The proposed bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing a new article that authorizes counties to establish a county daycare. It outlines a petition process for residents to initiate the creation of a daycare, allowing county commissions to propose a fee, tax, or levy to fund the daycare's establishment and maintenance. The bill also permits county commissions to create a "County Daycare Authority" to oversee the daycare's operations, and mandates that any funding proposals be presented to voters in a county-wide referendum. Additionally, the bill allows for collaboration between adjacent counties to form a joint daycare authority if they meet the necessary requirements.

Key provisions include the requirement for a petition signed by at least 10% of registered voters to trigger a referendum, as well as the county commission's ability to initiate a referendum independently. The bill specifies that if a county can fund the daycare without imposing a tax or fee, it may proceed without a referendum. Furthermore, the County Daycare Authority will be composed of appointed members with expertise in relevant fields, and it will have the power to manage daycare facilities, establish fees based on the ability to pay, and accept grants or contributions for operational support. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance access to affordable daycare services for residents while promoting economic development and workforce availability.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 7-28-1, 7-28-2, 7-28-3, 7-28-4, 7-28-5, 7-28-6, 7-28-7