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SB767 • 2026
Creating needs-based assessment for EMS
This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.
Using official source text because the generated explanation was unavailable or could not be confirmed against the official bill text.
Creating needs-based assessment for EMS
To Health and Human Resources
Introduced in Senate
To Health and Human Resources then Finance
Filed for introduction
Creating needs-based assessment for EMS
SB 767 Text skip navigation SENATE PRESIDENT SENATORS COMMITTEES VIDEO/AUDIO DISTRICT MAPS SENATE CLERK SENATE RULES HOUSE SPEAKER DELEGATES COMMITTEES VIDEO/AUDIO DISTRICT MAPS HOUSE CLERK HOUSE RULES HOUSE STAFF JOINT INTERIM COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATOR LEGISLATIVE SERVICES DIVISION PUBLIC INFORMATION LEGISLATIVE AUTOMATED SYSTEMS DIVISION LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR'S OFFICE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION & RESEARCH DIVISION POST AUDIT DIVISION BUDGET DIVISION REGULATORY AND FISCAL AFFAIRS DIVISION CLAIMS COMMISSION CRIME VICTIMS RULE-MAKING REVIEW SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS JUDICIAL COMP. COMMISSION JOINT RULES STAFF INFO BILL STATUS BILL STATUS BILL TRACKING STATE LAW WEST VIRGINIA CODE ACTS OF THE LEGISLATURE CODE OF 1931 WV CONSTITUTION US CONSTITUTION REPORTS AGENCY REPORTS AGENCY GRANT AWARDS PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS POST AUDITS EDUCATIONAL CITIZEN’S GUIDE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM PAGE PROGRAM PUBLICATIONS PHOTO GALLERY CAPITOL HISTORY HOW A BILL BECOMES LAW CONTACT SENATE ROSTER HOUSE ROSTER PUBLIC INFO. NEWS RELEASES HELPFUL LINKS Introduced Version Senate Bill 767 History | Email Key: Green = existing Code. Red = new code to be enacted WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE 2026 REGULAR SESSION Introduced FISCAL NOTE Senate Bill 767 By Senator M. Maynard [Introduced February 5, 2026; referred to the Committee on Health and Human Resources; and then to the Committee on Finance] A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §16-4G-1, §16-4G-2, §16-4G-3, §16-4G-4, §16-4G-5, §16-4G-6, §16-4G-7, and §16-4G-8, relating to requiring needs-based assessments of emergency medical services departments so that funding may be distributed according to need and not equally across the board; providing short title; providing legislative findings; providing definitions; providing process for implementation; providing for application of the assessment; providing for reporting and legislative oversight; authorizing rulemaking to the Office of Emergency Medical Services; and establishing an effective date. Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia: article 4G. emergency medical services Needs-based assessment and funding act. §16-4G-1. Short title. This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Emergency Medical Services Needs-Based Assessment Act”. §16-4G-2. Legislative findings. (a) The Legislature finds that emergency medical services (EMS) are a critical component of public health and safety in West Virginia. (b) Disparities in funding allocation have led to resource shortages in high-need areas, affecting response times and service quality. (c) A needs-based assessment will provide a data-driven approach to ensuring EMS funding is distributed equitably. §16-4G-3. Definitions. For the purposes of this act: (1) "Emergency Medical Services" or "EMS" refers to pre-hospital emergency medical care and transportation services. (2) "Needs-Based Assessment" refers to a comprehensive evaluation of EMS agencies to determine funding requirements based on factors such as call volume, response times, geographic coverage, and financial sustainability. (3) "Department" refers to the West Virginia Department of Health, Bureau for Public Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services. §16-4G-4. Needs-based assessment implementation. (a) The department shall conduct a statewide EMS needs-based assessment every two years. (b) The assessment shall evaluate: (1) Call volume and response times by jurisdiction; (2) Availability of ambulances and trained personnel; (3) Financial stability of EMS providers; (4) Geographic challenges impacting service delivery; (5) Mutual aid agreements and reliance on volunteer services; and (6) Equipment and training deficiencies. (c) The department shall collaborate with local EMS agencies, county commissions, and regional health authorities in conducting the assessment. (d) The first needs-based assessment shall be conducted within one year of the act's passage. §16-4G-5. Needs-based funding application. (a) The department shall establish a funding distribution formula based on the findings of the needs-based assessment. (b) Funding priority shall be given to EMS agencies demonstrating: (1) High call volumes and slow response times; (2) Financial instability that threatens operational viability; (3) A shortage of certified personnel; (4) Insufficient medical equipment or vehicles; and (5) Service coverage gaps in rural and underserved areas. (c) No EMS provider shall receive reduced funding unless justified by assessment findings and alternative funding availability. §16-4G-6. Reporting; legislative oversight. (a) The department shall submit a report to the Legislature every two years detailing: (1) Assessment results; (2) Funding allocations and justifications; (3) Improvements and deficiencies in EMS services; and (4) Recommendations for legislative or regulatory changes. (b) The Joint Committee on Government and Finance shall review the report and make recommendations for policy adjustments if necessary. §16-4G-7. Rulemaking. Pursuant to §29A-3-1 et seq ., the department shall propose legislative rules to implement this act. §16-4G-8. Effective date. This Act shall be effective from passage. NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to establish the Emergency Medical Services Needs-Based Assessment and Funding Act. Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added. Bill Status | Bill Tracking | Legacy WV Code | Bulletin Board | District Maps | Senate Roster | House Roster | Live | Blog | Jobs | Links | Home This Web site is maintained by the West Virginia Legislature's Office of Reference & Information. | Terms of Use | Webmaster | © 2026 West Virginia Legislature ** Print On Demand Name: Email: Phone: