FISCAL NOTE
Date Requested: January 28, 2026
Time Requested: 04:38 PM |
| Agency: |
State Police, WV |
|---|
| CBD Number: |
Version: |
Bill Number: |
Resolution Number: |
| 1860 |
Introduced |
HB4882 |
|
|---|
| CBD Subject: |
Motor Vehicles |
|---|
|
FUND(S):
Motor Vehicle Inspection Fund
Sources of Revenue:
Special Fund
Legislation creates:
Decreases Existing Revenue
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
Summarize in a clear and concise manner what impact this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
This piece of legislation would eliminate the West Virginia State Police Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) program, eliminating approximately $5,500,000 of special revenue which fully funds 23 full time positions, 4 part time positions, State Police vehicle purchases and rentals, vehicle repairs and maintenance, Vehicle Radios, and other vehicle equipment.
Fiscal Note Detail
| Effect of Proposal |
Fiscal Year |
2026
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
2027
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation) |
| 1. Estmated Total Cost |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Personal Services |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Current Expenses |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| 2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
-5,500,000 |
-5,500,000 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
Please explain increases and decreases in personal services, current expenses, repairs and alterations, assets, other costs and revenues, including assumptions and data sources and delineation between start-up and ongoing costs. Please also include a long-range schedule of costs and revenues if fiscal impact is expected to vary in future years.
The revenue received from the sale of Motor Vehicle Inspection Stickers generated approximately $5,500,000 in FY2025 with similar receipts anticipated annually in the future.
Memorandum
Please identify any areas of vagueness, technical defects, reasons a bill would not have a fiscal impact, and/or any special issues not captured elsewhere on this form.
The Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) Section of the West Virginia State Police is responsible for ensuring that vehicles operating on the state’s highways meet minimum safety standards through the statewide inspection program. Given West Virginia’s terrain and weather conditions, properly functioning vehicles are critical to public safety.
The West Virginia State Police General Revenue Fund does not have sufficient capacity to absorb the personnel, vehicle acquisition, equipment, and maintenance costs necessary to sustain the State Police cruiser fleet at even a minimum operational level.
The potential economic impact on small businesses that wholly or partially rely on the MVI program cannot be reliably quantified. However, surveys of participating businesses indicate that reductions or elimination of the program could result in layoffs. Additionally, the loss of inspection-related repairs would likely reduce revenue for automotive repair facilities and parts suppliers statewide. Corresponding losses in state and local tax revenue associated with those repairs cannot be precisely estimated.
Beyond economic considerations, the elimination of the inspection program may present public safety concerns. Routine inspections often identify mechanical issues that can be addressed before resulting in more costly repairs, vehicle failure, or serious crashes. The absence of such inspections could increase the number of unsafe vehicles operating on public roadways.
Insurance compliance and vehicle registration enforcement may also be adversely affected. Inspection stations verify proof of insurance and valid registration during the inspection process. The loss of this checkpoint could reduce compliance rates. Recent incidents involving the purchase of fraudulent inspection stickers demonstrate that some individuals actively attempt to circumvent vehicle safety and legal requirements. The presence of fraudulent stickers directly contributes to unsafe vehicles remaining in service, increasing risk to the motoring public.
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Connie E Gundy, Comptroller
Email Address: connie.e.gundy@wvsp.gov