West Virginia House Bill HB3516

West Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/23
• Refer: 2/14/23
• Engrossed: 3/2/23
• Enrolled: 3/9/23
• Passed: 3/11/23
• Chaptered: 5/1/23

Caption

Making a supplementary appropriation to the Department of Health and Human Resources, Division of Health – West Virginia Safe Drinking Water Treatment

Impact

The passage of HB 3516 is expected to strengthen the state's health resources, particularly in terms of water quality and safety. By increasing funding for the Safe Drinking Water Treatment initiative, the bill aims to address potential deficiencies and improve treatment facilities. This allocation attempts to ensure compliance with health standards and regulations, ultimately protecting public health. The funding will facilitate necessary upgrades and maintenance within the state's water treatment facilities, which is crucial in safeguarding residents’ well-being.

Summary

House Bill 3516 is focused on making a supplementary appropriation to the Department of Health and Human Resources for the West Virginia Safe Drinking Water Treatment project. This appropriation is designed to provide additional federal funds that were earmarked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. The total appropriation amount specified in the bill is $64,753,300, which will be allocated to enhance the state's water treatment infrastructure. The bill also emphasizes the state's commitment to improving public health by ensuring safe drinking water access for residents.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 3516 appears overwhelmingly positive, particularly among proponents who view the investment in public health as a priority. Legislative discussions reflected a strong consensus on the importance of safe drinking water, with little opposition recorded during voting. The unanimous approval (with a vote tally of 32-0) signals a collaborative effort among legislators to prioritize public health initiatives, indicating a recognition of the critical nature of this issue among state leaders.

Contention

While the bill encountered no opposition during its passage, the context surrounding health funding in general can sometimes lead to contention. Discourse may arise around how effectively the funds will be utilized and whether such significant investments are sustainably managed over the long term. However, in the case of HB 3516, there was a clear agreement on the necessity of supporting safe drinking water initiatives, thus avoiding major points of contention during the legislative process.