Senate committee sends bill to finance panel to boost volunteer fire education spending cap to $5,000

The Committee on Government Organization voted to report House Bill 4404 to the full Senate with the recommendation that it pass, but under its original double committee reference first be sent to the Senate Finance Committee.

Counsel told the committee HB 4404 would amend West Virginia code provisions governing the use of insurance-dedicated funds by volunteer and part-volunteer fire companies, raising the annual limit for educational and fire-prevention materials from $500 to $5,000.

Counsel said the bill passed the House 94-6 and that the proposal would keep those funds separate from other municipal or county funds and restrict authorized uses to training, education and promotional materials.

Vice Chair moved the committee recommendation to report HB 4404 to the full Senate and to refer it first to Finance; the motion was adopted on a voice vote and the clerk was instructed to report the bill.

The bill now proceeds to the Finance Committee for the statutory double-reference process before returning to the full Senate.