West Virginia 2024 Regular Session

West Virginia Senate Bill SB705

Introduced
2/7/24  
Refer
2/7/24  
Report Pass
3/1/24  
Engrossed
3/5/24  
Enrolled
3/7/24  
Passed
3/14/24  

Caption

Supplementing and amending appropriations to PSC

Impact

The impact of SB705 is twofold; on one hand, it ensures that there are adequate funds available for the operations of the Public Service Commission, which plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and reliability of gas pipelines and motor carriers within the state. On the other hand, by adjusting existing appropriations, the legislation can also signify a strategic alignment of state resources towards improving public safety and regulatory frameworks in these industries. The passage of this bill reflects a commitment to maintaining infrastructure safety and oversight while managing state fiscal resources effectively.

Summary

Senate Bill 705 is a legislative proposal aimed at supplementing and amending appropriations from unallocated public moneys within West Virginia for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The bill focuses specifically on increasing appropriations for various divisions within the Public Service Commission, including the Gas Pipeline Division and the Motor Carrier Division, thereby providing essential funding for oversight and regulation in these critical areas. This bill was introduced by Senators Blair and Woelfel and passed through the legislative process quickly, indicating a broad support among legislators.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB705 appears to be predominantly positive, with strong bipartisan support noted during the voting process, where the bill received 93 votes in favor and only 1 against. Such a decisive vote reflects a consensus on the necessity of maintaining regulatory frameworks for public safety within the transportation and energy sectors. Additionally, this sentiment indicates an acknowledgment among legislators of the need to manage public finances carefully while still addressing essential funding needs.

Contention

While the bill passed with overwhelming support, there may still be underlying concerns regarding the allocation of public funds and the prioritization of certain sectors over others. Some advocates may contend that the focus on the gas pipeline and motor carrier divisions could overshadow other areas needing attention within state infrastructure. However, these points of contention did not significantly impede the bill's progress, suggesting that its primary focus on safety and regulation is a shared priority among state lawmakers. The passage of SB705 thus underscores the importance of appropriations tailored to enhance public service capabilities.

Companion Bills

WV HB5497

Similar To Making supplemental appropriations to the Public Service Commission

Previously Filed As

WV HB105

Supplementing and amending the appropriations to Division of Corrections

WV HB117

Supplementing and amending the appropriations to Higher Education Policy Marshall University

WV HB114

Supplementing and amending the appropriations to the PEIA

WV HB103

Supplementing and amending the appropriations to the Department of Homeland Security, Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation

WV SB1003

Supplementing and amending appropriations from General Revenue to multiple funds for Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation

WV HB118

Supplementing and amending the appropriations to state board of education

WV SB1038

Supplementing and amending appropriations from General Revenue to Adjutant General, State Militia

WV HB3073

Supplementing and amending appropriations to Adjutant General - State Militia

WV SB753

Supplementing and amending appropriations to Adjutant General, State Militia

WV SB1017

Supplementing and amending appropriations from General Revenue to Higher Education Policy Commission, Marshall University

Similar Bills

IA SF2433

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for state government administration and regulation, including the department of administrative services, auditor of state, ethics and campaign disclosure board, offices of governor and lieutenant governor, department of inspections, appeals, and licensing, department of insurance and financial services, department of management, Iowa public employees' retirement system, public information board, department of revenue, secretary of state, treasurer of state, and utilities board. (Formerly SSB 3199.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

WV HB5497

Making supplemental appropriations to the Public Service Commission

IA SSB1217

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for state government administration and regulation, including the department of administrative services, auditor of state, office of civil rights, ethics and campaign disclosure board, offices of governor and lieutenant governor, department of inspections, appeals, and licensing, department of insurance and financial services, department of management, Iowa public employees' retirement system, public information board, department of revenue, secretary of state, treasurer of state, and utilities commission.

IA HF1044

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for state government administration and regulation, including the department of administrative services, auditor of state, ethics and campaign disclosure board, offices of governor and lieutenant governor, department of inspections, appeals, and licensing, department of insurance and financial services, department of management, Iowa public employees' retirement system, public information board, department of revenue, secretary of state, treasurer of state, and utilities commission, and providing for properly related matters including the deposit of captive company premium tax revenue. (Formerly HSB 343, HSB 341.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA SF557

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for state government administration and regulation, including the department of administrative services, auditor of state, ethics and campaign disclosure board, offices of governor and lieutenant governor, department of inspections, appeals, and licensing, department of insurance and financial services, department of management, Iowa public employees' retirement system, public information board, department of revenue, secretary of state, treasurer of state, and Iowa utilities board, creating a licensing and regulation fund, and modifying provisions related to major procurement contracts for the Iowa lottery division of the department of revenue. (Formerly SSB 1209.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA SSB1209

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations involving certain state departments, agencies, funds, and certain other entities, providing for regulatory authority, and providing for properly related matters.(See SF 557.)

IA SSB3199

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for state government administration and regulation, including the department of administrative services, auditor of state, ethics and campaign disclosure board, offices of governor and lieutenant governor, department of inspections, appeals, and licensing, department of insurance and financial services, department of management, Iowa public employees' retirement system, public information board, department of revenue, secretary of state, treasurer of state, and utilities board.(See SF 2433.)

CA SB480

San Diego-Coronado Bridge: safety study.