The bill proposes the establishment of the West Virginia Coal Marketing Program, which will be administered by the Governor. The program aims to protect and expand West Virginia's coal markets and facilities while addressing the impacts that changes in the coal market have on local communities. The Governor is required to allocate funds specifically for projects that benefit the public in relation to these goals, and no funds can be disbursed without a legal certification from the Attorney General. Additionally, the Governor must report annually to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance detailing the projects funded, including amounts and descriptions.

To support this initiative, the bill appropriates $1 million from the general fund to the newly created West Virginia Coal Marketing Program account, which is designated solely for the program's purposes. The Governor is also tasked with creating any necessary rules for the program's implementation. The bill stipulates that it will take effect 90 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22-37-1, 22-37-2, 22-37-3, 22-37-4