Bill > SB144

This bill updates the Military Incentive Program by expanding its scope and simplifying its provisions. The legislation renames the program, removing specific references to the year of its original enactment, and broadens the definition of eligible veterans to include those who served on active duty for more than 180 days with an honorable discharge or were discharged due to a service-connected disability. The bill eliminates previous complicated definitions of "economically disadvantaged" and removes specific references to Vietnam era and Korean conflict veterans. Instead, it creates a more inclusive tax credit program for employers who hire eligible veterans, members of the West Virginia National Guard, and reserve force members who are West Virginia residents. The tax credit remains 30 percent of the employee's wage base (up to $5,000), and employers can claim this credit against their personal income or corporate net income tax liability. The bill maintains existing restrictions, such as not allowing credits for displacing current employees or for individuals receiving other government job training payments. The program will now be administered by WorkForce West Virginia, which is tasked with creating rules and regulations to implement the program's intent.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=144&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill