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West VirginiaHB 44042026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Increase the allowance for volunteer and part-volunteer fire companies and allowing fire departments to make an expenditure for educational and training supplies and fire prevention promotional materials

Sponsored By: Scot C. Heckert (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§8-15-8B

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Higher cap for volunteer training materials

The law raises the yearly cap for educational and training supplies and fire prevention promotional materials to $5,000 per department. State fund distributions may be used only for listed needs like protective gear; NFPA‑1901 apparatus and equipment; rescue, communications, and ambulance equipment (not for members’ personal vehicles); facility land, building, and maintenance; debt on allowed items; and utilities, internet, and department cell phones. It also allows required immunizations when bought through the state program or the lowest‑cost provider and no no‑ or low‑cost administration is available. Funds may pay insurance, including life insurance up to $20,000 per firefighter, and ordinary operating costs, dues, and workers’ compensation premiums. Food and bottled water are allowed for meals during emergencies, not for fundraising.

New rules for handling state fire funds

Departments must keep state distributions in a separate bank account and not mix them with other money. If other money goes into that account, move the exact amount out within 60 days or it can only be spent under these rules. Refunds from returned or canceled purchases made with state funds must go back into the dedicated account. If an audit finds improper spending, the state deducts that amount from future distributions. Departments may invest these state funds and keep the interest, but cannot mix it with other money or use it as loan collateral, and must keep account and earnings records for five years. Keep all invoices, receipts, and payment records for five calendar years.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Scot C. Heckert

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Michael Amos

    Republican • House

  • Bob Fehrenbacher

    Republican • House

  • Dave Foggin

    Republican • House

  • Rick Hillenbrand

    Republican • House

  • John Paul Hott

    Republican • House

  • Gary G. Howell

    Republican • House

  • Charles Sheedy

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 256 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Effective from passage (Roll No. 479)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 478)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 2/23/2026

Effective from passage (Roll No. 161)

Yes: 94 • No: 0

House vote • 2/23/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 160)

Yes: 94 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026House

  2. To Governor 3/18/2026

    3/18/2026House

  3. To Governor 3/18/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  4. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  5. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  6. House received Senate message

    3/13/2026House

  7. On 3rd reading

    3/12/2026Senate

  8. Read 3rd time

    3/12/2026Senate

  9. Passed Senate (Roll No. 478)

    3/12/2026Senate

  10. Effective from passage (Roll No. 479)

    3/12/2026Senate

  11. Communicated to House

    3/12/2026Senate

  12. Completed legislative action

    3/12/2026Senate

  13. On 2nd reading

    3/11/2026Senate

  14. Read 2nd time

    3/11/2026Senate

  15. Reported do pass

    3/10/2026Senate

  16. Immediate consideration

    3/10/2026Senate

  17. Read 1st time

    3/10/2026Senate

  18. Reported do pass, but first to Finance

    3/4/2026Senate

  19. To Finance

    3/4/2026Senate

  20. Introduced in Senate

    2/24/2026Senate

  21. To Government Organization then Finance

    2/24/2026Senate

  22. To Government Organization

    2/24/2026Senate

  23. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    2/23/2026House

  24. Read 3rd time

    2/23/2026House

  25. Passed House (Roll No. 160)

    2/23/2026House

Bill Text

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