Supplemental appropriation to Department of Homeland Security, fund 0443
Summary
SB 791 is a supplemental appropriations bill that increases an existing fiscal year 2026 general revenue appropriation for the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security, Division of Emergency Management. The bill adds $230,000 to the division’s current expenses line item in Fund 0443, Organization 0606, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.
The measure does not create a new program or change substantive regulatory law; instead, it authorizes the use of an unappropriated balance in the State Fund, General Revenue, to provide additional operating support to the Division of Emergency Management. Because it is an appropriations bill, its practical effect is to adjust state spending authority for emergency management operations under Chapter 15 of the West Virginia Code.
Impact
SB 791 amends the state budget for fiscal year 2026 by increasing general revenue spending authority for the Department of Homeland Security’s Division of Emergency Management by $230,000. It affects the appropriations structure in the state budget, specifically Fund 0443, Organization 0606, and allows the division to spend additional money for current expenses. The bill does not amend the underlying emergency management statutes, but it directly impacts the agency’s available resources and the state’s general revenue balance.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the Senate unanimously and the House by large margins, and it was made effective from passage, indicating legislative agreement that the supplemental funding was needed. The absence of committee transcript debate also suggests limited public contention or sustained opposition.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record. The only likely point of discussion would have been whether the unappropriated general revenue balance should be used for this supplemental emergency management expense and whether the amount was appropriate. However, the strong bipartisan vote totals in both chambers indicate that any concerns were minimal and did not produce meaningful opposition.