Homestead exemption
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead property tax exemption in West Virginia from $20,000 to $50,000. It directly affects homeowners and mobile home owners who are at least 65 years old or permanently disabled, as well as younger homeowners who would receive a phased-in exemption starting at a lower value. The amendment would allow the state legislature to set specific rules for how the exemption applies, including a five-year phase-in period for properties appraised before the law takes effect. Additionally, the bill grants the legislature authority to provide property tax relief to tenants of residential or farm property. The measure requires approval by voters at the 2026 general election to become part of the state constitution.
Bill status
passed both
4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
Governor
Introduced Mar 2, 2026
Last action Mar 13, 2026
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Engrossed Version
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hjr42 s fin am _1 3-10 adopted.htm
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MODERATE
The bill was amended to significantly expand property tax relief by raising the homestead exemption from $20,000 to $40,000 and creating a new exemption for younger homeowners (under 65) who are not disabled. The amendment also mandates a statewide property reappraisal by 1985 to ensure fair market values and establishes a 10-year phase-in period for any resulting tax increases. Additionally, the text was updated to allow the legislature to adjust the exemption amount for seniors and disabled citizens starting in 2027.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded from a simple increase in the exemption limit for seniors to include a new eligibility category for younger homeowners and a mandatory statewide reappraisal process.
ELIGIBILITY
The homestead exemption amount was increased from $20,000 to $40,000 for seniors and disabled citizens.
A new exemption category was added for homeowners under 65 who are not disabled, allowing them to claim up to $40,000 in property tax relief.
REQUIREMENT
A requirement was added to conduct a statewide property reappraisal by March 31, 1985, to establish current market values.
TIMELINE
A 10-year phase-in period was established to gradually implement tax increases resulting from the new reappraisal.
ENFORCEMENT
The amendment includes provisions for the legislature to adjust the exemption amount for seniors and disabled citizens beginning in 2027.
Floor votes · House of Delegates Mar 4, 2026
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
24
Key actions
5
Committee
3
Mar 13, 2026
Upper · Passed
Adopted by Senate with amended title (Roll No. 589)
upper
Mar 12, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee amendments adopted (Voice vote)
upper
Mar 11, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported be adopted, with amendments and title amendment
upper
Mar 6, 2026
Committee
To Finance
upper
Mar 6, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
Mar 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Passed House (Roll No. 278)
lower
Mar 2, 2026
Lower · Passed
Do pass
lower
Mar 2, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 10 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Vernon Criss
RRepublican
Co
Bill Anderson
RRepublican
Co
Bob Fehrenbacher
RRepublican
Co
Clay Riley
RRepublican
Co
Lori Dittman
RRepublican
Co
Marty Gearheart
RRepublican
Co
Matthew Rohrbach
RRepublican
Co
Ray Canterbury
RRepublican
Co
Roy Cooper
RRepublican
Co
Sean Hornbuckle
DDemocratic
Co
Walter Hall
RRepublican
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