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HB 5315

Supplemental Appropriation to the Department of Commerce - Division of Forestry from Federal Funds.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Roger Hanshaw and 1 co-sponsor

HB 5315 allocates supplemental federal funds to West Virginia's Division of Forestry to increase forestry program capacity and operations.

To House Finance
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Bill Summary · HB 5315

Legislative bill overview

HB 5315 allocates supplemental federal funding to West Virginia's Department of Commerce, specifically to its Division of Forestry. The bill provides additional financial resources beyond the regular budget allocation to support forestry operations and programs using existing federal funds.

Why is this important

Forestry divisions manage critical state functions including forest health, fire prevention, timber management, and natural resource protection. Supplemental appropriations allow states to respond to urgent needs—such as increased wildfire prevention efforts, pest management, or emergency response—without waiting for regular budget cycles.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal fund dependency: Reliance on federal funding creates uncertainty if federal appropriations are reduced or redirected in future years
  • Lack of transparency in bill text: Without seeing the specific dollar amount or intended use, lawmakers and the public cannot assess whether the funding level is appropriate
  • Ongoing sustainability: Supplemental appropriations may mask structural budget shortfalls in the Division of Forestry's base budget, deferring difficult long-term funding decisions

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

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