This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 1-1-6, to the Code of West Virginia, which outlines the process for admitting localities or territories that are contiguous to West Virginia's borders into the state. The bill stipulates that such localities must undergo a binding referendum during the next general election, followed by a simple majority vote in the Legislature to approve their admission. If both the local voters and the Legislature approve, the Secretary of State will notify Congress and the Post Master General of the change, and the localities will officially become part of West Virginia.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the newly admitted localities regarding taxation, governmental processes, and business licensing. Citizens will receive guidance on where to send their state and county taxes, with a grace period before enforcement begins. Businesses will be able to file for state licensing free of charge until the end of the year of their admission, and professional occupations will have a grandfather provision for their existing licenses. The Legislature is also tasked with adopting further provisions to facilitate the efficient integration of new localities into the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 1-1-6