This bill amends section 59-1-2a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, to enhance business fee structures and reporting requirements. A significant addition is the establishment of a bad check fee, which allows the Secretary of State to charge businesses up to $5 for payments that are rejected due to insufficient funds, alongside any fees from financial institutions. The bill also provides the Secretary of State with the authority to waive late fees under certain conditions, particularly when the delay is due to factors outside the filer's control. Additionally, it introduces a veteran-owned business logotype, which the Secretary of State is tasked with developing, along with guidelines for its application.

Moreover, the bill exempts veteran-owned and active-duty member-owned businesses from the annual report fee for their first four years of registration. It requires that any solicitation for annual report filing services includes clear disclosures indicating that the offer is not endorsed by any government agency, with violations classified as misdemeanors punishable by fines or imprisonment. The bill aims to streamline business operations, support veteran-owned enterprises, and ensure transparency in business solicitations, while also introducing penalties for non-compliance with solicitation requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 59-1-2a