SB 579
Relating to Home Rule Reform
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill seeks to establish a permanent Municipal Home Rule Program in West Virginia. It aims to clarify the powers and responsibilities of participating municipalities and the Municipal Home Rule Board, while also outlining specific limitations on the ordinances these municipalities can enact. The bill restricts municipalities from establishing non-discrimination ordinances that include protected classes beyond those defined in state statute and creates a funding mechanism for the Home Rule Board. It also establishes requirements for municipalities to submit written plans and reports to the board.
Key provisions
- Establishes a permanent Municipal Home Rule Program.
- Limits municipalities’ ability to enact non-discrimination ordinances to those defined in state statute.
- Creates a funding mechanism – the Home Rule Board Operations Fund – to support the program.
- Outlines requirements for municipalities to submit written plans to the board.
- Requires municipalities to provide annual assessments to the Home Rule Board.
- Defines the composition and responsibilities of the Municipal Home Rule Board.
- Establishes procedures for municipalities to amend their written plans.
- Sets forth specific restrictions on municipal ordinances, including limitations on affecting residents outside municipal boundaries and regulating rental properties.
Who is affected
- Municipalities in West Virginia
- The Municipal Home Rule Board
- State government agencies
- Residents of West Virginia municipalities
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