The bill amends sections 11-1C-10 and 11-1C-11 of the Code of West Virginia, changing the certification frequency for landowner-managed timberland from annually to every five years. Landowners must submit written certification to the Division of Forestry, confirming that their property qualifies as managed timberland and complies with a management plan. The bill also clarifies the rulemaking authority of the State Tax Commissioner and the Division of Forestry regarding the valuation and classification of managed timberland for taxation. It emphasizes the preservation of high-quality forest land and provides incentives for private landowners to maintain their properties as forests, while establishing penalties for failing to notify the county assessor of any changes in land use.

Furthermore, the legislation mandates annual reports from the Division of Forestry and the Tax Commissioner to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance, assessing the managed timberland program's impact on tax collections and the timber industry. An online renewal process for the Managed Timberland Program is to be established by October 1, 2023, allowing landowners to confirm changes to their information without fees. The Division of Forestry is also responsible for proposing rules for the designation and certification of forest land managed under cooperative contracts for tax purposes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-1C-10, 11-1C-11
Committee Substitute: 11-1C-10, 11-1C-11
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 11-1C-10, 11-1C-11
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 11-1C-10, 11-1C-11