West Virginia Senate Bill SB793

West Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/17/25
• Refer: 3/17/25

Caption

Creating reporting requirements for use of state-owned aircraft

Summary

SB 793 creates new reporting and transparency requirements for the use of state-owned aircraft by West Virginia state agencies. Under the bill, all state agencies except the West Virginia State Police would have to submit a Flight Request Form to the Aviation Division before using a state-owned aircraft, and the purpose of the flight would have to be certified before the flight is approved. The bill also requires the Aviation Division to publish an online log of all flights, including pertinent information such as the purpose of each flight, and to update that log at least every four weeks. In effect, the measure adds a formal approval step and public reporting requirement for state aircraft use, while leaving the State Police exempt from the new process.

Impact

The bill would add a new section to West Virginia Code §5A-3-52a within the Purchasing Division article, expanding administrative oversight of state-owned aircraft use. It would impose new procedural duties on state agencies and the Aviation Division, require public disclosure of flight information on a recurring basis, and create a new transparency framework for state aircraft operations. The main affected parties are state agencies that use aircraft, the Aviation Division, and the public, which would gain access to flight logs.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and available context, the overall sentiment appears neutral to favorable toward transparency and accountability. The measure is framed as an administrative reporting bill rather than a controversial policy change, and there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes indicating opposition or support. Its stated purpose suggests an emphasis on oversight of government aircraft use.

Contention

The primary point of potential contention is the added administrative burden on state agencies and the Aviation Division, which would need to certify flight purposes and maintain a public log on a regular schedule. Another possible issue is the exemption for the West Virginia State Police, which may raise questions about why one agency is treated differently from others. No specific objections or supporters are documented in the available materials.