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West VirginiaHB 56852026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relating to authorizing bonds for improvements to the West Virginia Science and Culture Center

Sponsored By: William Anderson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§29-22-18f§29-22-18h§31-15-16e

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Lottery money set aside for bond payments

The law creates a Cultural Center debt service fund and pledges its money to pay these bonds. Each year by May 1, the authority must certify next year’s principal, interest, and coverage; for debt due in the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2026, it certifies on the bond issue date. From July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2047, the state first deposits the certified amount into this fund, up to $12 million per year, replacing an earlier deposit rule. When bonds are secured by lottery profits, the Lottery Director must move one‑tenth of the certified yearly need into the fund each month; any shortfall rolls to the next month. After higher‑priority lottery‑backed bonds are paid, leftover money in the State Lottery Fund and the State Excess Lottery Revenue Fund can backstop debt payments on listed revenue bonds as needed. If all reserves are met, any extra balance in the fund can redeem or buy back outstanding bonds at or below the redeemable price, and those bonds are canceled.

New bonds for Science and Culture Center

The state can sell up to $150 million in revenue bonds to improve the West Virginia Science and Culture Center and related historic sites. If the bonds use lottery proceeds, they must be paid off within 20 years. The Secretary of Tourism must send a project list by September 1, 2026. The Governor must certify the project list by September 30, 2026 and may revise it before the bonds are sold. These bonds are special obligations paid only from pledged funds, not from general taxes.

One-time $19M for economic projects

For the fiscal year that starts July 1, 2025, the state deposits $19 million into the Economic Development Project Fund. This is a one‑time deposit for that year only.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • William Anderson

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Lori Dittman

    Republican • House

  • Bob Fehrenbacher

    Republican • House

  • Chuck Horst

    Republican • House

  • Gary G. Howell

    Republican • House

  • Margitta Mazzocchi

    Republican • House

  • Clay Riley

    Republican • House

  • Matthew Rohrbach

    Republican • House

  • Joe Statler

    Republican • House

  • Christopher W. Toney

    Republican • House

  • Mark Zatezalo

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 121 • No: 6

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 518)

Yes: 33 • No: 1

House vote • 3/4/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 339)

Yes: 88 • No: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter 60, Acts, Regular Session, 2026

    8/13/2026House

  2. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026House

  3. To Governor 3/25/26

    3/25/2026House

  4. To Governor 3/25/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026House

  7. House received Senate message

    3/13/2026House

  8. On 3rd reading

    3/12/2026Senate

  9. Read 3rd time

    3/12/2026Senate

  10. Passed Senate (Roll No. 518)

    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. Introduced in Senate

    3/5/2026Senate

  19. To Finance

    3/5/2026Senate

  20. To Finance

    3/5/2026Senate

  21. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    3/4/2026House

  22. Read 3rd time

    3/4/2026House

  23. Passed House (Roll No. 339)

    3/4/2026House

  24. Communicated to Senate

    3/4/2026House

  25. On 2nd reading, Special Calendar

    3/3/2026House

Bill Text

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