This bill amends sections 19-12A-5 and 19-12A-6a of the West Virginia Code to enhance the powers and duties of the West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture regarding land owned by the Department of Agriculture. Key changes include the ability for the Commissioner to transfer land or interests therein to other public bodies, as outlined in sections 1-5-1 through 1-5-5 of the code. Additionally, the bill allows for the cancellation of leases with annual consideration of less than $5 per acre, provided that the lease includes a provision for cancellation by the Legislature. The bill also stipulates that no timberland may be disposed of unless it has been determined that there is no commercially salable timber present.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the handling of funds generated from various sources, including the sale of food and the lease of land or minerals. It establishes that all funds collected by the department will be deposited into a special revenue account, with a provision allowing for the transfer of excess funds exceeding $1 million to the Department of Agriculture Capital Improvements Fund at the end of the fiscal year. This legislative change aims to streamline the management of agricultural resources and ensure that funds are effectively utilized for the department's purposes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 19-12A-5, 19-12A-6a