West Virginia 2024 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB5494

Introduced
2/6/24  

Caption

Making supplemental appropriations to the Public Service Commission

Impact

The passage of HB 5494 is expected to provide critical funding needed for these divisions to perform their regulatory duties, which include overseeing the safety and operation of motor carriers and gas pipelines. Adequate funding is essential for maintaining compliance with federal regulations and ensuring public safety. This bill signifies the state's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and regulatory frameworks governing essential services in transportation and energy sectors.

Summary

House Bill 5494 is designed as a supplemental appropriation bill, which seeks to appropriate additional federal funds to the Public Service Commission of West Virginia for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Specifically, the bill allocates funds to two divisions within the Commission: the Motor Carrier Division and the Gas Pipeline Division. The appropriations aim to enhance the capacity of these divisions to manage their operational responsibilities effectively.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 5494 appears to be generally supportive as it addresses a crucial need for funding in regulatory capacities. Stakeholders and legislators recognize the significance of the Public Service Commission's work and the necessity of ensuring that operational funds are available to maintain regulatory integrity. However, there may be underlying concerns about the dependency on federal funds and the implications of federal oversight on state regulations.

Contention

Although no significant points of contention were highlighted during the discussions surrounding HB 5494, it is important to consider the broader implications of relying on supplemental appropriations. Critics might argue that recurrent reliance on federal funds for state operations could jeopardize budget autonomy. Nevertheless, the bill's proponents emphasize the importance of securing necessary funds to uphold safety standards and effective regulatory oversight.

Companion Bills

WV SB704

Similar To Supplementing and amending appropriations to PSC, Motor Carrier Division

Previously Filed As

WV SB783

Supplemental appropriation to Public Defender Services

WV SB778

Supplemental appropriation to Department of Human Services

WV SB1006

Making supplementary appropriation to Bureau for Medical Services, Policy and Programming, and to BOE

WV SB784

Supplemental appropriation to Division of General Services

WV HB3364

Supplemental Appropriation - SAPR - Fire Commission

WV HB3352

Supplemental Appropriation - Human Services - Medicaid

WV SB767

Supplemental appropriation to Bureau for Medical Services

WV SB1007

Supplementing and amending appropriations to Higher Education Policy Commission, Control Account

WV SB788

Supplemental appropriation to Department of Human Services

WV SB766

Supplemental appropriation to Department of Human Services

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.