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 can fund the daycare without additional taxes or fees, it may proceed without a referendum.

The bill includes provisions for the management and oversight of the daycare authority, detailing the appointment of members, their terms, and the authority's powers. The authority will be responsible for establishing and maintaining daycare facilities, setting fees based on the ability to pay, and managing operations. Additionally, the authority can enter contracts, acquire property, and accept grants to support its functions. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance access to affordable daycare services, promote workforce availability, and improve the quality of life for county residents.

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