This bill seeks to amend various sections of the West Virginia Code by changing the name of the "School Building Authority" to the "School Maintenance Authority." This change reflects a shift in focus from financing school construction to prioritizing the maintenance of school facilities. Key amendments include the introduction of new definitions, such as "maintenance," which encompasses upkeep activities, and a redefinition of the authority's powers to include financing for both maintenance and construction projects. The bill also establishes a special revenue account, the "School Maintenance Authority Fund," to manage funds for these projects, ensuring that savings from bond issuances are allocated specifically for maintenance and construction.

Additionally, the bill outlines the rights and responsibilities of the newly named authority, including the issuance of bonds for school projects, with specific provisions for revenue refunding bonds and temporary financing options. It mandates that at least 75 percent of available funds for distribution in the current fiscal year be allocated to the West Virginia Board of Education for maintenance purposes, while also allowing public charter schools to apply for funding. The legislation emphasizes the importance of collaboration among educational authorities and mandates annual inspections of funded facilities to ensure compliance with safety and efficiency standards. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the financial capacity and operational focus of the authority to better address the maintenance needs of school facilities in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-9D-1, 18-9D-2, 18-9D-3, 18-9D-4, 18-9D-4a, 18-9D-4b, 18-9D-4c, 18-9D-4d, 18-9D-6, 18-9D-7, 18-9D-8, 18-9D-9, 18-9D-10, 18-9D-12, 18-9D-13, 18-9D-14, 18-9D-15, 18-9D-16, 18-9D-17, 18-9D-20, 18-9D-21