SB 418
Creating Safer Communities Act
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
The Safer Communities Act, established by Senate Bill 418, aims to provide additional funding for West Virginia counties to support public safety, school safety, and emergency response services. It allows counties to levy a public safety sales or amusement tax, subject to voter approval through a ballot referendum. The bill defines key terms, outlines notification requirements for tax administration, and includes exclusions for municipalities participating in the Municipal Home Rule Program and those already collecting amusement taxes.
Key provisions
- Allows counties to levy a public safety sales or amusement tax.
- Requires voter approval through a ballot referendum for tax implementation.
- Defines key terms such as ‘amusement tax,’ ‘emergency response services,’ and ‘school resource officers.’
- Mandates notification to the Tax Commissioner, Auditor, and Treasurer before imposing or changing tax rates.
- Specifies that the sales tax applies to purchases at a rate not to exceed one percent.
- Excludes municipalities in the Municipal Home Rule Program from the tax.
- Excludes municipalities with existing amusement taxes from the tax.
- Provides for severability, ensuring that parts of the bill that are challenged can be upheld if other parts remain valid.
Who is affected
- West Virginia Counties
- County Commissions
- Sheriff's Departments
- Fire Departments
- Emergency Medical Services
Notable changes
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