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HB 2191

Allowing counties to enter into trade-in transactions

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rick Hillenbrand and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 2191 empowers West Virginia counties to sell, lease, or trade property, enhancing asset management and flexibility to better meet community needs.

To House Local Governments
#counties
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2191

Summary of House Bill 2191

Bill Number: HB 2191
Title: Allowing counties to enter into trade-in transactions
Status: To House Local Governments
Introduced: February 12, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Counties

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2191 aims to empower county commissions in West Virginia with the authority to sell, lease, trade-in, or dispose of their real or personal property. The bill seeks to streamline the process for these transactions and establish clear guidelines and timeframes for their execution. This legislation is intended to enhance the operational flexibility of county commissions in managing their assets.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the addition of a new section, §7-3-20, to the Code of West Virginia, which includes the following key provisions:

  1. Authorization of Transactions:

    • County commissions are authorized to sell, lease, or dispose of real or personal property for public purposes, without solely relying on the current commercial or market value of the property.
    • They may also engage in trade-in transactions when acquiring new property.

  2. Sale Procedures:

    • Sales must be conducted at public auction or through an Internet-based auction service.
    • Prior to any sale, a Class II legal advertisement must be published, detailing the time, terms, and place of sale, along with a brief description of the property.
    • The notice requirement does not apply to items valued under $1,000.

  3. Leasing Authority:

    • County commissions can lease property for terms not exceeding 50 years, with the lease terms specified by a resolution of the commission.
    • A public hearing must be held before the lease is authorized, with proper notice published as a Class I legal advertisement.

  4. Exemptions:

    • The provisions do not apply to transactions involving property valued at less than $1,000 or to trade-in transactions when purchasing new property.

Impact

This bill would primarily affect county commissions across West Virginia, providing them with greater flexibility in managing their assets. By allowing trade-in transactions and simplifying the sale and leasing processes, counties may be better equipped to optimize their property holdings and respond to community needs.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 12, 2025: Bill filed for introduction and referred to the Committee on Government Organization.
  • February 13, 2025: Bill sent to the House Local Governments Committee for further consideration.

Conclusion

House Bill 2191 represents a significant change in how county commissions can manage their property, potentially leading to more efficient use of resources and improved public services. The bill is currently under review by the House Local Governments Committee.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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