Budget & Taxes

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 167: Relating to meetings for local levying bodies

This bill clarifies procedures for local government bodies in West Virginia to conduct late meetings and file late reports when necessary. It also revises how reduced property tax levy rates are calculated when property appraisals result in a projected tax increase of one percent or more. The law requires these bodies to automatically reduce their levy rates proportionately to offset assessment increases, unless they hold a public hearing and demonstrate that the increase is necessary. Under the new rules, local governments can raise rates above the reduced level only if total tax revenues do not exceed the previous year's amount by more than ten percent, with specific notice requirements for public hearings. The bill directly affects county commissions and municipalities by standardizing how they handle property tax adjustments and public notification processes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes fiscal responsibility by requiring automatic tax levy reductions when property assessments increase, preventing unnecessary tax hikes on residents.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 400: Updating personal income tax definitions and provision of law relating to gaming and gambling losses

This bill updates West Virginia's personal income tax definitions to align with recent federal tax changes. It specifically preserves the ability for taxpayers to deduct gaming and gambling losses on their state returns for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, ensuring this deduction remains available even if federal rules change. The bill adjusts how "federal adjusted gross income" is defined for state tax purposes and sets retroactive effective dates for 2025 tax years. It directly affects West Virginia taxpayers who itemize deductions and claim gambling losses.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesPreserves tax deduction for gaming losses, maintaining existing tax relief for taxpayers and aligning with federal changes without reducing benefits.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 788: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Commerce, fund 0572

SB 788 adds $2 million in additional funding from unappropriated surplus funds in the General Revenue Fund to WorkForce West Virginia (fund 0572, fiscal year 2026). This supplemental appropriation directly supports WorkForce West Virginia's current operational expenses, using existing unused state funds identified in the Governor's 2026 budget. The bill does not create new programs or alter eligibility but allocates money already available in the state treasury. It is a procedural funding adjustment, not a policy change.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $2M from unappropriated surplus funds to fund existing WorkForce West Virginia operations, using unused state treasury money without new taxes or program changes. Aligns with fiscal responsibility and funding public services.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds WorkForce WV operational expenses, supporting employment services using existing surplus funds without policy changes.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 791: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Homeland Security, fund 0443

SB 791 increases the existing fiscal year 2026 appropriation for the West Virginia Division of Emergency Management (fund 0443) by $13,000, raising the total to $243,000. This supplemental funding directly affects the Division of Emergency Management's operational budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The bill uses an unappropriated balance remaining in the State Fund, General Revenue, as identified in the Governor's budget document. It does not create new policies or programs but adjusts an existing funding allocation for emergency management operations. The change is limited to the Division of Emergency Management's current expenses account.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases operational budget for Emergency Management via supplemental appropriation, supporting essential program funding within state budget framework85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 785: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Health, fund 5163

SB 785 adds $800,000 in supplemental funding to the West Virginia Department of Health's Laboratory Services Fund (Fund 5163) for fiscal year 2026. It allocates $250,000 for staff salaries and benefits, $250,000 for equipment, and $300,000 for operational costs. This bill directly affects the Department of Health's laboratory operations by providing additional budget authority from unspent funds. As a procedural funding measure, it does not create new policies or programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $800k supplemental funding to Health Department lab operations, increasing budget authority for essential services.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 814: Supplemental appropriation to State Board of Education, fund 0313

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates surplus funds to fund Hope Scholarship Program, supporting public education without new taxes or policy changes.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $70M surplus to Hope Scholarship Program, directly funding educational access without restrictions or policy changes.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 570: Supplemental Appropriation to Department of Health, fund 8802

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $199M in federal funds to rural health program, directly increasing budget allocation for essential public health services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $199M to Rural Health Transformation Program, directly funding healthcare services per bill summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

vetoed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Apr 2, 2026

HB 5074: Relating to changing the allocation of proceeds in the Medical Cannabis Program Fund.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates cannabis program revenue to child protection, university research, and homelessness services, advancing funding for public programs and fiscal management.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $10M to universities for ibogaine research (addiction treatment), directly funding mental health services within healthcare.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allocates $5 million to homelessness services, directly addressing housing needs through funding for housing-related support programs.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 14, 2026

HB 5286: Supplemental Appropriation to the Department of Homeland Security-Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation from the Unappropriated Surplus Balance

HB 5286 adds $1.5 million in supplemental funding from West Virginia's unappropriated surplus balance to the Department of Homeland Security's Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation for equipment purchases during fiscal year 2026. This new appropriation, designated as "Equipment - Surplus" under Fund 0450, directly supports correctional facilities by providing resources for equipment needs without increasing overall state spending. The bill uses existing surplus funds identified in the Governor's Executive Budget Document, specifically reallocating unappropriated revenue to address immediate equipment requirements for correctional units. It does not create new policies or change eligibility but adjusts budget allocations for operational support.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesUses unappropriated surplus funds for corrections equipment without increasing state spending, demonstrating fiscal responsibility and funding essential public services.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds correctional equipment purchases for facilities, supporting operational needs within criminal justice system.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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passed both · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 14, 2026

HB 5412: Future Ready Education Act

The Future Ready Education Act allows West Virginia school districts to enter multi-year contracts for educational technology with a technology licensing component, provided they document fiscal savings and include a 30-day cancellation clause. It extends the Mountain State Digital Project to cover grades 9-12 and adds tutoring in reading, math, science, and career-technical education. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, all kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers must complete training in the science of reading, with public charter school educators permitted to voluntarily participate. The bill directly affects school districts, K-5 teachers, and students in public schools across West Virginia.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRequires fiscal savings documentation for tech contracts, promoting responsible budget management within education funding allocation85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExtends digital project to grades 9-12, adds subject tutoring, mandates teacher training - directly enhances educational access, student programs, and educator support.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEnables school tech contracts, extends digital project to grades 9-12, and mandates tech-related teacher training, advancing educational technology access and integration.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

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