West Virginia House Bill HB104

West Virginia 2023 1st Special Session

• Introduced: 8/6/23
• Refer: 8/6/23

Caption

Making a supplementary appropriation to the Department of Homeland Security, Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation – Parolee Supervision Fees

Impact

The bill is expected to have a direct impact on state laws by ensuring that the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation has adequate financial resources to manage parole supervision effectively. By supplementing funds within the existing budget, HB104 aims to strengthen the infrastructure and operational capabilities of the state's correctional system, particularly in terms of oversight and management of parolees. This can influence how corrections and rehabilitation services function statewide, potentially affecting recidivism rates and community safety.

Summary

House Bill 104 is a legislative proposal aimed at making supplementary appropriations of public funds from the West Virginia Treasury for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. It specifically allocates funds to the Department of Homeland Security, particularly focusing on areas related to the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which includes funding for parolee supervision fees and the regional jail and correctional facility authority. This bill seeks to address current fiscal needs in these departments by utilizing unappropriated balances that are available for expenditure in the current fiscal year.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB104 appears to be largely procedural and supportive among members of the legislature concerned with enhancing public safety and the management of corrections. Since this bill deals primarily with appropriations and doesn’t invoke significant policy changes, there’s generally less contention compared to more controversial legislation. Lawmakers are likely to view it as a necessary step in maintaining the effectiveness of correctional services and ensuring continued support for managing parolees.

Contention

While HB104 is primarily a financial appropriations bill with less political contention, there may be underlying concerns regarding the overall effectiveness of funding allocations in addressing systemic issues within the corrections system. Some stakeholders might question whether increasing funds in certain areas translates to improved outcomes or if it perpetuates existing challenges within the criminal justice system. The lack of extensive debate or opposition suggests that it may pass smoothly through the legislative process.