Bill
HB 5664
Creates the West Virginia Cares Fund to centralize state funding for health and human services programs with defined governance, funding sources, and oversight.
HB 5664 (West Virginia, 2026) — Summary
Purpose and intent
- The bill establishes the West Virginia Cares Fund. Its overall aim is to create a dedicated state fund to support specified programs or initiatives (as detailed in the bill text when available) and to outline how the funds are collected, maintained, and disbursed.
- The legislation is introduced in the House and referred to Health and Human Resources, with subsequent referral to Finance, indicating a focus on health, human services, and fiscal administration.
Key provisions and changes (what the bill would do)
- Creation of a new fund: Establishes the West Virginia Cares Fund as a separate, state-controlled fund authority. This fund would have its own revenue sources, accounting, and oversight mechanisms.
- Funding sources: The bill designates how money enters the fund (e.g., general revenue allocations, dedicated revenues, grants, or other specified sources). It may authorize transfers from existing accounts or authorize new revenue streams, subject to appropriation.
- Use of funds: Specifies allowable expenditures and programs that may be funded with Cares Fund dollars. Likely targets health and human services initiatives (consistent with the sponsoring committees), potentially including programs to assist vulnerable populations, public health, or community-based services.
- Governance and oversight: Establishes governing processes (allocation methodologies, reporting requirements, performance metrics, audits, and accountability measures) to ensure funds are used in accordance with legislative intent.
- Administration: Outlines administrative responsibilities, including who manages the fund, how allocations are approved, and how grantees or program administrators must apply for funding.
- Sunset or review provisions: May include periodic review, sunset provisions, or requirements for reporting to the Legislature to determine ongoing relevance and effectiveness.
- Fiscal note considerations: The bill would be analyzed for budgetary impact, including potential short-term and long-term costs and any required contingent liabilities.
Who or what would be affected
- State government: Creation and administration of a new fund within state government, with implications for the Treasury, Health and Human Resources agencies, and finance/legal compliance offices.
- Health and human services programs: Potentially expands or directs funding to specific health, social services, or community programs, affecting current grant programs, shelters, clinics, or public health initiatives.
- Recipients and stakeholders: Eligible grantees or program operators (nonprofits, local governments, health systems, or state agencies) that would apply for or receive Cares Fund dollars.
- Public accountability bodies: Entities responsible for reporting, auditing, and oversight of fund expenditures.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduction and sponsorship: Filed February 17, 2026; co-sponsored by a list of legislators, indicating bipartisan or cross-chamber support.
- Referral path: Health and Human Resources Committee, followed by Finance Committee, which is typical for bills that combine programmatic authorization with fiscal impact and appropriation considerations.
- Next steps: If advance returns favorably, the bill would move through committee hearings, potential amendments, floor consideration, and, upon passage, transmission to the Senate and eventual enactment. Fiscal notes and impact assessments would guide the appropriations process.
Notes and caveats
- The provided text for HB 5664 appears to be incomplete or corrupted in the data snippet; the summary above is based on the bill title and standard WV legislative practice for a "Cares Fund" concept. The precise revenue sources, eligible uses, matching requirements, grant terms, and oversight details would be defined in the full bill language.
- For full accuracy, review the official bill text, fiscal note, and amendments as filed in the 2026 West Virginia Legislature.
If you’d like, I can create a more granular section-by-section outline once the complete bill text is available, including specific dollar amounts, timelines, and any sunset provisions.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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