SB 816 adds $132,000 to the Department of Homeland Security's Fusion Center budget (fund 0430, fiscal year 2026) using an unappropriated surplus balance from the State Fund, General Revenue. The bill directly affects the Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Secretary by providing supplemental funding for the Fusion Center. This is a procedural budget amendment that reallocates existing unspent state funds, not a new policy or tax change. The funding is designated specifically for the Fusion Center's operations under the "8a Fusion Center - Surplus" line item.
This bill (SB 814) allocates $70,357,538 in unappropriated surplus funds from the State General Revenue Fund to the Hope Scholarship Program under the State Board of Education. It directly affects the Hope Scholarship Program by providing supplemental funding for fiscal year 2026. The bill does not change program rules or eligibility - it simply reallocates existing surplus funds to cover program costs. This is a routine budget adjustment, not a new policy.
West Virginia's SB 985 regulates kratom products by requiring businesses that grow, process, or sell them to obtain permits and verify online customers are at least 21 years old using approved age-check systems. The bill defines "kratom" as the natural leaf of the mitragyna speciosa plant (excluding food products or synthetically altered forms) and prohibits selling contaminated products or unapproved items. Selling without a permit is a misdemeanor (up to $1,000 fine or 1 year in jail) for first offenses and a felony (up to $5,000 or 5 years in prison) for repeat violations. The Department of Agriculture must enforce these rules, use a software tracking system, and notify the Tax Department of certain violations.
SB 1008 modifies the time limits for filing lawsuits related to asbestos and silica exposure in West Virginia. It sets that a claim for health issues (like disease) cannot be filed before a medical diagnosis is received, facts leading to a diagnosis are discovered, or the date of death (if the person had the condition). The bill also separates non-cancer and cancer claims, prohibiting damages for fear of future illness. Additionally, it establishes a 10- or 12-year deadline for lawsuits against equipment manufacturers (in coal mining) who used asbestos/silica as required by federal rules, unless a longer warranty was promised.
SB 1033 clarifies the West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture's authority to manage state-owned land, including leasing it for farming or recreation (with restrictions on toxic use) and developing it for agriculture, forestry, or mining (requiring environmental restoration). It specifies that the Commissioner must sell institutional farm products to state institutions at market rates, allows inmate labor for farm operations under Corrections Department oversight, and mandates that all funds from land sales, leases, or mineral rights go into a special revenue account - excess over $1 million annually transfers to a capital improvements fund. This bill directly affects the Commissioner of Agriculture, state institutions (like prisons and health facilities), the Corrections Department, and public land management. The changes aim to streamline land use while ensuring taxpayer savings and environmental compliance.
SB 250 is West Virginia's 2027 state budget bill, appropriating funds from the state treasury for all government agencies and departments (called "spending units") to cover their operations during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It classifies funding into categories like personal services (salaries), employee benefits (pensions, insurance), and special funds, requiring agencies to collect specified amounts to avoid budget cuts. The bill also establishes that uncollected "from collections" funds automatically reduce agency budgets, while excess collections may be saved for future use. This procedural budget bill affects all state agencies but does not create new policies or programs.
This bill (SB 570) allocates $199,476,099 in unspent federal funds to the West Virginia Department of Health's "Rural Health Transformation Program" for fiscal year 2026. It adds a new funding line (Fund 8802, Org 0506) under the Department's Central Office to support this specific program. The funds are designated for rural health initiatives and directly affect the Department of Health's ability to implement these programs. This is a procedural funding measure, not a policy change, using existing federal funds without new tax implications.
HB 5074 changes how revenue from West Virginia's medical cannabis program is allocated. For fiscal year 2026, it directs $3 million to the Supreme Court for a child protection pilot, $10 million each to West Virginia University and Marshall University for ibogaine research, and $5 million to homelessness services, with remaining funds reverting to general revenue. Starting July 1, 2026, annual allocations will be: 15% to the Medical Cannabis Bureau for administration, 15% to the Department of Agriculture for cannabis testing, and 45% split among the Fight Substance Abuse Fund (20%), university research (10% each to Marshall and WVU), a Child Protection Commission (10%), and law enforcement training programs (40%). These changes apply to ongoing revenue from medical cannabis taxes, not new taxes or fees.
HB 4730 requires West Virginia's Department of Human Services to create a coordinated system of support for youth aging out of foster care or preparing to exit foster care, directly affecting these young adults statewide. The bill mandates a three-phase housing model (on-site living, scattered-site arrangements, and supportive independent living) plus services to build daily living, social-emotional, and education/career skills. It establishes specific funding rules including per diem rates for providers, annual cost-of-living adjustments, and direct monthly stipends to youth for housing costs, while maximizing federal Title IV-E funding. The department must implement annual data collection and reporting to the legislature on outcomes like housing stability and employment, starting in 2027.
HB 4002 establishes the West Virginia Collaboratory at Marshall University to connect state university research with practical needs of government and citizens. It directs the Collaboratory to focus on workforce development, education, economic growth, and environmental research, requiring state and local agencies to provide free access to infrastructure, personnel, and data for its projects. The bill sets specific funding rules, prohibiting university overhead fees on allocated funds and ensuring funds remain available until spent. An advisory group of legislators, university leaders, and public experts will guide research priorities and review reports, all while exempting advisory meetings from public record requirements.
HB 4393 requires West Virginia's Department of Human Services (DoHS) to create and implement a statewide prevention plan by February 1, 2027. The plan must provide trauma-informed, evidence-based services to children under 18 and their families - including youth in foster care, pregnant and parenting youth, those aging out of foster care (up to age 21), post-adoption youth, and families with economic or safety needs. DoHS must ensure providers offer accessible services (combining telehealth and physical locations), track outcomes, and report annually on service usage, costs, and results by county. The plan also aims to qualify for federal matching funds under the Family First Prevention Services Act by 2028.
HB 4893 increases penalties for contempt of court in West Virginia magistrate courts. It raises maximum fines for contempt: from $50 to $200 for a first offense, $100 to $500 for a second offense, and $100 to $1,000 (or up to 10 days in jail) for a third or subsequent offense related to the same matter. The bill applies directly to individuals disrupting court proceedings, including witnesses, jurors, parties, or officers who commit contempt. These changes take effect for offenses occurring after the bill's passage, with appeals still allowed to circuit court as in criminal cases.
