Sponsors: Bob Williams

The purpose of this bill is to encourage economic development and job creation by creating the West Virginia Project Launch Pad Act; to provide criteria for establishment of West Virginia project launchpads in certain areas by the Governor; allow county commissions and county councils to apply for launchpad designations; provide the process for application and approval of launchpads; and to provide economic benefits for businesses locating or expanding in launchpads including state and local tax relief and other economic benefits. The bill prohibits businesses in a launchpad from employing illegal aliens, engaging in illegal activity, and being delinquent in payment of state and local taxes; permits the transfer of economic benefits to successor businesses; and requires businesses to comply with applicable zoning laws and state and local building and other codes. The bill also provides for the recapture of taxes and other economic benfits under specified circumstances; requires the promulgation of rules and regulations; imposes civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance; and requires periodic reports to the Governor and the Legislature. Additionally, the bill provides a special method for appraising property in a launchpad for economic development, including providing a new method of valuation of launchpad property; providing for an initial determination of value by the assessor and for protest and appeals; and requiring periodic reports to Governor and Legislature. Finally, the bill creates the “Promoting West Virginia Employment Act” and provides qualification for certain economic benefits provided under the act upon application and review; it also specifies an annual cap on benefits; provides for recapture of benefits; provides for administration and enforcement of the article including the issuance of regulations; and requires periodic reports to Governor and Legislature.