in the legislative process. The more information the public has, the better the process works. I look forward to this next step in improving our electronic infrastructure,” Senate President Jeff Kessler said in a statement.
A link to video will be provided on the Legislature’s web site, www.legis.state.wv.us.
