West Virginia Senate Bill SB2039

West Virginia 2024 2nd Special Session

• Introduced: 10/7/24
• Engrossed: 10/7/24
• Enrolled: 10/8/24
• Passed: 10/10/24
• Chaptered: 10/29/24

Caption

Supplementing and amending appropriations to Governor’s Office, Civil Contingent Fund

Impact

The enactment of SB2039 allows for a more robust financial framework for the state's executive functions, particularly focusing on supporting the Governor's Office. By supplementing the appropriations, it ensures that the state remains capable of addressing any civil contingencies that arise. This is particularly important for managing ongoing and unforeseen fiscal demands that may affect state governance and services provided to the public. The bill indicates a proactive approach to budget management by utilizing surplus funds efficiently.

Summary

Senate Bill 2039 is a legislative measure aimed at supplementing and amending appropriations for the Governor's Office, specifically for the Civil Contingent Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The bill was introduced to allocate an unappropriated surplus balance from the State Fund, General Revenue, ensuring that the state has additional funds available for unforeseen expenses or projects. The Senate passed the bill on October 8, 2024, signifying a consensus on the necessity of these appropriations for state operations.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB2039 appears to be pragmatic and supportive, with a predominant view that additional funding is necessary for the effective operation of the state's executive branch. The bill received a favorable vote with 83 yeas and only 11 nays, reflecting widespread agreement on the importance of having accessible funds for emergency and contingency situations. However, as with many appropriations bills, there are always discussions regarding budget priorities and allocations that may not have been addressed in this legislation.

Contention

While SB2039 passed with a significant majority, there were likely discussions around the sources of the surplus appropriated funds and whether these allocations best serve the public interest. Opponents may have raised concerns about the implications of relying on surplus funds, questioning long-term fiscal sustainability or the prioritization of expenditure. Nevertheless, the swift passage indicates that the contention did not significantly hinder the overall acceptance of the bill.