HB 4008 West Virginia House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Relating to Business Ready Sites Program

HB 4008 establishes West Virginia's Business Ready Sites Program, which certifies properties for economic development readiness. Local governments and economic development entities (like counties, cities, or economic development authorities) can apply to have their sites evaluated for readiness, including access to utilities, transportation, and environmental status. The program provides two funding mechanisms: matching grants (up to 50% of improvement costs) and micro grants (up to $100,000 for sites ≥5 acres, $250,000 for sites >20 acres), both requiring repayment if the site is sold or leased for development within 12 months. All funds must be used directly to fix site deficiencies identified in the evaluation, with re-evaluations and recertification required after improvements.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Jan 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

Signed into Law

Jun 2026

Introduced Jan 14, 2026 Signed Jun 29, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Engrossed Version → Enrolled Version · 5 edits · Mar 30, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was finalized into its Enrolled Version, adding new substantive provisions to the West Virginia Business Ready Sites Program. The most significant change is the addition of a new section (§24-2-1n) in Chapter 24, which creates a formal program for certifying large industrial sites (50+ acres) lacking utility infrastructure. This new section authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to certify these sites and allows regulated public utilities to apply to the Public Service Commission for approval to build necessary infrastructure and recover those costs through utility rates. The original Chapter 5B section was retained but updated to explicitly allow sites certified under the new Chapter 24 program to access funding from the Certified Sites and Development Readiness Fund.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from a general site readiness program to include a specific mechanism for large industrial sites (50+ acres) that lack utility infrastructure. It now involves the Department of Commerce, the Public Service Commission, and regulated public utilities in a coordinated process to develop these sites.

SCOPE

Added a new section (§24-2-1n) creating a formal 'West Virginia Business Ready Sites Program' specifically for large industrial sites (50+ contiguous acres) that lack adequate utility services.

DEFINITION

Defined key terms including 'Industrial Development Agency', 'Industrial Development Site' (50+ acres), 'Secretary' (Dept of Commerce), and 'Utility'.

REQUIREMENT

Established a new process where the Secretary of Commerce certifies potential sites, after which public utilities can apply to the Public Service Commission to build infrastructure and recover costs through rates.

FISCAL

Modified the original Chapter 5B section to explicitly state that sites certified under the new Chapter 24 program are eligible for funding from the Certified Sites and Development Readiness Fund, subject to Department of Commerce approval.

ENFORCEMENT

Added detailed provisions allowing public utilities to recover infrastructure costs through rate mechanisms, including specific rules for calculating returns, taxes, and operational expenses.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 12, 2026 · House of Delegates Jan 23, 2026

How they voted

32–1

Passed

Total votes 33

Mar 12, 2026

D Democratic2

2 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican31

30 Yea 1 Nay

96% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 30, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by Governor 3/27/2026

lower

Mar 14, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by Governor 3/27/2026 - Senate Journal

upper

Mar 14, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by Governor 3/27/2026 - House Journal

lower

Mar 12, 2026

Upper · Passed

Passed Senate (Roll No. 477)

upper

Mar 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported do pass

upper

Jan 27, 2026

Committee

To Economic Development

upper

Jan 27, 2026

Introduced

Introduced in Senate

upper

Jan 23, 2026

Lower · Passed

Passed House (Roll No. 11)

lower

Jan 20, 2026

Lower · Passed

Do pass

lower

Jan 14, 2026

Committee

To House Energy and Public Works

lower

Jan 14, 2026

Introduced

Introduced in House

lower

1 primary · 10 co-sponsors