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Bill

SB 389

Historic Rehab Building Credit Act

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Woelfel

SB 389 creates a state tax credit for rehabilitating historic buildings, incentivizing preservation through reduced tax liability for qualifying property owners.

Communicated to Senate
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Bill Summary · SB 389

Legislative bill overview

SB 389 establishes a tax credit program for the rehabilitation of historic buildings in West Virginia. The bill provides financial incentives to property owners and developers who restore and preserve historically significant structures, reducing their state tax liability based on qualified rehabilitation expenses.

Why is this important

Historic preservation tax credits can revitalize deteriorating downtown areas and older neighborhoods while preserving architectural heritage. However, these programs represent foregone state tax revenue and primarily benefit property owners with sufficient tax liability to use the credits, potentially concentrating benefits among higher-income investors.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: The state loses tax revenue from credits claimed, raising questions about cost-effectiveness and whether resources could be better directed elsewhere
  • Equity concerns: Tax credits primarily benefit those with existing tax liability; renters and lower-income residents may not directly benefit from neighborhood improvements
  • Definition and compliance: The bill's specific criteria for "historic" status and allowable rehabilitation expenses could be ambiguous, creating administrative burden and disputes over qualifying projects

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

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