West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB5297

Introduced
2/6/26  

Caption

Supplemental Appropriation to the Department of Health Facilities - William R. Sharpe Hospital from the Unappropriated Surplus Balance.

Impact

The passage of HB 5297 is significant for public health policy as it directly impacts the state's funding structure for health facilities. If enacted, this bill would reinforce the financial support for the William R. Sharpe Jr. Hospital, potentially enabling better patient care and improved services. The allocation of the surplus funds indicates a prioritization of healthcare resources during a crucial fiscal period, which may lead to enhanced operational capabilities for state health facilities.

Summary

House Bill 5297 is a legislative proposal introduced to supplement and amend appropriations from the unappropriated surplus balance in the State Fund, General Revenue to the Department of Health Facilities. The bill aims to provide additional funding specifically for the William R. Sharpe Jr. Hospital for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. By allocating these funds, the bill intends to enhance the operations and services of health facilities within West Virginia, particularly benefitting the designated hospital.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 5297 appears to be generally supportive among legislators and health advocates who view the increased funding as a necessary and positive step towards strengthening the state's health infrastructure. However, some may raise questions regarding the overall long-term financial health of the state's budget and the sustainability of such appropriations. The discussions reflect a consensus on the importance of healthcare funding amidst the ongoing challenges facing public health facilities.

Contention

While HB 5297 garners support for its immediate intentions, discussions may arise regarding the broader implications of relying on surplus funds for health facilities. Critics may contend that such a supplemental appropriation could lead to future challenges in the state budget, particularly if similar funding needs arise without a proportional increase in state revenues. Furthermore, the reliance on surplus balances raises questions about fiscal discipline and prioritization of other pressing state needs within various sectors.

Companion Bills

WV SB819

Similar To Supplemental appropriation to Department Health Facilities, fund 0413

Previously Filed As

WV HB3512

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

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 SB772

Decreasing appropriation to Department of Health Facilities

WV HB3519

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

WV SB607

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

WV HB3357

Supplemental Appropriation - Lottery Surplus - Hope Scholarship

WV SB1001

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

WV HB3371

Supplemental Appropriation - - HLFC to OIG Net Zero

WV HB101

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

WV HB3361

Supplemental Appropriation - Health, Birth to Three

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.