This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to authorize specific county commissions to levy special district excise taxes for designated economic opportunity development districts. The bill outlines the conditions under which these taxes can be levied, emphasizing that county commissions do not have inherent authority to impose taxes without explicit legislative approval. It specifies that the Legislature must consider each proposed economic development district individually, taking into account its unique characteristics and potential impact on the General Revenue Fund.

In addition to previously authorized counties, the bill includes a new provision allowing the Mason County Commission to levy a special district excise tax for the Henderson Economic Opportunity District, which encompasses approximately 150 contiguous acres. This new authorization is subject to the same requirements as other districts, including holding a public hearing and obtaining approval from the West Virginia Development Office. The bill also establishes specific timelines for the potential abolition of certain districts, ensuring that they remain in effect until at least 2053 or 2054, unless terminated earlier.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 7-22-9