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SB 945

Permitting Adjutant General to pay employees during federal government shutdown or furlough

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Vince Deeds and 1 co-sponsor

West Virginia authorizes the Adjutant General to use state funds to pay military employees during federal shutdowns, pending federal reimbursement.

Chapter 159, Acts, Regular Session, 2026
#militaryandveterans #publicsafety
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Bill Summary · SB 945

Legislative bill overview

SB 945 authorizes West Virginia's Adjutant General to continue paying state military employees during federal government shutdowns or furloughs when federal funding is temporarily unavailable. The bill enables the state to maintain payroll for National Guard and related personnel using state funds as a bridge during federal appropriations lapses.

Why is this important

Federal shutdowns create uncertainty for military personnel who depend on reliable paychecks. This bill ensures West Virginia's military workforce can maintain financial stability during gaps in federal funding, preventing hardship for employees and maintaining operational readiness of state military functions.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal responsibility: Requires state general revenue to cover federal payroll obligations, potentially straining the state budget during shutdowns while waiting for federal reimbursement
  • Reimbursement guarantees: The bill's effectiveness depends on the federal government actually reimbursing West Virginia after the shutdown ends—no explicit enforcement mechanism may exist if reimbursement is delayed or disputed
  • Precedent and scope: Raises questions about whether other state employees or agencies should receive similar treatment, potentially opening door to broader spending during federal funding lapses

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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