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West VirginiaHB 51682026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

To increase funding for EMS first responders.

Sponsored By: Joe Statler (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§16-4-25§29-22-18H

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Lottery profits dedicated to EMS each year

After required payments, the Lottery Commission sends remaining yearly net profits to EMS funds. The targets are $6 million to the EMS Crisis Response and Mental Health Treatment Fund, $3 million to the County EMS Fund, and $3 million to the All‑County EMS Fund. If less money is available, all three amounts drop proportionally.

Faster approvals for certified data centers and microgrids

The state streamlines rules for certified microgrid districts and certified high‑impact data centers. Cities and counties cannot block them with the local zoning, permits, or licenses listed in the law. The Department of Commerce names a single “Data Economy Liaison” to help move projects faster. State agencies can improve roads, sidewalks, and other local infrastructure to support these projects. Owners and tenants get police and fire protection like other businesses, if services are available. Commerce may issue rules, including emergency rules, to carry out these changes.

Certified projects must pay local taxes, utilities

Owners, operators, managers, tenants, and licensees of certified microgrid districts and certified high‑impact data centers must pay city business taxes, collect and remit sales and use taxes when required, pay property taxes like other businesses, and pay local service fees. They must also pay all utility rates and charges under cost‑based contracts filed with the Public Service Commission. Developers only pay capacity or impact fees when new capital is needed to serve the project, and customers outside the district cannot be charged for lines built only for the district. These projects must also meet the State Building Code for design and construction.

New county EMS funds and formula

The law creates two state EMS funds. One fund pays only counties that have a countywide EMS levy or EMS fee. The other fund pays all counties. The state Office of EMS sends money to county commissions, and counties must pass it to their EMS departments. Payments are split by each county’s share of the relevant population group (eligible counties or all counties).

EMS crisis and mental health support

The EMS Salary Enhancement Fund is renamed the EMS Crisis Response and Mental Health Treatment Fund. The fund can pay for EMS training, equipment, supplies, facility upkeep, and crisis response and mental health treatment. When Lottery money moves into this fund, the first $1,000,000 each year must go to EMS mental health treatment and training. Any of that $1,000,000 not used in a year can be sent to counties. Counties that get these Lottery‑transferred awards must add a 30% local match. The Office of EMS must set distribution rules that favor high‑need counties, counties with an EMS levy or at the levy cap, and counties struggling to keep EMS staff.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joe Statler

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Rick Hillenbrand

    Republican • House

  • John Paul Hott

    Republican • House

  • Gary G. Howell

    Republican • House

  • Daniel Linville

    Republican • House

  • Christopher W. Toney

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 224 • No: 1

House vote • 3/14/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 693)

Yes: 96 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/13/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 559)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 2/23/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 164)

Yes: 94 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026House

  2. To Governor 3/30/2026

    3/30/2026House

  3. House received Senate message

    3/14/2026House

  4. House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 693)

    3/14/2026House

  5. Communicated to Senate

    3/14/2026House

  6. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026House

  7. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  8. To Governor 3/30/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026House

  11. On 3rd reading

    3/13/2026Senate

  12. Read 3rd time

    3/13/2026Senate

  13. Passed Senate (Roll No. 559)

    3/13/2026Senate

  14. Title amendment adopted

    3/13/2026Senate

  15. Senate requests House to concur

    3/13/2026Senate

  16. On 2nd reading

    3/12/2026Senate

  17. Read 2nd time

    3/12/2026Senate

  18. Governemnt Organization com. amendment withdrawn by unanimous consent

    3/12/2026Senate

  19. Finance com. amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/12/2026Senate

  20. Reported do pass, with amendment

    3/11/2026Senate

  21. Immediate consideration

    3/11/2026Senate

  22. Read 1st time

    3/11/2026Senate

  23. Reported do pass, with amendment, but first to Finance

    3/6/2026Senate

  24. To Finance

    3/6/2026Senate

  25. Introduced in Senate

    2/24/2026Senate

Bill Text

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