Photo credit: West Virginia Public Broadcasting

In an effort to shore up the struggling Public Employees Insurance Agency long-term funding, two bills passed the Legislature and were signed by Gov. Justice. From the Bluefield Daily Telegraph:

Gov. Jim Justice signed bills that allow co-tenancy and sports wagering.

The co-tenancy bill allows development of oil and natural gas resources on single piece property with more than seven owners if at least three-fourths of the owners agree.

The law takes effect July 1.

“This co-tenancy law will allow for oil and gas development while protecting the rights of surface, mineral and landowners,” Justice said.

Justice also signed a bill that would permit wagering on certain professional or collegiate sports events authorized as West Virginia Lottery Sports Wagering activities.

Co-tenancy has had a controversial history in the state, with legislators citing problematic issues with regard to minority landowner rights.

Gov. Justice, a coal-industry billionaire, had initially opposed the natural gas measure, only to relent after the success of the teacher strike.