The bill introduced on March 21, 2025, aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by establishing a new section, 16-9G-3, which creates the Tobacco Cessation Initiative Program Special Revenue Account. This account will be managed by the Director of the Bureau for Public Health and will receive funds specifically allocated for tobacco cessation efforts. Notably, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, the bill allows for expenditures from collections rather than requiring legislative appropriation. Any remaining balance in the fund at the end of each fiscal year will not revert to the General Revenue Fund but will stay in the account for future use.

Additionally, the bill mandates that by July 30, 2025, and each subsequent July 30, $5 million from the interest and returns accrued on the Revenue Shortfall Reserve Fund Part B will be transferred to the Tobacco Cessation Initiative Program Special Revenue Account. This funding is designated solely for the purposes outlined in the bill, reinforcing the state's commitment to supporting tobacco cessation initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-9G-3