The West Virginia House of Delegates has passed a bill aimed at stabilizing emergency medical services as squads across the state face rising costs. The bill would use state lottery funds to help counties keep ambulances staffed and running, but counties must provide matching local dollars to qualify.
Supporters say the bill would create the state’s first permanent EMS funding source if approved by the Senate and signed into law.
Lead sponsor Del. Joe Statler says counties could meet the match through hospital support, grants, or private donations. While some worry smaller counties may struggle to match funds, lawmakers call the bill a first step — not a full fix — to strengthen EMS statewide.