This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by adding two new sections, 11-8-5a and 11-15-8e, to enhance the support for the state's forestry industry. It classifies forestry equipment as Class I property, recognizing forestry as an essential component of agriculture and the state's economy. The bill defines forestry equipment to include various machinery used in the harvesting, processing, or transportation of forest products, such as skidders, feller-bunchers, and trailers. This classification aligns forestry equipment with agricultural equipment for property tax purposes.

Additionally, the bill exempts the sale of forestry equipment from the consumers sales and service tax, effective July 1, 2026. This exemption is intended to provide tax benefits to forestry businesses, thereby promoting the growth and sustainability of the forestry sector in West Virginia. The overall goal of the legislation is to acknowledge the importance of forestry within the agricultural framework and to support the economic viability of forestry operations in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-8-5a, 11-15-8e