WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE

2024 REGULAR SESSION

Introduced

Senate Bill 620

By Senators Rucker, Taylor, Chapman, and Roberts

[Introduced February 2, 2024; referred
to the Committee on Finance]

A BILL to amend and reenact §16-66-2 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to pregnancy help organizations; and providing approved pregnancy help organizations flexibility to receive funding for various costs.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

ARTICLE 66. SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS AND BABIES ACT.

§16-66-2. Establishing the West Virginia Mothers and Babies Pregnancy Support Program.

(a) There is hereby established the West Virginia Mothers and Babies Pregnancy Support Program under the Bureau for Public Health.  

(b) A pregnancy help organization is eligible to receive funding from the program, subject to meeting the standards defined by the managing agency.

(c) An abortion industry organization may not receive funding from the program.

(d) Funds distributed under the program shall be distributed on a fee per service arrangement with a fee per service and hour arrangement as set by the management agency.

(e) Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, funds may also be distributed to pregnancy help organizations, approved pursuant to this section, for the following reasons: Capital expenditures, expenditures associated with adding additional services, expenditures associated with meeting the requirements established by relevant licensing, accreditation, or standards setting organizations, and training expenditures for pregnancy help organization staff and volunteers.