West Virginia 2024 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB5452

Introduced

2/5/24

Refer

2/5/24

Caption

Supplementing and amending appropriations to the Department of Administration, Public Defender Services

Impact

If passed, the bill will adjust the total appropriations within the state's general revenue fund, allowing new items of expenditure for the Public Defender Services. This change is particularly significant for the legal system as it seeks to enhance the availability and quality of legal defense for indigent defendants. The introduction of this additional funding could alleviate pressures faced by public defenders, ensuring that they are better equipped to handle the cases assigned to them and improve overall legal outcomes in the state.

Summary

House Bill 5452 proposes to supplement and amend appropriations for the Department of Administration, specifically aimed at the Public Defender Services in West Virginia. The bill arises from the Governor's financial report indicating an unappropriated surplus balance available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. With this amendment, the bill aims to ensure that adequate funding is directed towards public defense, reflecting the state's commitment to uphold legal representation for those who cannot afford it.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 5452 is generally supportive among those advocating for enhanced public defense services. However, there are concerns regarding the overall funding for state services and the prioritization of the budget. Advocates for public defenders celebrate the bill as a necessary step towards ensuring justice for all citizens, while critics may raise questions about the long-term sustainability of such funding increases in the state's budgetary priorities.

Contention

While support for enhancing public defender funding is apparent, contention may arise regarding the allocation of surplus funds and the impact of this additional funding on other state programs. There may be discussions or debates around how this decision influences overall state budget strategies and whether it sets a precedent for future appropriations. Stakeholders will likely examine if such funding applications meet the growing demands for public defender services without detracting from other essential services.

Latest WV HB5452 Activity

View All Events: WV 2024 Regular Session HB5452

Companion Bills

WV SB658

Similar To Supplementing and amending appropriations to Department of Administration, Public Defender Services

Previously Filed As

WV HB5282

Supplemental Appropriation to the Department of Administration-Public Defender Services from the Unappropriated Surplus Balance

WV SB783

Supplemental appropriation to Public Defender Services

WV SB1001

Supplementing and amending appropriations to Department of Health and Department of Human Services

WV HB101

Supplementing and amending appropriations to the Department of Health and Department of Human Services

WV SB935

Supplementing and amending appropriations to Department of Homeland Security

WV SB1005

Supplementing and amending appropriations to Department of Education, BOE

WV SB937

Supplementing and amending appropriations to Department of Economic Development

WV SB936

Supplementing and amending appropriations to Department of Arts, Culture, and History

WV SB1008

Supplementing and amending appropriations to Department of Veterans’ Assistance

WV HB108

Supplementing and amending appropriations to the Department of Veterans’ Assistance

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB0390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.