CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - An old West Virginia agency is getting a new name and a new status.
The state Division of Veterans' Affairs becomes the Cabinet-level Department of Veterans' Assistance on Friday. The change is among several from this year's legislative session that take effect July 1.
One new law beefs up the state Ethics Act. It sets a one-year lobbying waiting period for an array of public officials and staffers who remain on the job as of Friday. This new law also requires many officeholders and candidates to disclose details from their spouses' finances.
Another new law allows racing simulcast wagering at The Greenbrier resort. But another provision allows the state's four casinos to tap millions in lottery revenues for gambling machine upgrades. That was among the most controversial items this session.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
