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West VirginiaSB 10332026 Regular SessionSenate

Clarifying powers and duties of Commissioner of Agriculture over state-owned land

Sponsored By: Darren Thorne (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§19-12A-5§19-12A-6A

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Farm and land receipts to special account

All money the department collects under this law goes into a special revenue account for these purposes. If the account holds more than $1,000,000 at the end of a fiscal year, the department may move the extra to the Department of Agriculture Capital Improvements Fund.

State-run farms supply institutions

The Agriculture Commissioner runs state farms to make food, milk, and other goods for state institutions. Health Facilities and Corrections institutions must buy these items at prevailing wholesale prices based on their diets. If the department cannot meet demand, those institutions may buy from vendors that save taxpayers the most. The Commissioner may let the Division of Corrections use inmate labor on these farms. Corrections selects, directs, and supervises the inmates and assigns work in consultation with Agriculture; it must provide inmate labor if asked and if available.

Leasing and resource use on state farm land

The Agriculture Commissioner can lease department land, easements, equipment, and property for farming, research, public need, or other uses. Leases cannot allow uses that make the land toxic for farming, and toxic or hazardous materials may be used or stored only with all required permits. The Commissioner may develop land for foresting, parks, wildlife, grazing, farming, rehabilitation, and conservation, and may lease or contract for timber, oil, gas, or minerals, including coal, if required reclamation will improve the land’s use. The Commissioner may transfer land marked for disposal to the Public Land Corporation for sale or exchange, and may convey land interests to other public bodies under state procedures. The Commissioner may cancel leases that charge under $5 per acre per year with 30 days’ written notice when the lease allows legislative cancellation. Timberland cannot be leased, sold, exchanged, or otherwise disposed of unless no commercially salable timber remains and an inventory and appraisal are provided. The Commissioner may issue rules and take other actions needed to carry out these duties.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Darren Thorne

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Vince Deeds

    Republican • Senate

  • Patricia Rucker

    Republican • Senate

  • Randy E. Smith

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 202 • No: 23

House vote • 3/14/2026

House receded and passed (Roll No. 687)

Yes: 73 • No: 22

House vote • 3/14/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 621)

Yes: 95 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/3/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 304)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026Senate

  2. To Governor 3/19/2026

    3/19/2026Senate

  3. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    3/14/2026House

  4. Read 3rd time

    3/14/2026House

  5. Passed House (Roll No. 621)

    3/14/2026House

  6. Communicated to Senate

    3/14/2026House

  7. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  8. Senate refused to concur; requested House to recede (Voice vote)

    3/14/2026Senate

  9. Communicated to House

    3/14/2026Senate

  10. House received Senate message

    3/14/2026House

  11. House receded and passed (Roll No. 687)

    3/14/2026House

  12. Communicated to Senate

    3/14/2026House

  13. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026House

  14. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  15. To Governor 3/19/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026House

  18. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    3/13/2026House

  19. On 2nd reading, Special Calendar

    3/12/2026House

  20. Read 2nd time

    3/12/2026House

  21. Amendment reported by the Clerk

    3/12/2026House

  22. Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/12/2026House

  23. With amendment, do pass

    3/11/2026House

  24. Immediate consideration

    3/11/2026House

  25. Read 1st time

    3/11/2026House

Bill Text

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