The West Virginia legislature concluded its special session and interim meetings this week, passing 35 bills. Most of these bills were supplemental appropriations for various state agencies. The funding sources include a $1.8 billion surplus from the fiscal year ending in June and reappropriated funds from other sources.
In total, more than $451 million of surplus tax revenue was allocated. Among the notable reappropriation bills is HB 114, which ensures that $71 million in General Revenue is allocated for the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). This measure addresses PEIA’s inability to use current funding in the PEIA Subsidy Account as intended, transferring funds to cover increased employer contributions by county boards of education.
Key legislation passed during the session includes:
– $150 million for the Division of Highways: $100 million for road maintenance and $50 million for equipment.
– A vehicle tax credit adjustment ensuring taxpayers are not penalized for paying their vehicle tax in full this fall.
– A six-bill package addressing issues within the State’s Corrections System. This includes a pay raise bill totaling about $25 million aimed at reducing worker vacancies and turnover rates in jails and prisons. Other corrections-related bills address medical care for inmates, prohibiting state funds for non-essential medical procedures unless deemed necessary by treating professionals.
– A $12 million funding bill supporting volunteer fire departments: $6 million to be distributed by county commissions based on population through the Fire Protection Fund, along with allocations to both County Fire Protection Fund and Growth Fire Protection Fund.
Most interim meetings were canceled due to the special session; however, the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability received updates from incoming secretaries of the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) regarding their future priorities. These changes are part of HB 2006, which reorganizes DHHR into three departments—Health, Human Resources, and Health Facilities—effective January 1.
