West Virginia House Bill HB5307

West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/26
• Refer: 2/6/26
• Engrossed: 3/12/26
• Enrolled: 3/14/26
• Passed: 3/14/26

Caption

Supplemental Appropriation to the Department of Tourism- Division of Culture and History from the Unappropriated Surplus Balance.

Summary

HB5307 makes a supplemental appropriation from West Virginia’s unappropriated general revenue surplus to the Department of Tourism, specifically for the Division of Culture and History. The bill adds a new fiscal year 2026 appropriation for capital outlay, repairs, and equipment, funded at $10,000,000, and is effective immediately upon passage. In practical terms, the measure authorizes the use of surplus state funds for one-time infrastructure and equipment needs within the Department of Tourism’s cultural and historical operations. It does not create a new program or change substantive regulatory law; instead, it adjusts the state budget by increasing available spending authority for the specified division and purpose.

Impact

The bill amends the fiscal year 2026 appropriations for Fund 0293, Organization 0304, under the Department of Tourism, by adding a $10 million general revenue surplus appropriation for capital outlay, repairs, and equipment. Its legal effect is limited to state budgeting and spending authority, directing surplus funds to the Division of Culture and History and potentially supporting facilities, maintenance, and equipment upgrades. It does not alter the underlying provisions of West Virginia Code Chapter 29, but it does change how state funds may be expended in FY 2026.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the House by a large margin, 87-3, and the Senate unanimously after a constitutional rule suspension, with no committee transcript indicating debate or opposition. The votes suggest general agreement that the surplus appropriation was an appropriate use of available state funds.

Contention

No major points of contention are evident in the available record. The only visible opposition came from a small number of House members in the initial passage vote, while the Senate vote was unanimous. Because there are no committee transcripts, the specific reasons for any dissent are not documented, but the bill’s narrow purpose and one-time spending nature likely limited controversy.