SJR 20 West Virginia Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Fire and Emergency Services Excess Levy Majority Approval Amendment

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to lower the voter approval threshold for local tax increases dedicated exclusively to fire protection or emergency medical services. Currently, most local tax hikes require 60% voter approval, but this amendment would allow such increases to pass with a simple majority (50% plus one vote) instead. The change would apply only to fire and EMS funding, with strict limits: increases could not exceed 50% over current rates, would last no longer than three years, and would require separate voter approval each time. This aims to streamline funding for critical emergency services while maintaining higher approval standards for other local tax increases.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 11, 2026 Last action Feb 11, 2026
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Total actions
4
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Feb 11, 2026
Committee
To Judiciary
upper
Feb 11, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
Feb 11, 2026
Committee
To Judiciary then Finance
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors