Creating WV Reshoring Manufacturing Act

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Oliverio

West Virginia would create incentives to attract and expand manufacturing reshoring, with performance targets and a state agency to administer the program.

To Finance

#taxation

Summary of SB 939 (2026) – West Virginia

Purpose and intent

The bill is titled the WV Reshoring Manufacturing Act. Its core aim is to encourage and support the return (reshoring) of manufacturing activities to West Virginia from abroad or from other regions.

The policy objective is to boost domestic production, strengthen local supply chains, create or retain jobs, and stimulate regional economic development within the state.

Key provisions and changes

Establishment of incentives or programs designed to attract manufacturers to relocate or expand operations in West Virginia. While specific program design details are not provided in the summary, typical components of such acts include tax credits, grants, or preferential loan terms, eligibility criteria, and performance requirements.

Potential targeted sectors or activities may be identified to prioritize reshoring efforts (e.g., advanced manufacturing, electronics, chemicals, or other strategic industries), though exact sectors are not enumerated in the provided material.

Administrative framework: creation or designation of a state-level managing authority (likely within Economic Development or a related agency) to administer the program, process applications, verify compliance, and monitor outcomes.

Performance-based criteria: beneficiaries may be required to meet job creation or retention thresholds, capital investment minimums, and wage standards to receive or maintain incentives.

Sunset and reporting: the act may include periodic reporting requirements to the Legislature and potential sunset provisions or reevaluation milestones to assess effectiveness, though these specifics are not detailed in the summary.

Who is affected

Manufacturers seeking to reshore or expand operations in West Virginia; eligibility will determine which firms can access incentives.

West Virginia businesses and suppliers may benefit indirectly through strengthened supply chains and increased demand.

State agencies (likely Economic Development and Finance committees) will administer and oversee the program, including reviewing applications and monitoring compliance.

Taxpayers and state finances could be affected depending on the design of incentives (costs vs. projected economic gains) and any reporting requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill progressed through committees, with a substitute being reported to the Finance Committee on February 24, 2026, indicating a fiscal impact or accompanying budget considerations will be evaluated.

Initial introduction and referral steps occurred on February 13, 2026, with movement from Economic Development to Finance, reflecting the bill’s potential fiscal implications.

Co-sponsor: Mike Oliverio, indicating bipartisan or cross-aisle support dynamics may be at play, though party affiliation is not specified here.

Notes and considerations

The available summary lacks detailed text on incentives amounts, eligibility criteria, duration, caps, or sunset provisions. For a complete assessment, the bill’s full language would need to be reviewed, including any fiscal notes, program guidelines, and implementing regulations.

The effectiveness of reshoring incentives often depends on design features such as predictable long-term support, workforce training provisions, utility and permitting considerations, and coordination with local economic development partners.

If you’d like, I can analyze the bill’s fiscal note (once available) or compare it with similar reshoring programs in other states to project potential fiscal and employment impacts.