Budget & Taxes (Seniors)

HB 5295 adds $266,879 to the Bureau of Senior Services' budget for fiscal year 2026, using unappropriated funds from the State Fund, General Revenue. It directly affects senior services programs by providing supplemental funding for current operational expenses. The bill amends the existing appropriation by creating a new line item under "Current Expenses" for the Bureau of Senior Services (Fund 0420, Org 0508) without creating new taxes or policies. This allocation stems from an unappropriated balance identified in the Governor's January 2026 budget document.

HB 4922 would exempt all West Virginia residents aged 65 and older from both personal property taxes and real estate property taxes starting January 1, 2027. The bill amends existing tax exemption laws (§11-3-9 and §11-6B-3) to add this new category for seniors, directly affecting older residents who own property in the state. It clarifies that this exemption applies to all real estate and personal property, not just primary residences. The policy change takes effect on a specific date (January 1, 2027), with no mention of income limits or other qualifying conditions in the bill text. This is a direct tax relief measure for senior citizens, not a procedural or commemorative bill.

HB 4906 would exempt West Virginia residents aged 70 or older from paying real estate taxes starting with the 2027 tax year. The bill amends existing tax code sections (§11-3-9 and §11-6B-3) to add this new category of property tax exemption for qualifying seniors. It directly affects older homeowners who meet the age requirement and own residential property in West Virginia. The policy change modifies the state's existing property tax exemption framework to include this specific age group, effective for tax assessments beginning in 2027.