Bill > SB50

This bill, effective July 1, 2026, mandates that all proceeds from the coal severance tax, which is a tax levied on the extraction of coal, will be distributed to the specific county where the coal was produced. This aims to directly benefit the "coal-producing counties" by dedicating a portion of this tax revenue to them, with a phased-in increase starting at one percent in July 2012 and reaching five percent by July 2016, capped at $20 million annually, and ensuring the amount distributed after July 1, 2019, is no less than the amount distributed in the prior fiscal year. The funds will be deposited into a special "Coal County Reallocated Severance Tax Fund" and distributed quarterly based on the proportion of coal mined in each county. These funds must be deposited into a separate county account and can only be used for economic development projects, such as fostering commercial or industrial growth, and infrastructure projects, like road improvements or broadband development, but cannot be used for personal services, bond issuance costs, or debt repayment. Counties are required to report annually on how these funds are spent, and the Joint Committee on Government and Finance can authorize audits of these expenditures.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=50&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill