Healthcare (Public Safety)

HB 4439 creates a $10 fee added to court costs for most criminal convictions (excluding municipal parking violations) in West Virginia. The collected fees will fund the Emergency Medical Services Equipment and Training Fund, which provides grants to local emergency medical services (EMS) providers. Grants require a 70% state contribution and a 30% matching contribution from the local EMS provider, with priority given to rural and volunteer EMS organizations. This bill directly affects criminal defendants (through the fee) and local EMS agencies (through grant eligibility).

HJR 19 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow local governments (counties, municipalities) to approve additional tax increases specifically for fire protection and emergency medical services (EMS) with a simple majority vote (50% plus one vote) instead of the current 60% requirement for all other tax increases. This change would apply only to levies limited exclusively to fire/EMS funding, with a three-year maximum duration and a cap preventing increases from exceeding 50% above existing tax rates. The amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election and leaves the 60% threshold unchanged for all other tax increases. It does not alter existing tax exemptions or revenue distribution rules.

HB 4113 allows West Virginia counties to impose a new 0.25% sales tax specifically to fund local emergency medical services (EMS). The tax applies to most retail sales (excluding motor vehicles, fuel, and items already taxed under state law) and must be collected from purchasers by the state Tax Commissioner, not county governments. All revenue generated must be used exclusively for EMS operations - including personnel, equipment, and response capabilities - and cannot be diverted to other county budgets. Counties must notify state officials 180 days in advance before implementing the tax or changing its rate.