West Virginia House Bill HB216

West Virginia 2024 2nd Special Session

• Introduced: 9/30/24
• Refer: 9/30/24
• Engrossed: 10/8/24
• Enrolled: 10/8/24
• Passed: 10/8/24
• Chaptered: 10/31/24

Caption

Supplementing and amending appropriations to Office of Technology

Impact

The implications of HB 216 are significant as it directly facilitates the modernization of state technological resources, enabling the transition from outdated systems to contemporary solutions. This modernization is expected to enhance the efficiency of the Office of Technology, leading to improved public service delivery in various government functions. The bill reflects an initiative to optimize state operations by addressing existing technological limitations and supporting the development of robust systems that can adapt to future needs.

Summary

House Bill 216 aims to supplement and amend the appropriations from the unappropriated surplus balance in the State Fund, General Revenue, specifically towards the Department of Administration's Office of Technology for the fiscal year 2025. The bill declares that there remains an unappropriated surplus balance in the State Treasury available for appropriation, which is crucial for the functioning and modernization of state technological resources. The total appropriation recommended consists of a substantial fund to assist in transferring outdated systems and resources to more modern off-site data centers, signaling a commitment to upgrading state operations and technology infrastructures.

Sentiment

The sentiments surrounding the bill appear to be broadly positive, reflecting a consensus among lawmakers about the necessity of modernization in state technology systems. With a unanimous vote in favor of the bill (27 yeas and 0 nays), it indicates strong legislative support for investing in technological advancements. The sentiment is rooted in a collective understanding that enhancing infrastructure is essential for streamlined governance and improved services to the public.

Contention

While HB 216 was passed without opposition, potential points of contention might arise in discussions about budget allocations and priority settings in future appropriations. As state funds are limited, there could be debates about whether investing heavily in technology is the optimal use of surplus revenues compared to other pressing budgetary needs. Nonetheless, the current unanimous support suggests that the immediate view on this matter is aligned toward the importance of technological upgrades.