The legislative process is surrounded by a number of misconceptions, or myths. One such myth is that all lawmakers are also lawyers, and this is far from the truth. Members of the 78th Legislature come from all walks of life and work in a variety of professions.
Myth: All lawmakers are also lawyers
West Virginia has a part-time legislature, unlike some other states, where legislating is a full-time profession and legislators are unable to have a job outside of their position at the statehouse. What many people do not know, however, is that when not in regular legislative session, members of the West Virginia Legislature go back to their everyday lives and occupations. While several members are indeed lawyers, only about 14 percent of the legislators this session practice law. An equal percentage of members are currently or formerly educators, and the most commonly listed occupation for members is businessperson. Other occupations represented in the Legislature include doctors, pharmacists, farmers, insurance agents, engineers, school bus drivers, accountants, construction workers, public relations specialists and a mortician.
Myth: Anyone can introduce a bill
Anyone can bring an idea for a bill or resolution to a member of the Legislature, but only a member can officially introduce it. If a person were to seek changes in the law, he or she, or the group must contact their lawmakers for sponsorship. Once introduced, a bill or resolution is referred to a committee by either the Speaker of the House or the Senate President.
An example of this process in action is exhibited by a resolution that would name the Timber Rattlesnake as the official reptile of West Virginia. This idea came from a West Virginia eighth grade classroom, showing that everyone can participate in the legislative process at some level. 
Myth: Lawmakers only work 60 days a year
While it is true that the regular legislative session is 60 days long, lawmakers work for the House and Senate in one capacity or another throughout the year.
After the regular session, lawmakers continue to meet in order to pass the budget. Many bills that pass during session impact the budget. For this reason, the Legislature must meet to calculate the total financial implications of all the bills passed during the regular session.
Delegates and senators also participate in interim meetings three days a month when the Legislature is not in regular session. During these meetings, committees conduct and review studies as well as work on drafting legislation for the upcoming session.
The Governor may also call members of the Legislature into special session. The Governor may call a special session at any time of the year; however, lawmakers can overrule the request, though this is very rare. Special sessions are actually quite common. The last year in which there was not a special session called was 1995. These “extraordinary” sessions are typically called to address unique circumstances such as natural disasters or special circumstances that arise while the Legislature is not in session.
Finally, members’ contact information is available to the public, and they are constantly working with constituents, answering questions and fielding requests.Myth: A person must be at least 25 years old to be a state legislator
This slight misconception likely stems from the fact that in order to be a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, a person must be at least 25 years old and to be a member of the U.S. Senate a person must be at least 30 years old. In state government, however, a person must only be eligible to vote to be a member of the House of Delegates and 25 years old to be a member of the Senate. The members of the 78th Legislature represent a wide age range, with the youngest member of the 78th Legislature being 23 years old, and the oldest member being 77 years old.
Though there may be more misconceptions regarding the legislative process, it is important to understand that knowledge is valuable. Additional information is available at the Legislature’s Web site, www.wvlegislature.gov
