The bill amends West Virginia Code §8-13-13 to regulate the imposition of fire protection service fees by municipalities. It establishes that, effective June 30, 2024, municipalities cannot impose new fire protection fees on individuals or businesses located in counties that have already enacted a fire service fee, unless there is an intergovernmental agreement in place between the municipality and the county commission. The bill outlines specific requirements for this agreement, including that the fees must be uniform for all individuals and businesses within and outside the municipality's boundaries, and that no one should be required to pay both a municipal and a county fire service fee.

Additionally, the bill allows municipalities to increase or decrease existing fire protection fees that were in effect prior to June 30, 2024, provided that such changes are applied uniformly. It also includes provisions for the administrative procedures related to the collection of fees, including the process for filing liens on properties for unpaid fees. The amendments aim to create a more structured approach to fire service fees while ensuring fairness and clarity for residents and businesses affected by these charges.

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