West Virginia House Bill HB5317

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 Commerce - Division of Natural Resources from the Unappropriated Surplus Balance.

Summary

HB5317 is a supplemental appropriations bill that adds $10,000,000 in General Revenue surplus funds to the West Virginia Department of Commerce, Division of Natural Resources for fiscal year 2026. The new appropriation is placed in the Division’s “Capital Outlay, Repairs and Equipment – Surplus” line item, indicating the money is intended for capital improvements, repairs, and equipment purchases rather than ongoing operating costs. The bill does not create a new program or change regulatory authority; instead, it amends the state budget by increasing spending authority for the Division of Natural Resources from the unappropriated surplus balance in the State Fund, General Revenue. It is effective from passage, so the appropriation became available immediately upon enactment.

Impact

HB5317 changes West Virginia’s fiscal year 2026 appropriations by adding a one-time $10 million surplus appropriation to the Division of Natural Resources within the Department of Commerce. It affects the state budget and the Division’s capital outlay, repair, and equipment funding, but it does not amend substantive provisions of the West Virginia Code beyond the appropriations act itself. The practical effect is to authorize the use of surplus general revenue for DNR infrastructure and equipment needs.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the House by a large margin and the Senate unanimously, and both chambers also approved effective-from-passage action. The voting pattern suggests general agreement that the Division of Natural Resources should receive additional surplus funding for capital and equipment needs.

Contention

There is little evidence of substantive contention in the available record. No committee transcripts are provided, and the votes show overwhelming support in both chambers, with only one dissenting vote in the House and none in the Senate. Any disagreement, if present, likely concerned the use of surplus general revenue or the size and timing of the appropriation, but the record does not identify specific objections or opponents.