The bill introduced on January 29, 2026, aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by adding a new article that addresses the issue of double taxation on residential rental properties. The purpose of the bill is to lower rent for tenants by prohibiting counties and municipalities from imposing additional property taxes on these rental properties. Specifically, it mandates that all taxes assessed against owners of residential rental properties must be at the same rate as those for owner-occupied housing and prohibits any additional taxes based on zoning.

Additionally, the bill allows for the commission to establish necessary rules to implement its provisions, including procedures for property assessment changes and classification forms for future reporting. The commission is required to file any rules exempted from the provisions of Chapter 29A with the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee by October 31, 2026. Overall, the legislation seeks to ensure that residential rental properties are not subjected to unfair taxation, thereby helping to maintain affordable housing for tenants.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11A-5-1, 11A-5-2, 11A-5-3