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HB 5565

Relating to creating the State Election Poll Clerk Reimbursement Fund Account for county poll clerks to receive a stipend of $100 per day for each day they work during early voting and/or election day for general elections.

2026 Regular Session

Creates a dedicated fund to pay county poll clerks $100 per day for days worked during early voting and election day.

To House Finance
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Bill Summary · HB 5565

Summary of HB 5565 (Session 2026, West Virginia)

Title

Relating to creating the State Election Poll Clerk Reimbursement Fund Account for county poll clerks to receive a stipend of $100 per day for each day they work during early voting and/or election day for general elections.

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a dedicated State Election Poll Clerk Reimbursement Fund Account.
  • Authorize stipends of $100 per day to county poll clerks for days they work during early voting and on election day for general elections.
  • The bill aims to provide financial compensation to poll clerks who staff elections, likely to support election administration and staffing needs.

Key provisions and changes

  • Creation of a new fund account named the State Election Poll Clerk Reimbursement Fund Account (or equivalent) to finance stipends.
  • Eligibility and scope:
    • Targeted to county poll clerks who work during early voting periods and/or general election day.
    • Stipend amount: $100 per day for each day worked.
  • Administrative mechanics (anticipated, based on typical structure):
    • Procedures for funding withdrawals and disbursement to counties or individual poll clerks.
    • Oversight or reporting requirements to ensure funds are used for eligible poll clerk work days.
  • Relationship to existing election funding:
    • Establishes a dedicated source of funds separate from general election budgets.
    • May require annual appropriation or transfer from the appropriate state or general revenue sources, depending on how the fund is financed in the bill.

Who is affected

  • County election officials and poll clerks:
    • Eligible to receive stipends for days they work during early voting and/or election day for general elections.
  • State and county governments:
    • Required to administer the reimbursement program, maintain the fund, and disburse stipends.
  • Tax and compliance considerations:
    • Stipends paid may have tax implications for recipients and reporting requirements for the state.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill is filed and introduced on February 16, 2026, and routed to the House Finance Committee (per action history).
  • If enacted, implementation would depend on:
    • Appropriations or funding authorization for the new fund.
    • Rules for determining eligible days, verification of work days, and payout processes.
    • Administrative rules or internal policies to govern disbursement cadence (e.g., frequency of payments around election cycles).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Positive impacts:
    • Improves compensation for poll clerks, potentially aiding recruitment and retention of polling staff.
    • May enhance the efficiency and reliability of election administration by ensuring adequately staffed polls.
  • Financial considerations:
    • Requires funding, which may come from a dedicated fund or annual appropriations; the total cost depends on the number of poll clerks and days worked during elections.
  • Administrative considerations:
    • Needs clear definitions of “days worked,” eligibility windows (early voting vs. election day), and documentation requirements.
    • Requires oversight to prevent misuse and ensure timely payments.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to specific sections of the bill once the official text is available, or compare it with similar existing West Virginia statutes.

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

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