Delegate Kathie Hess Crouse

03/30/2026

📼What is a data center? Why do we need them?
Even 20 years ago, how many “physical” things had a place in your life that are now digital? Photos, home videos, checks, receipts, medical forms, bills, movies, music (what’s a cassette tape?), mail and messages, coupons, newspapers, phone book, maps, and games can all be accessed now through the device you are reading this on. So if it’s not physical anymore, where is it? In a data center!

🤖Is there AI stored in data centers?
Yes. An increase in tools, such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini, are increasing the need for data centers.

🦬Will the Google Buffalo Campus store AI?
Probably, but it is not the sole use. This campus will service Google’s own needs (such as Google platforms and YouTube) and will also store other users’ data (maybe your Kroger grocery list, Google Drive storage, and 5,000 iPhone photos).

💾Is this data center going to store our files or just benefit other states?
For security reasons, data centers do not disclose what files are stored where. However, Google has shared that this campus will support files originating in West Virginia... Maybe even items such as this post!

🔮Will data centers be irrelevant before built or shortly after?
No idea. We can’t predict the future, but there is a lot of data (get it?) that points towards our society needing digital storage for the long haul.

Follow us for more information on the Google data center announcement in Buffalo, W.V. We want to share what we’ve learned with our community!

03/18/2026

02/13/2026

Committee Schedule for Friday, February 13, 2026 - WV House

11/11/2025

🇺🇸 Thank you to our Veterans!
All gave some, and some gave all. Today and every day, I’m deeply grateful for the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform—those who served, those who sacrificed, and those who continue to protect our freedoms. Your courage and dedication will never be forgotten. ❤️🤍💙

09/12/2025

06/20/2025

🎉 Happy 162nd Birthday, West Virginia! 🎉

Born out of the Civil War, we became a state on June 20, 1863 — the only state to break away from a Confederate state to join the Union. Rooted in resilience, faith, and fierce independence, West Virginia stands proud. Here’s to our mountains, our people, and our unshakable spirit. 💙

06/11/2025

I’m deeply saddened to share that my colleague and friend, former Delegate Doug Skaff Jr. has passed away sue to a fatal car wreck.

Serving alongside Doug on the House floor was always lively—he brought a sharp wit and a genuine enthusiasm that made every debate more meaningful. Yes, we disagreed most of the time—but that was part of the joy. Off the floor, we shared laughter and conversation as if not a thing was amiss.

To his loving family: I hold you close in my heart. Please know you’re in my constant thoughts and prayers—especially his three young sons, who meant everything to him. May they find comfort in the precious memories he created and the warmth of our community’s support.

Doug brought out the best in those around him: thoughtful debate, hearty laughter, unwavering dedication. We’ll miss his presence deeply. May he rest in peace—and may God grant peace and strength to his family in the days ahead.

Please join me in praying for the Skaff family during this unimaginably difficult time.

06/10/2025

✅ Session Committees –
I proudly serve on the following committees during the regular legislative session:
• Education
• Chair of the Education Choice Committee
• Energy and Public Works
• Energy and Manufacturing

🛠️ Interim Committees –
During the interims, I continue to work on critical issues impacting our state through these committees:
• Education
• Energy and Public Works
• Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Resources Accountability (LOCHHRA)

These committees allow me to focus on advancing school choice, supporting energy and infrastructure, and holding our health systems accountable. I’m committed to championing strong, conservative solutions for West Virginia year-round. 💪🏼🇺🇸

04/03/2025

🚨 Legislative Update – Day 51 of 60 🚨

As of today, the West Virginia House of Delegates has officially passed 240 House Bills this session! These bills have either moved to the Senate for consideration or completed the full legislative process and are now headed to the Governor for his signature.

These bills cover a wide range of issues and represent important steps forward in fixing real problems across our state.

📆 Yesterday (Wednesday, April 2nd) was Crossover Day—the final day for bills to be passed out of their chamber of origin. Now, the House is focused on reviewing Senate bills, while the Senate is taking up the bills we've already passed.

🧭 I know the legislative process can be confusing—it’s full of rules, procedures, motions, and a detailed committee process before a bill ever makes it to the floor for a vote. This year, we made one important change to improve transparency:

👉 All bills now receive a public hearing in the committee where they’re being discussed.
This means more voices are being heard, and legislators are getting better information from all sides of an issue. Gone are the days of 8 a.m. hearings with one-hour time limits—this new method has been more informative and far more accessible.

Here are just a few examples of the House-passed bills that I believe are especially noteworthy:

✅ HB 2002 – Establishes a One-Stop Shop Permitting Process to make economic development and business growth easier in West Virginia.
✅ HB 2014 – Creates the Certified Microgrid Program, supporting innovative energy solutions and grid stability for our communities.
✅ HB 2047 – Prohibits cameras in the bedrooms and bathrooms of foster children to protect privacy and dignity.
✅ HB 2129 – Creates the Parents' Bill of Rights, affirming the role of parents in their children's education and care.
✅ HB 2441 – Makes individuals who fail a drug test ineligible for unemployment benefits.
✅ HB 2434 – Establishes the Stop Squatters Act to protect private property owners.
✅ HB 2777 – Removes burdensome evidence submission requirements for home-schooled children, easing regulations for families.
✅ HB 2410 – Safeguards the Right to Try Cutting-Edge Medicine for those facing life-threatening conditions.
✅ HB 2027 – Improves protections for foster families by revising removal criteria for children.
✅ HB 2053 – Officially includes the U.S. Space Force in the definition of the Armed Forces.
✅ HB 2117 – Clarifies deadlines for when mail-in ballots must be received, improving election integrity.
✅ HB 2205 – Promotes research and development of microreactor technology for future energy needs.
✅ HB 2499 – Requires principals to receive training and to inform teachers of their rights and protections, improving school leadership.
✅ HB 2502 – Establishes limitations on billing by internet providers who fail to deliver service, standing up for rural consumers.
✅ HB 2450 – Supports pro-life and pregnancy support efforts across the state.
✅ HB 2776 – Requires the Department of Health to report positive Alpha-Gal tests to the CDC, an issue I’ve personally advocated for.
✅ HB 2755 – Requires the State Board of Education to submit all policy changes to the Legislature for review, enhancing accountability.

We’ve worked hard this session to advance conservative, commonsense legislation that supports West Virginia families, protects freedoms, and strengthens our communities.

🔗 I’ll continue sharing updates as we head into the final stretch of session.

If you have questions about a specific bill or want to know more about a particular topic, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help break down the process and keep you informed.

02/18/2025

Today’s floor session was another quick one, with photos available at the link HERE. Photos also are available from the morning Judiciary Committee meeting as well as the Courts Subcommittee meeting.
A short BLOG summarizes the afternoon Subcommittee on Government Administration meeting and photos are available HERE. You’ll also notice the Bill Status page for the bill that committee discussed shows “Markup Discussion” under the “ACTIONS” header that tracks the bill’s journey. You should start to see those updates as more committees complete more work, and you’ll also notice both stages reflected on meeting agendas (which might be confusing and make you think upon first glance the committee is repeating a bill it just took up today).
We also have PHOTOS from the afternoon Education Committee meeting, an additional BLOG summarizes the Subcommittee on Health Care Regulation and one more BLOG gives the highlights from the Subcommittee on Human Services meeting with photos HERE.
The Audio Archive page has every meeting from today available for replay.
Photos from today’s activities are available HERE and the Activity Calendar indicates tomorrow will have several groups visiting, including EMS, Glenville State, Occupational Therapy Association and the Association of Local Health Departments.
Also tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 18:
9 a.m. – the Finance Committee will meet in the committee room (460) for budget hearings
Agenda
9 a.m. – the Judiciary Committee will meet in the committee room (410)
Agenda
9:30 a.m. – the Subcommittee on Courts will meet in the committee room (410)
Agenda (bottom listing – two bills for Markup/Passage)
10 a.m. – the Subcommittee on Courts will meet jointly with the Subcommittee on Legal Services in the committee room (410) for an Agency Presentation
Agenda (top listing)
10:30 a.m. – the Subcommittee on Legal Services will meet (on its own) in the committee room (410)
Agenda (HB2047 for Hearing)
11 a.m. – the full House will convene in the Chamber
Resolutions to be Introduced
Bills to be Introduced (you’ll see several listed as [By Request of the Executive] with both Speaker Hanshaw and Leader Hornbuckle as the sponsors; that’s traditional for all bills introduced on behalf of any Governor, regardless of politics or proposal)
House Calendar
1 p.m. – the Education Committee will meet in the committee room (434)
Agenda
1 p.m. – the Government Organization Committee will meet in the East Wing Committee room (215E)
Agenda
2 p.m. – the Subcommittee on Higher Education will meet in the committee room (434)
Agenda
2 p.m. – the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Commerce and Tourism will meet in the East Wing Committee room (215E)
Agenda
3 p.m. – the Subcommittee on Public Health will meet in the East Wing Committee room (215E)
Agenda
4 p.m. – the Committee on Health and Human Resources will meet in the East Wing Committee room (215E)
Agenda
Of note: As committees post multiple and future agendas, you may have noticed the agenda that immediately populates when you click “Agenda” from the Committee page may not be the upcoming meeting – be sure to scroll down to the grid and check “Meeting Date” to be sure you haven’t inadvertently time traveled for the week.
You’ll also want to note the “Committee Contact” listed on each Standing Committee and Subcommittee website: http://www.wvlegislature.gov/committees/house/main.cfm That’s where you can submit prepared statements for bills and resolutions when they are on agendas.
Please let me know if you have questions or if I can be helpful to you in any way. Thanks!