Budget & Taxes (Revenue · Local Government)

HB 4679 prohibits West Virginia counties, towns, and municipalities from using taxpayer funds to hire lobbyists who represent them at the state level. The bill adds new sections to state law (§7-28-1, §7A-9-1, and §8-40-1) explicitly banning local governments from paying for lobbying services using tax revenue. It directly affects all county commissions, consolidated local governments, and municipal corporations across the state. The key provision prevents local entities from using public money to influence state legislation through lobbying efforts. This is a direct policy change limiting how local governments may engage with state lawmakers.