West Virginia House Bill HB2915

West Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/23
• Refer: 1/23/23
• Engrossed: 2/28/23
• Refer: 3/1/23
• Report Pass: 3/2/23
• Enrolled: 3/7/23
• Passed: 3/11/23
• Chaptered: 5/1/23

Caption

Expiring funds to the unappropriated surplus balance in the State Fund, General Revenue, from the balance of moneys remaining as an unappropriated balance in the State Excess Lottery Revenue Fund

Impact

If enacted, this bill would influence state budget management, particularly how excess lottery revenues are utilized. By transferring significant unappropriated lottery funds into the general revenue surplus, the state may have additional flexibility for appropriating these funds in the next legislative cycles. This maneuver might positively affect financial planning and prioritization of state-funded programs and services, effectively allowing the state to respond to urgent financial demands.

Summary

House Bill 2915 was introduced during the West Virginia 2023 regular session and seeks to adjust the state budget by expiring a specific amount of unused funds. The bill proposes expiring $30,500,000 from the unappropriated balance in the State Excess Lottery Revenue Fund to the unappropriated surplus balance in the State Fund, General Revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. This legislative action aims to reallocate these funds within the state's budget framework, presumably to address various fiscal needs or priorities identified by the state government.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2915 appears to be generally supportive, given its unanimous approval in voting, with 32 yeas and no nays recorded during the roll call. This reflects a consensus among lawmakers about the necessity and prudence of moving these excess funds to bolster the state's budget. The absence of dissenting votes suggests that legislators recognize the importance of reallocating available funds to address state financial obligations.

Contention

While there are no significant points of contention reflected in the available voting history, such budgetary reallocations can sometimes raise concerns regarding transparency and the intended use of the funds. Stakeholders may question how these funds will be appropriated in the future, and whether this bill addresses any ongoing budget shortfalls or responds to particular financial needs within the state. Overall, the straightforward nature of the bill and its legislative support indicate a priority towards prudent fiscal management.