This bill creates a property tax exemption for homeowners in West Virginia whose household income meets federal poverty guidelines. It directly affects low-income homeowners who occupy their property as their primary residence and pay school excess levies (the portion of property taxes funding schools beyond regular levies). To qualify, applicants must file an annual application between July 1 and December 1 with proof of income, residency, and property ownership, and meet residency requirements (two years in WV or specific return-from-out-of-state rules). The exemption applies only to school excess levy taxes - not regular property taxes - and must be renewed yearly.
HB 4731 establishes West Virginia's By-Right Housing Development Act, which automatically approves housing projects (including single-family homes, multifamily units, and accessory dwelling units) that comply with existing zoning rules, eliminating discretionary review by local planning or zoning boards. It directly affects developers and property owners seeking to build housing in communities where projects meet current land use regulations. The bill requires regulatory authorities to monitor compliance, with enforcement actions like fines for violations, but does not override restrictive covenants or HOA rules. Projects must still adhere to all applicable zoning standards, and denials can be appealed in court with potential cost awards for successful applicants.
SB 389 creates a 25% state income tax credit for property owners who rehabilitate certified historic buildings in West Virginia. The credit applies to both residential and non-residential buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places or located in designated historic districts, as certified by the West Virginia Department of Tourism and the National Park Service. To qualify, rehabilitation work must meet "Secretary of the Interior's Standards" and cost at least 20% of the property's assessed value. Property owners can claim this credit against income taxes imposed under specific sections of the state tax code.
HB 4732 requires West Virginia municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - such as guest houses or in-law suites - on single-family properties without special permits (e.g., public hearings or variances). It sets size limits (max 75% of the main house or 1,000 sq ft), prohibits municipalities from requiring extra parking, design matching, occupancy rules, or impact fees, and mandates that at least 35% of residential lots permit ADUs. Municipalities must adopt compliant zoning by January 1, 2027, or follow these rules until they do, with existing non-compliant rules becoming void. This directly affects homeowners seeking to add ADUs and municipalities managing local zoning regulations.
HB 4726 requires West Virginia's Department of Health and Human Resources to prioritize housing applications for foster youth who have turned 18 and are transitioning out of foster care, specifically for those who do not qualify for existing transitional living services. The bill mandates that the department give priority to these young adults for government-assisted housing programs, such as HUD, to improve housing stability during their transition to independence. It directly affects foster youth aged 18 and older leaving the system without qualifying for transitional living placements under current law. This policy change focuses on concrete housing access, not broader outcomes or advocacy.
HB 4084 requires licensed contractors in West Virginia to provide a written contract to homeowners or renters for all residential construction projects, regardless of cost. The contract must include the contractor's license details, a completion date, a refund rate for delays, and references to previous clients upon request. The licensing board must create and distribute a standard contract form to ensure compliance. This bill directly protects residential property owners by mandating clear, written agreements before work begins.
SB 441 requires West Virginia's Division of Motor Vehicles to provide free identification documents to homeless U.S. citizens residing at homeless shelters within the state. Eligible individuals - verified through a shelter-affiliated affidavit and proof of citizenship - may receive a free photo ID card, driver's license replacement, or birth certificate. The bill mandates that shelters confirm residency and that applicants use the shelter's address, with the State Registrar verifying citizenship via approved documents like birth certificates or passports. It limits applicants to one document per 30 days and requires the commissioner to create necessary application forms.
SJR 11 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase West Virginia's homestead exemption from $20,000 to $25,000 for qualifying homeowners. It would exempt the first $25,000 of assessed value on primary residences owned by residents aged 65+ or permanently disabled. The amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election to take effect. This change would directly affect eligible homeowners by reducing their property tax burden on their primary residence. The bill is a constitutional proposal, not an immediate law, and must be ratified by voters.
HB 4531 would require West Virginia to provide homeless U.S. citizens residing at shelters with free identification documents, including photo ID cards, replacement driver’s licenses, and birth certificates. To qualify, applicants must live at a shelter, use the shelter’s address on their application, and have shelter staff verify their residency via an affidavit. The state would confirm U.S. citizenship using documents like birth certificates, passports, or naturalization certificates. Each eligible individual could receive only one document per 30-day period.
SB 450 establishes a 25% state income tax credit for property owners who rehabilitate certified historic buildings in West Virginia. It directly affects residential and non-residential property owners who work on structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places or within designated historic districts, after review by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. The credit applies to "qualified rehabilitation expenditures" meeting specific criteria, including a requirement that rehabilitation costs equal at least 20% of the building's assessed value. The bill reorganizes existing historic preservation tax rules into a new centralized article (§11-13NN) with defined terms and procedures for claiming the credit.
