The bill introduced on January 14, 2026, seeks to enhance economic development in West Virginia, particularly within the aerospace sector, through the establishment of the "West Virginia Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Growth Act." This legislation creates an Aerospace Development Program within the Department of Commerce to promote aerospace operations, including research and production, and introduces a Job Development Investment Grant Program to incentivize job creation. It outlines various tax incentives for qualifying projects, establishes a framework for economic development agreements, and mandates annual reporting on grant programs to ensure transparency and accountability.

Additionally, the bill introduces the West Virginia MRO Workforce & Aviation Development Act, which focuses on workforce training in the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector. It establishes a statewide aviation maintenance education program and the MRO Workforce Development Fund to support training initiatives. Key provisions include the expansion of definitions related to aerospace facilities and the requirement for the Attorney General's approval for economic development agreements. The bill aims to create a skilled workforce, increase job opportunities, and foster growth in the aerospace industry while ensuring compliance and accountability among grant recipients.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-6F-1, 11-6F-2, 11-6F-4, 5B-12-1, 5B-12-2, 5B-12-3, 5B-13-1, 5B-13-2, 5B-13-3, 5B-13-4, 5B-13-5, 5B-13-6, 5B-13-7, 5B-13-8, 5B-13-9, 5B-13-10, 5B-13-11, 5B-13-12, 5B-14-1, 5B-14-2, 5B-14-3, 5B-14-4, 5B-14-5, 5B-14-6, 5B-14-7, 18B-23-1, 18B-23-2, 18B-23-3, 18B-23-4, 18B-23-5, 18B-23-6, 18B-23-7, 18B-23-8, 18B-23-9, 18B-23-10