West Virginia House Bill HB130

West Virginia 2023 1st Special Session

• Introduced: 8/6/23
• Refer: 8/6/23

Caption

Supplementing and amending the appropriations to the Department of Administration, Office of Technology

Impact

The impact of HB 130 focuses primarily on state funding mechanisms and aims to bolster technological advancements within the state’s administrative framework. By facilitating additional funding, the bill is expected to enhance operational efficiencies and possibly expand the capabilities of the Office of Technology. This could have wider implications for state services, as improved technology infrastructure can lead to better service delivery and operational improvements across government agencies.

Summary

House Bill 130 is a supplemental appropriation measure introduced by Delegates Hanshaw and Skaff, aimed at enhancing the budgetary provisions of the Department of Administration's Office of Technology for the fiscal year 2024. The bill is designed to allocate surplus funds from the state's General Revenue to support technology improvements within the department. The legislation argues the necessity of such appropriations in light of updated state revenue estimates indicating available resources for fiscal expenditure.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 130 appears to be positive, with recognition of the importance of updating and improving technology in state governance. Legislators and stakeholders acknowledge that investing in technological upgrades is crucial, particularly in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. However, as with any budgetary measure, there are concerns related to prioritization of funding and the allocation of state resources that may require further debate.

Contention

While the bill has support for its intent to modernize state operations through technology, points of contention could arise regarding the specifics of funding allocations and transparency associated with these appropriations. Critics may question if the surplus should be utilized exclusively for technology improvements, or if other critical services or needs should also be considered in the state budget. Such discussions will likely influence the debate surrounding HB 130 as it progresses.