West Virginia Senate Bill SB1040

West Virginia 2023 1st Special Session

• Introduced: 8/6/23
• Engrossed: 8/6/23
• Refer: 8/8/23

Caption

Supplementing and amending appropriations from General Revenue to Attorney General

Impact

The passing of SB1040 will impact state laws by providing the Attorney General with additional financial resources which could enhance its operational capabilities. The funding may allow for the expansion of legal programs, the hiring of necessary staff, and the improvement of services provided to the citizens and the state government. This can lead to more efficient legal proceedings and increased enforcement of legal standards, contributing to the overall efficiency of the state’s legal system.

Summary

Senate Bill 1040 aims to supplement and amend the appropriations of public funds from the unappropriated surplus balance in the General Revenue Fund to the Office of the Attorney General for the fiscal year 2024. The bill was introduced by Senators Blair and Woelfel and was part of the legislative agenda to address funding needs identified in the Executive Budget submitted by the Governor. The specific allocation proposed in the bill is a substantial increase to cover current expenses related to the Attorney General's office, a move that underscores the importance of having adequate resources for legal and administrative functions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1040 was overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by its unanimous passage in the Senate with 33 yeas and no nays. This strong support indicates a general consensus among legislators regarding the necessity of the funding increase for the Attorney General's office. Lawmakers highlighted the importance of adequately funding legal offices to ensure that they can effectively carry out their duties, which reflects a commitment to state legal integrity and operational effectiveness.

Contention

While SB1040 received broad support, some concerns were expressed regarding the sustainability of increased appropriations. Critics may argue that continually increasing the Attorney General's budget could divert funds from other essential state services. However, the urgency of supporting the legal framework of the state was seen as a priority by the majority in the legislature, mitigating opposition to the funding adjustments proposed in the bill.