The bill amends West Virginia Code §8-13-13 to regulate the imposition of fire protection service fees by municipalities. It prohibits any new fire protection service fees from being imposed on individuals or businesses located in counties that already have a fire service fee in place, unless there is an intergovernmental agreement between the municipality and the county commission. The bill outlines specific requirements for this agreement, including that the fees must be uniform for all users, and it establishes a five-year term for the agreement with provisions for renewal. Additionally, municipalities are allowed to increase or decrease existing fire protection fees that were in effect prior to June 30, 2024, as long as such changes are applied uniformly.

The legislation aims to ensure that individuals and businesses are not double-charged for fire protection services and that any fees imposed are fair and consistent. It also includes provisions for the transfer of fire service fee revenues from the county to the municipality and stipulates that after the first year of the agreement, only the municipal fire protection fees will apply to those within the first due areas covered by the agreement. This bill is set to take effect 90 days after its passage, on July 9, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 7-17-12, 8-13-13
Committee Substitute: 8-13-13
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 8-13-13
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 8-13-13