Supplemental appropriation to Department Health Facilities, fund 0413
Summary
SB819 is a supplemental appropriations bill that adds a new general revenue appropriation for the Department of Health Facilities for fiscal year 2026. Specifically, it increases funding for the William R. Sharpe Jr. Hospital, a state mental health facility, by appropriating surplus general revenue to the hospital’s current expenses. The bill is tied to the Governor’s budget statement and the existence of an unappropriated surplus balance available for appropriation in the State Treasury.
The measure does not create a new program or change substantive health policy; instead, it authorizes an additional spending item within existing appropriations for Fund 0413, Organization 0512, under Chapter 16 of the West Virginia Code. Because it is effective from passage, the appropriation became available immediately for use during the remainder of fiscal year 2026. Its practical effect is to provide additional operating support for William R. Sharpe Jr. Hospital and the Department of Health Facilities.
Impact
SB819 amends the state’s fiscal year 2026 appropriations law by adding $994,906 in surplus general revenue to the Department of Health Facilities, specifically for current expenses at William R. Sharpe Jr. Hospital. It affects state budget administration rather than regulatory law, and it directs additional funds to a state-operated health facility serving behavioral health or psychiatric care needs. The bill has immediate effect and therefore authorizes the spending without delay during fiscal year 2026.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the Senate 32-0 and the House 88-0, and both chambers approved it as effective from passage. The unanimous votes suggest general agreement that the supplemental funding was necessary or appropriate, with no recorded opposition in the available materials.
Contention
No committee testimony or recorded debate is available, and the roll-call votes show no opposition. As a result, there is no documented substantive contention in the provided record. The only likely policy consideration is the allocation of surplus general revenue to a specific state hospital, but the legislative history provided does not show disagreement over that choice.