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HB 2469

Relating to “Rain Tax”

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Anders and 7 co-sponsors

House Bill 2469 prohibits West Virginia municipalities from charging property owners fees based on stormwater runoff, easing financial burdens on homeowners.

To House Energy and Public Works
#municipalities #taxation
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2469

Summary of House Bill 2469 (HB 2469)

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 2469
  • Title: Relating to “Rain Tax”
  • Status: To House Energy and Public Works
  • Introduced: February 03, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Municipalities, Taxation

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2469 aims to amend existing laws in West Virginia concerning the assessment of fees related to stormwater management. The primary intent of the bill is to prohibit municipalities, counties, and other governmental entities from imposing fees on property owners based on stormwater runoff, rain, or similar criteria. This legislation seeks to alleviate financial burdens on property owners and ensure that local governments cannot levy additional charges related to stormwater management.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following significant changes to the West Virginia Code:

  1. Prohibition of Fees:

    • Municipalities, counties, and local governments are explicitly prohibited from assessing fees to property owners based on stormwater runoff or rain-related factors.

  2. Amendments to Existing Code:

    • The bill amends sections of the Code of West Virginia, specifically:
      • §8-20-10 (Power and authority of municipalities)
      • §16-13-16 (Regulations regarding stormwater)
      • §16-13D-15 (Additional provisions related to stormwater management)

  3. Clarification of Authority:

    • While municipalities retain the authority to manage stormwater systems, they cannot impose fees based on the volume of runoff or rainfall.

Affected Entities

  • Property Owners: The bill primarily benefits property owners by preventing additional financial burdens associated with stormwater management fees.
  • Municipal Governments: Local governments will need to adjust their revenue strategies as they will no longer have the authority to charge these specific fees.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:
    • February 03, 2025: Bill filed with the Clerk by Rep. Janet Yang Rohr.
    • February 17, 2025: Bill introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Energy and Public Works.
    • March 04, 2025: Assigned to the Revenue & Finance Committee.
    • March 06, 2025: Moved to the Tax Policy: Finance Subcommittee.
    • March 21, 2025: Re-referred to the Rules Committee.

Conclusion

House Bill 2469 represents a significant shift in how municipalities can manage stormwater-related fees, aiming to protect property owners from additional taxation based on environmental factors. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for local governance and property taxation will be closely monitored by stakeholders across West Virginia.

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

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