FISCAL NOTE
Date Requested: January 16, 2026
Time Requested: 03:00 PM |
| Agency: |
Higher Education Policy Commission |
|---|
| CBD Number: |
Version: |
Bill Number: |
Resolution Number: |
| 1200 |
Introduced |
HB4446 |
|
|---|
| CBD Subject: |
Public Safety |
|---|
|
FUND(S):
General
Sources of Revenue:
General Fund
Legislation creates:
Creates New Expense
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
The purpose of this is to establish a four-year West Virginia Firefighter Education Pilot Program in up to four counties to provide Fire Fighter I and Fire Fighter II training through community and technical colleges or other educational institutions. The program is designed to prepare high school and other eligible students for firefighting careers, strengthen recruitment and retention of qualified firefighters, and expand access to state-approved firefighting education. It includes state funded tuition support, annual reporting and oversight requirements. The pilot program has a sunset date of June 30, 2031, after which the Legislature will decide whether to continue, expand, modify, or end the program.
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 |
36,000 |
36,000 |
| Personal Services |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Current Expenses |
0 |
36,000 |
36,000 |
| Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| 2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
The annual cost estimate assumes the pilot program operates in four locations. At each location, 15 students are expected to participate each year. Each student takes two firefighting courses (Fire Fighter I and Fire Fighter II), and each course costs approximately $300 in tuition and fees based on similar courses currently offered. The total estimated cost is $36,000 per year.
Memorandum
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Misty Price
Email Address: misty.price@wvhepc.edu