This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing two new sections that mandate political subdivisions and the Department of Health to collect and report data on the costs associated with treating undocumented immigrants. Specifically, it requires each political subdivision to declare quarterly expenditures related to housing, feeding, and educating noncitizen immigrants who lack proper documentation. Additionally, county commissions and city councils must report their spending on undocumented individuals, detailing the dates, amounts, and purposes of these expenditures. Noncompliance with these requirements could result in violations of the state's laws against sanctuary cities.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new requirement for hospitals that accept Medicaid to inquire about patients' immigration status during admission or registration. Hospitals must report quarterly on the number of admissions or emergency visits by patients based on their immigration status, and the Department of Health is tasked with compiling an annual report for state leaders that includes data on hospital admissions, costs of uncompensated care for undocumented immigrants, and the overall impact on hospital services. The Department may also create rules regarding the reporting format while ensuring that patient identities remain confidential.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-17-10, 16-67-1