FISCAL NOTE
Date Requested: February 12, 2025
Time Requested: 09:47 PM |
| Agency: |
Supreme Court of Appeals |
|---|
| CBD Number: |
Version: |
Bill Number: |
Resolution Number: |
| 1166 |
Introduced |
SB186 |
|
|---|
| CBD Subject: |
Actions, Suits and Liens |
|---|
|
FUND(S):
General Revenue Fund
Sources of Revenue:
General Fund
Legislation creates:
Increases Existing Expenses
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
This bill will increase the amount paid to witnesses to appear in court. Currently under W. Va. Code ยง59-1-16, a witness is paid not less than $10 nor more than $20 for each day in attendance, and $0.15/mile for each mile necessarily traveled to the place of attendance, and the same for returning, plus all necessary bridge, ferry and road tolls. This bill will increase the amount to $40 for each day of attendance and travel costs based on the state mileage reimbursement rate applicable to state employees who utilize their own vehicles for business travel as established by the State Travel Management Office of the West Virginia Purchasing Division (currently $0.70/mile).
Fiscal Note Detail
| Effect of Proposal |
Fiscal Year |
2025
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
2026
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation) |
| 1. Estmated Total Cost |
0 |
0 |
122,000 |
| Personal Services |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Current Expenses |
0 |
0 |
29,000 |
| Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| 2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
We expect that fees paid to witnesses will increase from $29,000 per fiscal year ($20,000 for per diem plus $9,000 for mileage) to $122,000 per fiscal year ($80,000 for per diem plus $42,000 for mileage), an increase of $93,000. This is based on the actual fees paid in fiscal years 2022-2024.
Memorandum
This fiscal note is based on SB186 as introduced.
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Liz Schindzielorz, Policy Counsel
Email Address: elizabeth.schindzielorz@courtswv.gov