West Virginia 2023 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB3253

Introduced
2/3/23  

Caption

To provide sufficient funding to the Jail Operations Partial Reimbursement Fund if a general revenue surplus exists in a given fiscal year

Impact

The expected impact of HB3253 is twofold: it enhances the fiscal support for local governments participating in the jail system, and it strategizes the distribution of a potential surplus from the state's general revenue at the end of budget years. This means that if the state has excess funds after covering its obligations, municipalities can receive financial support which would directly aid them in managing jail costs. The bill emphasizes a pro rata share formula for reimbursements, ensuring that counties with higher incarceration days receive a greater reimbursement, which is designed to be equitable among participants in the regional jail system.

Summary

House Bill 3253 aims to amend the existing provisions regarding the Jail Operations Partial Reimbursement Fund in West Virginia. The bill proposes that this fund shall be supported by revenues collected from magistrate and circuit courts, and its purpose is to reimburse counties and municipalities involved in the jail system for their incarceration costs. By ensuring that excess funds from the state’s general revenue are allocated to this reimbursement fund, the bill seeks to provide a more stable financial foundation to support local jurisdictions dealing with the costs of managing incarcerated individuals. This adjustment is designed to relieve some of the financial burden from counties that participate in the regional jail system.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB3253 among state legislators appears to be positive, particularly among those advocating for local support systems in corrections. The bill responds to specific financial challenges faced by localities and aims to create a more equitable funding mechanism. However, the overall debate may pivot around the sustainability of funding and whether relying on a general revenue surplus is a reliable long-term solution to jail funding, which could attract differing opinions from members of the legislature concerning fiscal responsibility and sustainability.

Contention

Some points of contention may arise regarding the reliance on surplus funding to ensure reimbursements, as this could lead to inconsistencies in funding across different fiscal years depending on the state’s budgetary circumstances. There may also be concerns from fiscal conservatives regarding the allocation of state revenue and whether these adjustments adequately address systemic issues within the correctional system. However, proponents argue that providing sufficient funds to the Jail Operations Partial Reimbursement Fund is essential for maintaining operational integrity within local jurisdictions and upholding responsibilities toward community safety.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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