The proposed bill aims to establish the "Taxpayer Accountability for Public Service Act" in West Virginia, which mandates that individuals must demonstrate compliance with personal property tax obligations to qualify as candidates for public office. Key provisions include the requirement for candidates to submit a "certification of tax compliance" when filing their candidacy papers, which verifies that all personal property taxes are paid or that they are enrolled in an approved payment plan. The election authority is tasked with verifying this compliance before certifying candidates for the ballot.

Additionally, the bill outlines exceptions for candidates who have entered into a payment plan or have filed a good faith challenge to their tax assessment. It also includes enforcement measures, allowing the election authority to remove candidates from the ballot if they have unpaid taxes and do not qualify for an exception. Furthermore, individuals who knowingly provide false information regarding their tax status would face disqualification from running for public office for five years. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-1D-1, 3-1D-2, 3-1D-3, 3-1D-4, 3-1D-5, 3-1D-6, 3-1D-7