Clarifying powers and duties of Commissioner of Agriculture over state-owned land

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Vince Deeds and 2 co-sponsors

Clarifies and codifies that the Commissioner of Agriculture has clear authority over state-owned land assets, guiding management, leases, and related programs.

Chapter 6, Acts, Regular Session, 2026

#agriculture

Bill Summary: SB 1033 (2026) – Clarifying powers and duties of Commissioner of Agriculture over state-owned land

Purpose and intent

To clarify and codify the powers and duties of the West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture with respect to state-owned land.

The bill aims to specify how state agricultural land assets are managed, governed, and administered by the Department of Agriculture, ensuring clearer authority and responsibilities.

Key provisions and changes

Clarification of ownership and management of state-owned land assets within the scope of the Commissioner of Agriculture.

The text indicates a refinement in language regarding assets, with a particular amendment to describe the scope as including certain assets, replacing a previous limitation (the amendment notes inserting “including” after removing the phrase “other than” assets).

The legislative history shows iterative amendments and votes through the Senate and House, with a reported committee amendment adopted and subsequent passage with stipulated roll call considerations.

Note: The available excerpt highlights a language tweak in section 6a, lines 2–3, which broadens or clarifies the categorization of assets under the Commissioner’s purview. The exact practical effect depends on how this interacts with existing statutory definitions of “state-owned land” and “assets” in related sections.

Who/what is affected

The primary affected entity is the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, specifically the Commissioner of Agriculture and staff responsible for state-owned land.

Potential indirect effects on state land management practices, budgetary allocations for land-related programs, and interagency coordination involving land assets.

Procedural and timeline considerations

Bill introduced in the Senate (February 20, 2026) and referred to Government Organization.

Passed the Senate with amendments (March 3, 2026) and ordered to the House.

House processed the bill through Government Organization and other calendars, including on 3rd reading actions and amendments.

After Senate passage, the bill moved to the Governor and was approved (Governor’s action dated April 1, 2026).

The final enacted status is reflected as Chapter 6, Acts, Regular Session, 2026.

An accompanying amendment on page 3, section 6a, was adopted in the Senate (amending the precise language around asset inclusion).

Practical considerations and potential impact

Jurisdictional clarity: Agencies and stakeholders will have a clearer understanding of which state-owned land assets fall under the Commissioner of Agriculture’s authority.

Management decisions: Could influence how land acquisitions, leases, stewardship programs, or development activities on state land are authorized and implemented.

Budget and policy alignment: May affect budgeting, reporting requirements, and interdepartmental coordination related to state land use and agricultural resources.

Effective date: As a Chapter of the 2026 Acts, the provisions take effect according to the bill’s effective date (not specified in the provided excerpt; typically aligns with the Act’s passage or a stated date in the enrolled bill).

If you’d like, I can extract the exact statutory language changes and map them to current WV Code sections to illustrate concrete shifts in authority and responsibilities.