Bill > SB921

This bill, titled the "Safeguarding Public Healthcare Funding Act," aims to prevent state funding, specifically through Medicaid, from being used for abortions or gender transition procedures, which are defined to include gender-altering medication and gender reassignment surgery. The bill outlines legislative findings that emphasize the state's right to define the limits of its programs and determine eligibility for funding. It explicitly prohibits Medicaid funds from paying for abortions, except in specific circumstances defined by another section of code, and from paying for gender transition procedures. Furthermore, it disqualifies individuals and entities that perform abortions (with the same exception), provide referrals for abortions or gender transition procedures, or are affiliates of such entities from participating in West Virginia Medicaid. The bill also extends these prohibitions to all public funds distributed or appropriated by the state and its subdivisions, preventing their use for or in connection with abortions or gender transition procedures, and restricts state contracts and commercial transactions with entities involved in these procedures. The Attorney General is empowered to enforce these provisions, with standing also granted to eligible recipients of public funds under certain conditions, and prevailing plaintiffs are entitled to attorneys' fees. The bill includes a severability clause, allowing for the enforcement of remaining provisions if any part is found invalid, and sets an effective date of October 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=921&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill