FISCAL NOTE
Date Requested: February 13, 2026
Time Requested: 05:53 PM |
| Agency: |
Homeland Security, Department of |
|---|
| CBD Number: |
Version: |
Bill Number: |
Resolution Number: |
| 4089 |
Introduced |
SB940 |
|
|---|
| CBD Subject: |
Public Safety |
|---|
|
FUND(S):
General
Sources of Revenue:
General Fund
Legislation creates:
Creates New Expense, Creates New Program
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
SB940 directs the State Fire Marshal and the Department of Health to jointly establish a pilot program focused on early detection cancer screening for firefighters. The program is open to all active and retired permanent firefighters and is completely optional. The legislation mandates that the screenings include specific diagnostics, such as multi-cancer blood tests, ultrasounds of vital organs, skin cancer screenings, and lung CTs where indicated.
Based on the provided data, there is an eligible population of approximately 1,690 individuals, consisting of 562 active paid firefighters and 1,128 retired firefighters. The bill caps the cost of screening at $1,300 per individual. Assuming 100% participation from the eligible pool, the maximum total cost for the testing portion of the pilot program would be $2,197,000. (numbers provided by Municipal Pensions Oversight board)
The state is responsible for providing funding for both the cost of the tests and the administration of the program. Administrative duties include the formation of an oversight committee appointed by the Governor, which must present an initial plan within 90 days of the bill's effective date of July 1, 2026. This committee is also required to report findings to the Governor and Legislature at the 12-month and 24month marks.
The program is designed to operate for a maximum of 24 months following the approval of the administrative plan. Notably, the bill allows for retroactive reimbursement; active or retired firefighters who self-fund compliant screenings after January 1, 2026, may submit for reimbursement up to the $1,300 limit once funds become available.
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 |
2,197,000 |
| 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 |
0 |
0 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
The bill caps the cost of screenings at $1,300 per individual. This funding covers a blood test, ultrasound of vital organs, lung CT (if indicated), and skin cancer screening.
Active Permanent Career Paid Firefighters 562 x 1300 = $ 730,600
Retired Career Paid Firefighters 1,128 x 1300 = $1,466,400
Total Cost 1,690 = $2,197,000
Fire Fighter numbers provided by Municipal Pensions Oversight board.
This total assumes 100% participation, the program is optional so actual costs could be lower.
Administrative costs are anticipated; however at this time the amount of those administrative costs are unknown
Memorandum
The bill mandates that the state fund the administration of the pilot program, yet these operational costs are neither quantified nor capped. Significant unbudgeted expenses will likely be incurred to establish the required oversight committee within 90 days and to develop a secure administrative infrastructure capable of registering members and documenting medical findings in compliance with privacy standards. Additionally, the provision allowing firefighters to self-fund and seek reimbursement necessitates the creation of a claims processing system, creating a labor and resource burden likely to be absorbed by the State Fire Marshal or Department of Health without a specified appropriation.
The bill prioritizes vendors who can provide premium diagnostics, specifically multicancer blood tests and extensive ultrasounds that include echocardiograms and carotid dopplers. It is unclear if a vendor exists who can bundle these advanced, proprietarydiagnostics for under $1,300. That may restrict the state’s ability to find a qualified vendor or alternatively, may substantially increase the cost of this program.
The bill applies to "permanent" firefighters, a term undefined in the text, could that be legally interpreted to include long-tenured volunteers or part-time staff, potentially expanding the eligible population significantly beyond the estimated 1,690 paid and retired members. For this fiscal note I assumed that it was only career paid firefighters. Volunteer and part time firefighters were not taken into consideration.
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Bryan D Arthur
Email Address: bryan.d.arthur@wv.gov