West VirginiaParolees pay monthly supervision fees based on ability to pay
People supervised on parole in West Virginia must pay a fee based on ability to pay, while officials weigh finances and spending requires legislative approval.
What it does
People supervised on parole in West Virginia, including some people from other states or the federal government, must pay a monthly fee based on ability to pay, up to $50.
Officials must weigh income, assets, debts, necessary work expenses, and the likely effects of denying a fee waiver or reduction when deciding whether someone can pay.
Fee collections go into a state fund for parole supervision, but the state may spend that money only after the Legislature approves it.
Argument forFees from people who can afford them could help pay for parole supervision, with spending from the fund still requiring legislative approval.
Argument againstA monthly fee could strain people with little income, even though officials must consider their finances and necessary expenses.
More detail
Parolees, and certain people on parole or probation from elsewhere who West Virginia supervises, must pay a monthly fee toward supervision costs. This applies to parolees and federal or other-state probationers and parolees whose supervision West Virginia has taken on. The fee is based on ability to pay and cannot exceed $50 per month. The act took effect 90 days after passage, on June 8, 2026.
The Division must consider a person's finances when deciding whether they can pay the fee. The factors apply when the Division decides whether a parolee or probationer can afford the fee.
Money collected goes into a state fund for parole supervision, and spending requires legislative appropriation. The rules cover fees collected for supervision under this section. Collections alone do not authorize spending; the Legislature must appropriate the money.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 29Chapter 80, Acts, Regular Session, 2026Latest
- Mar 14Approved by Governor Patrick Morrisey 3/17/2026 - House JournalMajor
- Mar 14Approved by Governor Patrick Morrisey 3/17/2026Major
- Mar 14Approved by Governor Patrick Morrisey 3/17/2026 - Senate JournalBecame Law
- Mar 11To Governor 3/11/2026 - Senate JournalTo Governor
- Mar 11To Governor 3/11/2026Minor
- Mar 10House received Senate message
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 10Completed legislative action
- Mar 10Communicated to House
- Mar 10Passed Senate (Roll No. 415)Passed Senate
- Mar 10Read 3rd timeMinor
- Mar 10On 3rd reading
- Mar 9Read 2nd timeMinor
- Mar 9On 2nd reading
- Mar 6Read 1st timeMinor
- Mar 6Immediate consideration
- Mar 6Reported do passMinor
- Feb 26To JudiciaryMinor
- Feb 26To JudiciaryMinor
- Feb 26Introduced in SenateMinor
- Feb 25Communicated to Senate
- Vote recorded PASSAGE. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 25Passed House (Roll No. 189)Passed House
- Feb 25Read 3rd timeMinor
- Feb 25On 3rd reading, Special Calendar
- Feb 24Read 2nd timeMinor
- Feb 24On 2nd reading, Special Calendar
- Feb 23Read 1st timeMinor
- Feb 23On 1st reading, Special Calendar
- Feb 20By substitute, do pass
- Feb 18Markup Discussion
- Feb 17To House JudiciaryMinor
- Feb 16Markup Discussion
- Feb 16To House Homeland SecurityMinor
- Feb 11To House JudiciaryMinor
- Feb 11Introduced in HouseMinor
- Feb 11To JudiciaryMinor
- Feb 11Filed for introductionIntroduced
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