HB 5451 West Virginia House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Relating to survivor’s benefit payment for first responders

HB 5451 amends West Virginia law to update the payment process for funeral expenses of first responders killed in the line of duty. It ensures the state provides up to $8,000 for funeral costs (covering burial, services, etc.) for eligible law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, correctional staff, and probation officers who die while performing official duties. The bill clarifies that this payment supplements other benefits but guarantees at least $8,000 total if other funds cover less. It makes technical updates to align the statute with current code language and adjusts the effective date.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 11, 2026 Last action Feb 11, 2026
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Total actions
4
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0
Committee
2
Feb 11, 2026
Committee
To House Finance
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Committee
To Finance
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of J.B. Akers
J.B. Akers
RRepublican
WV
55