All Roll Calls
Yes: 520 • No: 66
West VirginiaSB 2502026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
Budget Bill
Sponsored By: Randy E. Smith (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
36 provisions identified: 35 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
More funding to keep Medicaid care running
The law funds Medicaid and related medical services for FY2027. It provides $877,004,238 for the Medicaid state share, including $541,140 for administration. It adds $74,364,956 to the Medical Services Trust Fund to pay backlogged bills, required state match, and disproportionate share payments. It also adds $80,408,495 and $20,545,488 from excess lottery sources and $6,600,000 from special revenue transfers. Hospital services receive $86,995,646, including $27,800,000 from the trust fund. Some amounts are available only after required lottery priorities or from FY2026 surpluses.
Federal grants funded for FY2027
The law allows $9.729 billion in federal funds to be spent in FY2027. It also sets aside $725.016 million in federal block grants for programs like TANF, child care, and maternal and child health. Spending must follow state code rules in Article 2, Chapter 11B and Article 11, Chapter 4. This funding keeps many federal–state programs running from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.
Bigger push for roads and broadband
The state invests $2.06 billion in roads and bridges for FY2027, plus $238.0 million to expand broadband. It also sends $30.0 million to the Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council, $10.0 million to reclaim abandoned and dilapidated property, and $5.0 million for flood resiliency. The $30.0 million, $10.0 million, and $5.0 million come only from surplus as of July 31, 2026.
More help for K-12 students and families
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state funds K–12 schools at about $2.01 billion for operations, pensions, and insurance. The Department of Education gets $223.5 million for targeted help: $120,000 to cover AP/CLEP exam fees for low‑income students, $2 million for child hunger solutions, $5 million for Tri‑share programs, and $3 million for digital literacy tutoring and resources. The law also moves teacher retirement savings into the state pension and health fund. The Hope Scholarship gets $60 million from surplus as of July 31, 2026; if the surplus is smaller, funding is limited to what is available.
More money for school buildings
The state puts $153.9 million into the School Construction Fund for FY2027, including $152.3 million for grants and $1.54 million for SBA administration. It also funds SBA debt service: $18.0 million (with $2.77 million that can move to construction) and $19.0 million (with $1.76 million that can move to construction). Another $34.0 million is transferred into the School Construction Fund. This supports school building and repair across the state.
State budget keeps services funded
The FY2027 budget sets $5.485 billion in general revenue to keep state services running. The law also pays out taxes due to counties and cities that are held in the state treasury, including land redemptions, public‑service company payments, and tax forfeitures.
More home care and meals for seniors
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state transfers $6,580,366 to support the Medicaid waiver for seniors. Lottery net profits add $14,750,000 for senior Medicaid transfers and $2,000,000 for in‑home services and nutrition. Lottery funds are available only from surplus earned by June 30, 2026 and for use in FY2027. These dollars pay providers for covered home and community services for eligible seniors.
More support for Birth‑to‑Three
The law provides $45,895,821 for the West Virginia Birth‑to‑Three program in FY2027. The money funds early intervention services for infants and toddlers and their families. Families who qualify can get program support funded by this appropriation.
More scholarship funds for college students
Beginning July 1, 2026, $18.5 million moves into the PROMISE Scholarship Fund, and another $29.0 million also goes to PROMISE for FY2027. PROMISE awards are limited to the money available. The law shifts $15.0 million into the Tuition Fee Capital Improvement Fund to improve campus facilities. Any unspent FY2026 money for Advanced Technology Centers remains available in FY2027.
Money ready for refundable tax credits
The state sets aside $10,000,000 to reimburse refundable personal income tax credits under state law. The State Tax Commissioner decides how much is needed. The Lottery Director transfers the amount when requested. This keeps taxpayer refunds for these credits funded.
Grants to grow local businesses
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Division of Economic Development gets $16,844,700, including named grants and a matching program for local partnerships capped at $50,000 per county. Any unspent Recreational Grants or Economic Development Loans from FY2026 remain available in FY2027. The Racing Commission receives $2,000,000 for Special Breeders Compensation under state law. These funds support local projects, training, and industry programs.
Core administration, buildings, and IT funding
Starting July 1, 2026, the state funds core operations and facilities. It provides $16,223,859 for the Department of Administration, $825,887 for Finance (including $680,800 for GAAP work), and $26,463,626 for General Services to repair and equip state buildings. It transfers $900,000 to Personnel and $7,000,000 to the Office of Technology. Unspent FY2026 technology funds for cybersecurity, the data center, and telephony can be used in FY2027.
Lottery and tobacco funds directed
The Lottery Director must split net profits across accounts in proportion to their appropriations and first meet statutory debt‑service needs. The state transfers $65 million from the Lottery Commission general‑purpose account to the General Revenue Fund. Any unspent Lottery Surplus for Governor publications and transition carries into FY2027. The state transfers $800,000 in excess lottery surplus to the Racing Commission for FY2027 and passes $80 million in tobacco‑settlement money through to the trustee.
More support for public defenders
Starting July 1, 2026, Public Defender Services receives $46,010,978. This funds public defender corporations and appointed counsel fees. Any listed unspent FY2026 balances carry into FY2027, and the Director can move money to cover appointed counsel fees. This keeps indigent defense services operating across the state.
Parks, wildlife, and tourism funding
The state funds parks, wildlife, and tourism starting July 1, 2026. It provides $31,658,977 for Natural Resources and requires park mineral revenue to first pay bond debt, then park operations and improvements. It adds $28,477,800 to the DNR License Fund and $15,045,000 to the State Parks Endowment for repairs, equipment, buildings, land, and expenses. Tourism gets $21,050,127, including $15,000,000 for brand promotion and $250,000 each for Mountwood Park and Appalachian Outlaw Trails. Unspent FY2026 funds listed are available again in FY2027.
Purchasing and Auditor fund transfers
The law funds purchasing and Auditor operations and sets transfer rules. It gives $1,024,457 to the Division of Purchasing, with Highways reimbursing actual costs under §17-2A-13. It provides $4,729,516 for the Auditor’s Land Operating Fund and allows land-sale expenses to be paid from fees. It funds $4,525,842 in local purchasing‑card rebates and requires other purchasing‑card transfers, including $15,676,867 to listed funds under §12-3-10d. Half of deposits to the Auditor’s technology fund must be sent to the Treasurer’s technology fund.
More money for roads and transit
The state moves $125 million to the Division of Highways and $10 million to the Neighborhood Access Road Fund from surplus as of July 31, 2026 for FY2027 projects. The DMV gets $76,031,606 to run services, buy equipment, and cover building and insurance costs. The State Rail Authority gets $2,809,484, and unspent FY2026 Other Assets funds carry into FY2027. $30,000 supports the Sistersville Ferry. The Commissioner of Highways, with the Governor’s approval, can add or move funds for Appalachian Programs as needs arise.
Water, parks, and emergency radios funded
Beginning July 1, 2026, $7,807,802 goes to Environmental Protection and $647,500 moves into the Drinking Water Treatment Revolving Fund. The state provides $5,500,000 to keep the interoperable emergency radio system working. State parks receive $1,505,000 from excess lottery funds, and any unspent FY2026 balances carry into FY2027. $46,000,000 from excess lottery revenue goes to the Infrastructure Transfer Fund, subject to statutory priorities. $250,000 of WVU Jackson’s Mill funds supports the State Fire Training Academy.
Human services funding with guardrails
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Department of Human Services receives $202,097,379 for FY2027. The Secretary can move up to 5% between appropriations, but cannot move money into Personal Services and Employee Benefits. The law funds child support work (including up to $300,000 to offset uncollectible funds), behavioral health and recovery services (including $900,000 for Recovery Point), and education costs for children in out‑of‑state placements (not special education). It also directs specific transfers into dedicated funds for children and families’ programs.
Funding for public colleges and programs
The law funds public colleges and key programs. Marshall gets $62.17 million, including $1.0 million for the National Youth Science Academy, $100,000 for the Minority Health Institute, and $2.06 million for the Autism Training Center. West Virginia State gets $18.45 million with $800,000 for Healthy Grandfamilies, $250,000 for an LPN‑to‑BSN program, and $5.0 million for a land‑grant match. Bluefield $7.37 million; Concord $12.04 million; Fairmont $21.43 million; Glenville $8.23 million plus a $5.0 million one‑time surplus; Shepherd $14.13 million; West Liberty $10.88 million; WVNET $2.03 million. These funds keep campus services and student support running. Unspent FY2026 earmark balances carry into FY2027 where stated.
State will cover bond shortfalls
The Governor may advance enough money to cover any shortfall in the Mortgage Finance Bond Insurance fund or Municipal Bond Commission funds. The Municipal Bond Commission must repay the State from the first remittance collected, with interest at the bond rate. This protects required bond payments if an agency or local district fails to send funds on time.
Medical cannabis program stays funded
The state provides $2,555,698 in FY2027 to run the medical cannabis program. The money pays staff and program costs so services continue for registered patients and businesses.
Sheltered workshop funding protected
Starting July 1, 2026, Workshop Development funds must be used only with private nonprofit work centers (sheltered workshops). The law keeps support in place for people with disabilities who get services at these centers.
More money to teachers’ pensions
The state transfers $40,528,000 in FY2027 to the Teachers’ Accumulation Fund. This supports teacher retirement funding and helps keep pensions on track.
Court tech and help for victims
The Supreme Court receives $100,000 for technology in FY2027. The Crime Victims Compensation Fund provides $2,648,284 for eligible victim payments and program costs. The state also pays claims against the state using $160,656 from general revenue and $695,307 from road funds. These payments are available during FY2027.
Culture, history, and minority programs
Beginning July 1, 2026, Culture and History gets $6,689,995, including $55,500 for the Clay Center and $1,000,000 for Save the Children. The Governor’s Minority Affairs Fund receives $277,084 for staff, the MLK Day celebration, and other expenses. These funds support community, cultural, and outreach work in FY2027.
Elections, ethics, and appeals funded
Starting July 1, 2026, the law funds several oversight bodies. It provides $7,508 to the State Election Commission, $1,178,156 to the Public Employees Grievance Board, $673,154 to the Ethics Commission, and $65,550 for the Commission on Uniform State Laws. It also provides $1,223,334 to the Office of Tax Appeals and lets it carry over unspent FY2026 current expenses to FY2027.
Military and public safety support
Unspent FY2026 balances for the Adjutant General’s listed programs remain available in FY2027. The law guarantees at least $3,680,654 for the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy. It transfers $32,000 to help pay funeral costs for eligible law‑enforcement, safety, and emergency workers. It also keeps any unspent FY2026 Corrections capital and maintenance funds available in FY2027.
Lottery funds pay debts and projects
The state sends $60.27 million in lottery profits to many named funds, including $20.0 million for state debt reduction. It pays $2.032 million in debt service for Cacapon and Beech Fork State Parks and $4.395 million for other state‑park lottery debt. These payments support obligations and park projects.
One-time local grants from surplus
The state grants $250,000 to Cabell County for Lily’s Place and $100,000 to Monroe County for the Willow Bend Agricultural Innovation Center. These one‑time grants are paid only from surplus accrued by July 31, 2026 and are available in FY2027.
Support for Guard members and armories
The law provides $17.08 million for the State Militia and related programs, plus $78,887 for the Military Fund in FY2027. The Adjutant General may transfer money to the State Armory Board to run and maintain armories and may move funds between appropriations. This supports Guard education, youth training, and drug‑enforcement efforts.
Repairs for state health facilities
Beginning July 1, 2026, $550,000 is set aside for capital repairs and maintenance at state health facilities. The Secretary may shift funds among listed capital accounts to address the most urgent projects. This keeps hospitals and clinics in working order.
Rural health outreach keeps going
Beginning July 1, 2026, WVU’s School of Medicine has $174,202 for Rural Health Outreach. Any unspent FY2026 outreach funds carry into FY2027. This supports ongoing rural health efforts.
Safer mines and more training
Starting July 1, 2026, miners’ health and safety gets $12.95 million, including $500,000 for coal‑mine training in southern West Virginia. The Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety gets $360,281, with up to $29,000 for its Safety and Technical Review Committee.
Tax systems and reserves strengthened
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Department of Revenue directs funding to the Personal Income Tax Reserve Fund. Any unspent Unclassified funds from FY2026 carry into FY2027. The Tax Division receives $32,263,563, including $3,700,000 to upgrade tax technology. These steps support smoother tax administration and future refund needs.
Agencies cover their retirement costs
Starting July 1, 2026, divisions that use special or federal funds must pay their share of retirement costs. If there is no specific appropriation, payments may come from special‑fund balances above specific appropriations. This rule applies to agencies like Highways, Motor Vehicles, and the Public Service Commission.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Randy E. Smith
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Mike Woelfel
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/5/2026
House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 354)
Yes: 68 • No: 15
Senate vote • 3/5/2026
Effective from passage (Roll No. 359)
Yes: 33 • No: 0
House vote • 3/5/2026
Effective from passage (Roll No. 355)
Yes: 78 • No: 5
Senate vote • 3/5/2026
Senate amended House amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 358)
Yes: 30 • No: 3
House vote • 2/25/2026
Amendment adopted (Roll No. 177)
Yes: 81 • No: 15
House vote • 2/25/2026
Effective from passage (Roll No. 179)
Yes: 87 • No: 10
House vote • 2/25/2026
Passed House (Roll No. 178)
Yes: 83 • No: 14
Senate vote • 2/20/2026
Passed Senate (Roll No. 161)
Yes: 28 • No: 4
Senate vote • 2/20/2026
Effective from passage (Roll No. 162)
Yes: 32 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Approved by Governor with deletions and reductions 3/12/2026 - Senate Journal
3/13/2026SenateApproved by Governor with deletions 3/12/2026- House Journal
3/13/2026HouseApproved by Governor with deletions and reductions 3/12/2026
3/12/2026SenateHouse Message received
3/6/2026SenateTo Governor 3/6/2026
3/6/2026SenateHouse Message received
3/5/2026SenateHouse amendment reported
3/5/2026SenateSenate amended House amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 358)
3/5/2026SenateEffective from passage (Roll No. 359)
3/5/2026SenateSenate requests House to concur
3/5/2026SenateHouse received Senate message
3/5/2026HouseHouse concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 354)
3/5/2026HouseEffective from passage (Roll No. 355)
3/5/2026HouseCommunicated to Senate
3/5/2026HouseCompleted legislative action
3/5/2026HouseOn 3rd reading, Special Calendar
2/25/2026HouseRead 3rd time
2/25/2026HouseAmendment reported by the Clerk
2/25/2026HouseAmendment adopted (Voice vote)
2/25/2026HouseAmendment reported by the Clerk
2/25/2026HouseAmendment adopted (Voice vote)
2/25/2026HouseAmendment reported by the Clerk
2/25/2026HouseAmendment rejected (Voice vote)
2/25/2026HouseAmendment reported by the Clerk
2/25/2026HouseAmendment rejected (Voice vote)
2/25/2026House
Bill Text
Committee Substitute
Enrolled
Introduced Version
Related Bills
HB 5691 — Supplemental appropriation, Department of Health
HB 5692 — Supplemental appropriation, State Road Fund
HB 5684 — Relating to authorizing the Supreme Court of Appeals to create child protection commissioners
HB 5685 — Relating to authorizing bonds for improvements to the West Virginia Science and Culture Center
HB 5686 — Relating to the timing of payments of annually required deposit into an eligible recipient’s Hope Scholarship account
SB 1064 — Redefining "long-term substitute" as it relates to public school personnel
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