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West VirginiaHB 41262026 Regular SessionHouse

To modify the funding distribution to the state park endowment fund and the State Parks Operational Fund

Sponsored By: Clay Riley (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§20-5A-1

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More park funding from river royalties

Beginning July 1, 2026, 50% of Ohio River mineral royalties in the fund must go to park operations, maintenance, and improvements. If the fund balance is $100 million or more, 100% of those royalties must be used. If the balance later falls below $100 million, the share returns to 50% until it reaches $100 million again. This applies to royalties from leasing state-owned gas, oil, and other minerals under the Ohio River and its tributaries.

New endowment to fix state parks

The law creates the State Parks and Recreation Endowment Fund in the State Treasurer’s office. It receives royalties from leasing mineral rights under the Ohio River, plus gifts and grants given to the fund. A board invests the fund under state investment rules. Investment income can pay for maintenance, repairs, improvements, and equipment to keep parks, forests, and rail trails open. The board may use fund assets as collateral for the State Parks Enhancement Loan Insurance Program, but not the fund’s investment income. Spending must be appropriated by the Legislature.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Clay Riley

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 439 • No: 0

House vote • 3/10/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 376)

Yes: 93 • No: 0

House vote • 3/10/2026

Effective July 1, 2026 (Roll No. 377)

Yes: 93 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/9/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 371)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/9/2026

Effective July 1, 2026 (Roll No. 372)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 2/26/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 197)

Yes: 92 • No: 0

House vote • 2/26/2026

Effective July 1, 2026 (Roll No. 198)

Yes: 93 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 3/17/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  2. Approved by Governor 3/17/2026

    3/14/2026House

  3. Approved by Governor 3/17/2026 - House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  4. House Message received

    3/11/2026Senate

  5. To Governor 3/11/2026

    3/11/2026House

  6. To Governor 3/11/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/11/2026Senate

  7. House received Senate message

    3/10/2026House

  8. House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 376)

    3/10/2026House

  9. Effective July 1, 2026 (Roll No. 377)

    3/10/2026House

  10. Communicated to Senate

    3/10/2026House

  11. Completed legislative action

    3/10/2026House

  12. On 3rd reading

    3/9/2026Senate

  13. Read 3rd time

    3/9/2026Senate

  14. Passed Senate (Roll No. 371)

    3/9/2026Senate

  15. Effective July 1, 2026 (Roll No. 372)

    3/9/2026Senate

  16. Senate requests House to concur

    3/9/2026Senate

  17. On 2nd reading

    3/6/2026Senate

  18. Read 2nd time

    3/6/2026Senate

  19. Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/6/2026Senate

  20. On 1st reading

    3/5/2026Senate

  21. Read 1st time

    3/5/2026Senate

  22. Reported do pass, with amendment

    3/4/2026Senate

  23. Introduced in Senate

    2/27/2026Senate

  24. To Finance

    2/27/2026Senate

  25. To Finance

    2/27/2026Senate

Bill Text

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