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HB 2116

Allowing for surplus money collected above voter approved excess levy requests to remain with specific county and placed in general fund

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jordan Maynor and 3 co-sponsors

House Bill 2116 allows West Virginia counties to keep surplus funds from voter-approved excess levies, boosting local financial resources for community projects.

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Bill Summary · HB 2116

Summary of House Bill 2116

Bill Number: HB 2116
Title: Allowing for surplus money collected above voter approved excess levy requests to remain with specific county and placed in general fund
Status: To House Finance
Introduced: January 29, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Taxation

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2116 aims to amend the existing legislation regarding excess levies in West Virginia. The primary intent of the bill is to allow counties to retain any surplus funds collected beyond the amounts approved by voters during excess levy elections. This surplus would be placed in the county's general fund, providing local governments with greater financial flexibility.

Key Provisions

  • Surplus Retention: The bill stipulates that any surplus funds accrued beyond the specific amounts identified in the levy call and approved by voters will be retained by the county that imposed the levy.
  • General Fund Allocation: Surplus funds will be accounted for in the county's general fund and can be expended similarly to other general fund moneys.
  • Election Requirements: The bill maintains the requirement for local levying bodies to submit the question of additional levies to voters, with a minimum of 60% approval needed for county commissions and a simple majority for county boards of education to impose the additional levy.

Impact

  • Counties: This legislation directly affects counties that impose excess levies, allowing them to benefit from any surplus funds collected. This could enhance their financial resources for local projects and services.
  • Voters: The bill does not change the voting process for approving excess levies but provides a new financial mechanism for counties to utilize surplus funds effectively.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 29, 2025: Bill filed by Rep. Tony M. McCombie.
  • February 4, 2025: First reading and referred to the Rules Committee.
  • February 12, 2025: Introduced in the House and referred to the Finance Committee.
  • March 4, 2025: Assigned to the Executive Committee.
  • March 12, 2025: Passed out of the Executive Committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
  • March 27, 2025: Held on the calendar for second reading.
  • May 31, 2025: Rule 19(a) re-referral to the Rules Committee.

Conclusion

House Bill 2116 seeks to empower counties in West Virginia by allowing them to retain surplus funds from voter-approved excess levies. This change is designed to enhance local financial management and provide additional resources for community needs, while maintaining the existing voter approval process for levies.

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

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