photo by: Photo courtesy of WV Legislative Photography

House Minority Whip Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, and other Democrats tried to amend Gov. Jim Justice's tax cut bill Wednesday.

WHEELING – Delegate Shawn Fluharty is in Florida this week presiding over a conference of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States.

Fluharty, D-Ohio, recently was named president of the NCLGS, whose members gathered in Fort Lauderdale for their winter conference Jan. 3-6.

“We are a bipartisan organization comprised of policymakers and regulators focused on gaming policy and consumer protection laws,” he said. “It is an incredible honor to represent our state on a national scale.”

Global Gaming Business Magazine also has selected Fluharty as one of the “25 People To Watch” in 2024, noting him as among the individuals who have made an impact on the gaming world.

The NCLGS bills itself as the only organization of state lawmakers that meets on a regular basis to discuss issues that pertain to gaming, according to its website. Members of NCLGS chair or are members of committees responsible for the regulation of gaming in their state legislative houses.

The NCLGS states it does not promote or oppose gaming but is primarily concerned with the proper regulation of the industry.

“We are focusing on a multitude of issues – consumer issues, advertising issues when it comes to sports betting, and making sure we’re staying up to date in our laws.”

Fluharty noted West Virginia has been a leader in the gaming industry.

“It has generated millions in revenue for the state,” he continued. “It has provided for the Promise Scholarship, care for the elderly and also jobs in the state.

“You know how people in West Virginia are always saying they are tired of being last? We have been at the forefront of the whole U.S. in the gaming industry. Now we can be proud to be at the forefront of consumer protections, as well.”

Following the NCLGS conference, Fluharty will head to Charleston for the upcoming regular 60-day session of the West Virginia Legislature that starts Wednesday.

He plans to introduce gaming related legislation this session addressing player (athlete) protection issues.

In short, the bill would ban an individual from betting on sports if they have made serious threats against a sports player online.

“Imagine you had a bet on WVU football, the running back fumbled and you lost your bet. If you were then to go on Twitter (X) and threaten the player, we would then be able to ban that individual from participating in sports betting,” Fluharty explained.

The bill would give regulators the ability to ban players if the action is taken by someone perceived to be a threat.

“It would address someone who is being verbally abusive as opposed to being merely annoying,” he added. “A similar bill has been passed in Ohio. But in West Virginia, if we don’t have a similar law, they can come here and still bet on sports.”

Fluharty contends it is important for West Virginia to have to have a sustainable model going forward where both gamblers and athletes feel safe.

“We (the NCLGS) are just sharing ideas, and we constantly want to be ahead of the game. That’s just good government,” he continued. “We just can’t pass a bill and sit on our hands. We have to be able to evolve and grow.”

Fluharty added that a lawmaker’s involvement in outside organizations “gives legitimacy” to their elected office.

“It shows you can still be effective if in the minority,” he said. “I am now president of a national organization and am able to bring back information to the state. I am able to represent the state and district on a national level.

“It’s always important to always be able to grow relationships not just in West Virginia, but outside the state.”

He sees much that the Legislature needs to address this session.

“We need to keep our promises to West Virginians,” Fluharty said. “We promised to protect our children, yet we have a CPS (child protective services) crisis and poor access to childcare.

“We promised to fix PEIA (the Public Employees Insurance Agency), but we’ve yet to provide stable funding.”

Since 2019, Fluharty has introduced in the Legislature a bill called “Raylee’s Law.” It would prohibit the home schooling of any child in homes where there is “suspected or known child abuse or neglect, or domestic violence by a parent or person instructing the child.”

He said he will push the bill again in 2024.

“Raylee’s Law will be a focus of mine this session,” Fluharty said. “This bill has gained national attention due to the fact our state lacks proper protections and action against abuse and neglect of children.

“It’s appalling that there is even opposition to this issue.”

He was asked what Democrats have to do this year to win back some seats in the Legislature this election year.

“We have to stay on message and focus on the people,” Fluharty said. “We are currently a party that is making sure we’re putting children first, and keeping our promises.”