West Virginia2026Enacted

HB4126

Changes to How State Park Money Is Shared

Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 11:08 AM

In one sentence

This law changes how much money from oil and gas royalties under the Ohio River goes directly to running state parks versus staying in a savings fund.

Requires that starting July 1, 2026, half of the royalty money from state-owned minerals beneath the Ohio River and its tributaries must be used for park operations.
States that if the total balance in the State Parks and Recreation Endowment Fund reaches $100 million or more, all new royalties go to park operations instead of being split.
Allows investment income from the fund to pay for fixing trails, parks, forests, and buying needed equipment like furniture.
Permits using assets from the fund as security (collateral) for loans under the State Parks Enhancement Loan Insurance Program.

The West Virginia State Treasurer who manages the special revenue account.
The Board of Trustees that invests and directs money in the endowment fund.
State park directors responsible for operating, maintaining, and improving parks, forests, and rail trails.

The law does not say how long it will take for the fund balance to reach $100 million.
Investment income from the fund cannot be used to provide loan insurance, even though other assets can be used as collateral.

Plain language

Royalties: Money paid to the state by companies that lease rights to drill or mine gas, oil, and minerals on state-owned land beneath rivers.
Endowment Fund: A special savings account where money is kept safe and invested so it can grow over time for future use.

Official record

Validated

To modify the funding distribution to the state park endowment fund and the State Parks Operational Fund

Official activity