FISCAL NOTE
Date Requested: February 16, 2026
Time Requested: 04:30 PM |
| Agency: |
State Police, WV |
|---|
| CBD Number: |
Version: |
Bill Number: |
Resolution Number: |
| 3906 |
Introduced |
HB5596 |
|
|---|
| CBD Subject: |
|
|---|
|
FUND(S):
West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory Fund
Sources of Revenue:
Special Fund
Legislation creates:
Creates New 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.
A BILL to amend and reenact §50-3-2 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to requiring costs for misdemeanor and felony convictions to be deposited into the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory Fund and for additional costs of $50 being deposited into the fund upon conviction of any misdemeanor or felony where the resources of the West Virginia State Forensic Laboratory were utilized.. The proposed assessments would generate approximately $400,100 annually to support operations of the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory. Revenue would be used to offset costs associated with forensic testing services including controlled substance analysis, toxicology testing, DNA analysis, firearms examination, instrumentation maintenance, consumable supplies, accreditation compliance, and personnel expenses.
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 |
400,100 |
400,100 |
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.
Estimated Revenue Impact (based on 2023 statewide conviction data)
1. $20 Per Conviction Assessment:
Felony Convictions: 3,862
Misdemeanor Convictions: 12,208
Total Convictions: 16,070
16,070 convictions × $20 per case = $321,400 per year
2. $50 Per Case – Laboratory Utilization Assessment:
Cases Utilizing Laboratory Resources (est. based on arrest v conviction data): 1,574
1,574 cases × $50 per case = $78,700 per year
Total Estimated Annual Revenue:
$321,400 (conviction assessment)
$78,700 (laboratory utilization assessment)
Total Estimated Annual Revenue: $400,100
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.
Actual revenue may vary depending on annual conviction volume, laboratory submission rates, judicial waivers, indigency determinations, statutory exemptions, and collection rates.
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Connie E Gundy, Comptroller
Email Address: connie.e.gundy@wvsp.gov