West Virginia § 12-3-17 - 12-3-17. Liabilities incurred by state boards, commissions, officers or employees which cannot be paid out of current appropriations.
Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 12-3-17 — 12-3-17. Liabilities incurred by state boards, commissions, officers or employees which cannot be paid out of current appropriations., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-3-17. 12-3-17. Liabilities incurred by state boards, commissions, officers or employees which cannot be paid out of current appropriations.
Except as provided in this section, it shall be unlawful for any state board, commission, officer or employee: (1) To incur any liability during any fiscal year which cannot be paid out of the then current appropriation for such year or out of funds received from an emergency appropriation; or (2) to authorize or to pay any account or bill incurred during any fiscal year out of the appropriation for the following year: Provided, That nothing contained herein shall prohibit entering into a contract or lease for buildings, land and space, the cost of which exceeds the current year’s appropriation, even though the amount is not available during the then current year, if the aggregate cost does not exceed the amount then authorized by the Legislature. Nothing contained herein shall abrogate the provisions of the general law relating to the expiration of appropriations for buildings and land.
Any member of a state board or commission or any officer or employee violating any provision of this section shall be personally liable for any debt unlawfully incurred or for any payment unlawfully made.
Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 12-3-17
What does West Virginia Code § 12-3-17 cover?
Section 12-3-17 ("12-3-17. Liabilities incurred by state boards, commissions, officers or employees which cannot be paid out of current appropriations.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite West Virginia § 12-3-17?
A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 12-3-17" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of West Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.
How does West Virginia § 12-3-17 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.