Budget & Taxes (Local Government)

HB 5620 would limit local government authority over "certified high impact data center" projects by blocking counties and municipalities from enforcing zoning, building permits, licensing, or other local regulations for these facilities. The bill requires the Department of Commerce to designate a "Data Economy Liaison" to coordinate with data center developers and mandates that certified projects pay standard municipal business taxes. It applies only to data centers certified by the Commerce Secretary under this law, not all data centers. The bill is pending in the House Judiciary Committee as introduced on February 16, 2026.

SB 488 creates the West Virginia Council on Competitive Government, composed of state leaders including the Governor, legislative leaders, and agency directors. The Council will identify state agency services that could be provided more efficiently through competition with private companies or other state agencies, requiring agencies to use competitive processes like bidding when appropriate. It must consider all costs - including indirect agency expenses and comparable employee benefits - when evaluating service options, and state agencies must follow its directives. Local governments may voluntarily participate in the Council's contracts, which would satisfy their own competitive purchasing requirements.