West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB5282

Introduced

2/6/26

Refer

2/6/26

Caption

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

Impact

The primary impact of HB5282 is on the funding of public defense services in West Virginia, as it proposes to add new appropriation items for appointed counsel fees and public defender corporations. Ensuring adequate funding for these services is crucial, as it directly affects the state's ability to provide legal defense to individuals unable to afford private counsel. This enhancement in funding is expected to improve the functionality and accessibility of legal representation for underprivileged communities within the state.

Summary

House Bill 5282 is a supplemental appropriation bill introduced in the West Virginia Legislature, which seeks to allocate funds from the unappropriated surplus balance of the State Fund, General Revenue. Specifically, the bill aims to augment funding for the Department of Administration, particularly focusing on Public Defender Services, as part of the budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. This type of legislation is typically meant to address unexpected budgetary needs that arise after the original budget has been established, allowing for timely resource allocation.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment regarding HB5282 appears to be pragmatic, focusing on the necessity of securing adequate funding for public defense services. Lawmakers may recognize the importance of maintaining a robust public defender system, although there may be differing opinions on how best to allocate state resources. This reflects a broader consensus on the need for effective legal support systems, though specific budgetary decisions can lead to heated discussions.

Contention

While there seems to be general support for the intention behind the bill, notable points of contention may arise regarding the specific amounts appropriated and the prioritization of this funding against other potential budgetary needs. Stakeholders may argue about whether sufficient oversight mechanisms are in place for the deployment of these funds and how they align with the overall fiscal health of the state budget. Additionally, discussions could center around the implications for other departments and services that may experience funding constraints as a result of these adjustments.

Latest WV HB5282 Activity

View All Events: WV 2026 Regular Session HB5282

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV SB783

Supplemental appropriation to Public Defender Services

WV HB3363

Supplemental Appropriation Public Defender

WV HB3512

Expiring funds to the unappropriated surplus balance from the Department of Administration, Division of General Services

WV HB3519

Expiring funds to the unappropriated surplus balance of the State Fund, General Revenue

WV HB111

Expiring funds to the unappropriated surplus balance in the State Fund, General Revenue, from the Department Revenue, State Budget Office, PEIA Rainy Day Fund

WV SB607

Expiring funds to unappropriated surplus balance in State Fund from Economic Development Fund

WV SB769

Supplemental appropriation to Department of Administration, Office of Secretary

WV SB778

Supplemental appropriation to Department of Human Services

WV SB766

Supplemental appropriation to Department of Human Services

WV HB3357

Supplemental Appropriation - Lottery Surplus - Hope Scholarship

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.