West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB5315

Introduced

2/6/26

Refer

2/6/26

Caption

Supplemental Appropriation to the Department of Commerce - Division of Forestry from Federal Funds.

Impact

The passage of HB5315 will likely have a positive impact on state laws concerning forestry management and state resources. By providing additional funding, the bill aims to bolster the capacity of the Division of Forestry to undertake necessary initiatives such as reforestation, forest management programs, and wildfire prevention efforts. It enhances state capacity to leverage federal funds for local environmental projects further, potentially improving community engagement and resource sustainability.

Summary

House Bill 5315 establishes a supplemental appropriation from federal funds to support the Department of Commerce, specifically for its Division of Forestry. The bill aims to enhance the financial resources available to the division for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. It includes provisions to increase appropriated amounts for personal services and operational expenses. This funding is intended to enable the division to effectively manage and execute its responsibilities, particularly those related to forestry resource management and conservation efforts within the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB5315 has been generally supportive, particularly from legislators who emphasize the importance of adequate funding for environmental and forestry initiatives. Stakeholders within the forestry management community view the supplemental appropriation as a crucial step toward ensuring that the Division of Forestry can meet its obligations effectively. However, there are concerns from some that reliance on federal funds may create vulnerabilities in fiscal planning and dependency.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding HB5315 is balancing the dependency on federal resources while ensuring sustainable funding practices in the long term. Critics of similar appropriation bills often raise concerns about the implications of continued reliance on federal funds for local initiatives, and whether this may detract from developing independent state funding mechanisms. Advocates argue that the benefits of receiving federal funding to address local needs far outweigh the potential downsides, especially given the urgent nature of forestry management challenges.

Latest WV HB5315 Activity

View All Events: WV 2026 Regular Session HB5315

Companion Bills

WV SB875

Similar To Supplemental appropriation to Department of Commerce, fund 8703

Previously Filed As

WV SB789

Supplemental appropriation to Department of Commerce

WV SB787

Supplemental appropriation to Department of Health

WV SB774

Supplemental appropriation to Department of Health, WV Birth to Three Fund

WV SB777

Supplemental appropriation to Department of Veterans' Assistance Fund

WV SB788

Supplemental appropriation to Department of Human Services

WV HB3353

Supplemental Appropriation - Commerce - iHub

WV HB102

Supplementing and amending appropriations to the Department of Transportation, Division of Highways

WV SB784

Supplemental appropriation to Division of General Services

WV HB3511

Supplementing and amending appropriations to the Department of Arts, Culture, and History, Division of Culture and History

WV SB1010

Making supplementary appropriation to Department of Administration, Office of Technology reorganization

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.