West VirginiaHB 44042026 Regular SessionHouse

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.

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

Passed Senate (Roll No. 478)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Effective from passage (Roll No. 479)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 2/23/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 160)

Yes: 94 • No: 0