Budget & Taxes (State Budget)

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 29, 2026

HB 4428: Requiring 50 percent of all reappropriated revenue accounts to be surrendered to general revenue

This bill requires West Virginia's Treasurer to transfer 50% of unused funds in special revenue accounts (like those set aside for specific projects) into the main state budget within 30 days. It applies to all such accounts except where federal law, repayment obligations, or bond security would be jeopardized. The Treasurer cannot make new transfers from these accounts until the initial 50% transfer is completed. This changes how the state handles leftover funds from targeted revenue sources, directing them toward general state spending.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects unused special revenue funds to general budget, increasing fiscal flexibility and funding for broader state priorities without defunding specific programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Revenue State Budget

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 15, 2026

HB 4388: Creating a special revenue account to expand in-state residential treatment capacity for children

HB 4388 creates a special revenue account to expand in-state residential treatment services for children, aiming to reduce reliance on out-of-state placements. It establishes a commission within the Department of Human Services, including agency leaders from child welfare, behavioral health, education, and juvenile justice, to study current placement practices and develop strategies for improvement. The commission will focus on increasing in-state facility capacity, reducing out-of-state placements (starting with older youth in juvenile justice), and improving coordination among agencies, families, and service providers through collaborative approaches like shared resources and updated placement information systems.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates special revenue account to fund in-state child treatment services, advancing public spending on essential programs without tax changes.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands in-state mental health treatment capacity for children via dedicated funding and interagency commission, directly supporting pediatric behavioral health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Mental Health

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 15, 2026

HB 4367: Allowing for surplus money collected above voter approved excess levy requests to remain with specific county and placed in general fund

HB 4367 allows counties that receive voter approval for a special excess levy to retain any surplus funds collected above the specific amount approved by voters. These surplus funds would remain with the county and be added to its general fund, rather than being redirected elsewhere. The bill amends West Virginia Code §11-8-16 to clarify that counties must retain such surplus money, which must be accounted for in the county's general fund and used like other general fund revenues. This directly affects counties that have approved special excess levies through voter elections. The change ensures counties can use unspent levy funds for general county purposes without needing additional voter approval.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill clarifies counties must retain surplus levy funds in general fund, promoting fiscal responsibility and proper budget management per tax code amendment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 26, 2026

HB 4833: To remove the cap for municipalities on their stabilization fund

HB 4833 removes a 30% cap on municipal stabilization funds in West Virginia, allowing cities and towns to set higher funding levels without restriction. Currently, a municipality's stabilization fund cannot exceed 30% of its general fund budget; this bill eliminates that maximum limit. The change would directly affect all West Virginia municipalities by giving them greater flexibility to build financial reserves from surplus funds.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRemoves 30% cap on municipal stabilization funds, promoting fiscal flexibility and reserve building within budget management framework.85% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 21, 2026

HB 4633: Enrollment Stabilizer for Budget Planning

HB 4633, titled "Enrollment Stabilizer for Budget Planning," adds §18-9A-29 to West Virginia law to stabilize school funding calculations. The bill requires county school boards to use the highest of three enrollment measures when calculating state aid: actual enrollment, 98% of the prior year’s enrollment, or a three-year rolling average. This mechanism aims to reduce budget volatility caused by annual enrollment fluctuations for public schools. The change directly affects all West Virginia county school boards and their budget planning under the Public School Support Program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesStabilizes school funding by preventing budget cuts from enrollment drops, promoting fiscal responsibility in public education spending through consistent state aid calculations.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationStabilizes school funding by preventing cuts from enrollment fluctuations, directly protecting education budget stability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget School Funding

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 14, 2026

HB 4082: Require the West Virginia Department of Education to provide a complete and in-depth budget for review to the Legislature.

HB 4082 requires the West Virginia State Board of Education to submit a complete, annual budget to the Legislature for review. This budget must detail all funds received and spent by the Board, including all educational spending. The bill directly affects the State Board of Education, mandating greater transparency in how education funds are allocated. It does not change funding levels or education programs, but ensures the Legislature receives comprehensive budget information each year. This procedural requirement aims to improve legislative oversight of education spending.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates detailed annual budget transparency for legislative review, promoting fiscal accountability without altering funding levels or tax policies.90% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 29, 2026

HB 4427: Relating to “unencumbered” special revenue accounts to be surrendered to general revenue under certain circumstances

HB 4427 amends West Virginia law to require state agencies to transfer 25% of funds from "unencumbered" special revenue accounts - those with no activity (receiving or disbursing) for a period - to the General Revenue Fund. It directly affects state agencies managing special accounts (e.g., for education, infrastructure, or specific programs) that hold dormant funds. The key provision mandates this transfer after accounts remain inactive, ensuring unused funds support broader state spending rather than sitting idle. This policy change focuses on reallocating unspent resources without specifying new program requirements or impacts on beneficiaries.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesTransfers dormant special funds to general revenue, promoting fiscal responsibility by utilizing idle budget resources without new taxes or spending cuts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue State Budget

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 14, 2026

HB 4144: To require the state to pay all state employees a $500 Holiday Bonus (Christmas) if state surplus revenues exceed 100$ million annually

HB 4144 would require West Virginia to pay eligible state employees a $500 Christmas bonus annually if the state's surplus revenues exceed $100 million in a given year. The bonus applies to state employees with at least three years of service and is paid in addition to any other salary increases approved by the Legislature. This provision directly affects state workers meeting the service requirement, contingent on the state having sufficient excess funds. The bill does not specify how surplus revenue is calculated or who administers the payment, focusing solely on the bonus trigger and eligibility.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesUses surplus revenue to fund employee bonuses, promoting responsible fiscal management of excess state funds.90% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

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