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Bill

Bill

HB 5635

To create the Coalfield Housing Revitalization Tax Credit Act.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Toney

West Virginia creates a tax credit program to incentivize residential housing development and rehabilitation in economically distressed coalfield regions.

To House Finance
#taxation
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5635

Legislative bill overview

HB 5635 establishes a tax credit program designed to incentivize investment in residential housing development and rehabilitation within West Virginia's coalfield regions. The bill creates financial incentives for developers and investors to undertake housing projects in economically distressed coal-dependent communities. This addresses the documented housing shortage and economic decline in these areas.

Why is this important

Coalfield regions in West Virginia have experienced severe population loss, aging housing stock, and limited private investment due to the decline of coal mining. Affordable housing shortages directly impact workforce retention and economic diversification efforts in these communities. Tax credits can catalyze private capital investment while reducing direct government expenditure on housing development.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal cost: The state foregoes tax revenue; actual costs depend on credit structure, cap amounts, and uptake rates—potentially straining state budgets without clear ROI guarantees
  • Targeting effectiveness: Questions about whether tax credits effectively reach lowest-income residents versus benefiting developers' profits, and whether projects would proceed without incentives anyway
  • Geographic scope definition: Disputes may arise over which areas qualify as "coalfield" regions and whether inclusion/exclusion is fair to neighboring struggling communities

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

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