Housing

HB 5074 changes how revenue from West Virginia's medical cannabis program is allocated. For fiscal year 2026, it directs $3 million to the Supreme Court for a child protection pilot, $10 million each to West Virginia University and Marshall University for ibogaine research, and $5 million to homelessness services, with remaining funds reverting to general revenue. Starting July 1, 2026, annual allocations will be: 15% to the Medical Cannabis Bureau for administration, 15% to the Department of Agriculture for cannabis testing, and 45% split among the Fight Substance Abuse Fund (20%), university research (10% each to Marshall and WVU), a Child Protection Commission (10%), and law enforcement training programs (40%). These changes apply to ongoing revenue from medical cannabis taxes, not new taxes or fees.

HB 4730 requires West Virginia's Department of Human Services to create a coordinated system of support for youth aging out of foster care or preparing to exit foster care, directly affecting these young adults statewide. The bill mandates a three-phase housing model (on-site living, scattered-site arrangements, and supportive independent living) plus services to build daily living, social-emotional, and education/career skills. It establishes specific funding rules including per diem rates for providers, annual cost-of-living adjustments, and direct monthly stipends to youth for housing costs, while maximizing federal Title IV-E funding. The department must implement annual data collection and reporting to the legislature on outcomes like housing stability and employment, starting in 2027.