This bill proposes the establishment of a county daycare system in West Virginia, allowing county commissions to create a public agency known as the "County Daycare Authority" to manage and operate daycare facilities. The bill outlines a petition process for county residents to initiate the creation of a daycare, requiring signatures from at least 10% of registered voters from the last gubernatorial election. It also permits county commissions to propose a fee, tax, or levy to fund the daycare, which must be approved by voters in a county-wide referendum. If a county commission can fund the daycare without a tax or levy, it may proceed without a referendum.

Additionally, the bill details the management structure of the County Daycare Authority, which will consist of five members appointed by the county commission, including parents and experts in finance and child development. The authority will have the power to contract, sue, and manage daycare facilities, as well as establish fees based on the ability to pay. The bill emphasizes the importance of affordable daycare as a public service that enhances the quality of life and supports economic development in the county.

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