The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to support small businesses, particularly independent contractors and sole proprietors, by introducing exemptions from business licenses for those earning less than $2,500 in annual gross revenue. It facilitates the establishment of home-based businesses by defining permissible activities and setting reasonable regulations. The bill also creates the Small Business Protection Act, which requires state agencies to consider the unique challenges faced by small businesses when developing regulations, ensuring that these do not impose unnecessary burdens. Key provisions include definitions for home-based businesses, conditions for municipal regulation, and a mandate that municipalities cannot impose additional licensing or zoning requirements on these businesses.

Furthermore, the bill revises existing laws regarding business registration and taxation, establishing a business registration tax of $30 for each annual business registration certificate, effective for registration periods beginning on or after July 1, 1999, and maintaining this rate after June 30, 2010. It clarifies that a separate business registration certificate is required for each fixed business location, with exemptions for individuals with gross income of $4,000 or less and those with gross income of $10,000 or less, who may be exempt from tax but still need to register. The bill also outlines penalties for failing to obtain a business registration certificate, imposing a reduced penalty of $15 per business location for those exempt from tax but not registered, while ensuring compliance with existing provisions for specific business activities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-40-1, 8-40-2, 8-40-3, 8-40-4, 8-40-5, 8-40-6
Committee Substitute: 8-40-1, 8-40-2, 8-40-3, 8-40-4, 8-40-5, 8-40-6
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 8-40-1, 8-40-2, 8-40-3, 8-40-4, 8-40-5, 8-40-6
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 8-40-1, 8-40-2, 8-40-3, 8-40-4, 8-40-5, 8-41-1, 8-41-2, 8-13-4, 8-13-5, 11-12-3