SB 870
Relating to fees imposed by municipalities
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to protect West Virginia municipalities participating in the Home Rule Program from imposing new fees on businesses that are already paying existing taxes like sales tax or hotel/motel tax. It prohibits municipalities from adding new fees for services like fire or emergency services, or the municipal home rule sales tax. The bill also preserves the option for businesses to voluntarily remit any new taxes or fees to the municipality through agreements, and establishes a permanent Municipal Home Rule Program with associated funding and oversight by a board.
Key provisions
- Prohibits municipalities from imposing new fees on businesses already paying existing municipal taxes.
- Preserves the option for businesses to voluntarily remit new taxes or fees to municipalities.
- Establishes a permanent Municipal Home Rule Program.
- Creates a Municipal Home Rule Board to oversee the program and review municipal plans.
- Requires municipalities to pay an annual assessment to the Home Rule Board Operations Fund.
- Sets guidelines for municipal plan submissions and amendments, including public hearings and legal opinions.
- Outlines specific restrictions on municipal ordinances to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
- Addresses revenue distribution and prevents municipalities from seeking refunds for miscalculated tax distributions.
Who is affected
- West Virginia Municipalities
- Businesses operating within West Virginia municipalities
- The Municipal Home Rule Board
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