West Virginia House Bill HB2669

West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/22
• Refer: 1/12/22

Caption

Establishing tax credits for lead abatement in child occupied residences

Impact

The passage of HB2669 would amend existing tax codes, specifically sections related to personal and corporate income taxes. It introduces new provisions that would allow property owners and lessees engaged in lead abatement to receive financial relief based on their expenditures. This is significant as it not only encourages the rehabilitation of existing housing stock but also aims to reduce the long-term health risks associated with lead exposure among children, fitting into broader public health initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 2669 aims to create tax incentives for individuals and corporations that undertake lead abatement projects in properties occupied by children. The bill establishes a framework for personal and corporate tax credits based on the cost of lead remediation projects, offering a structure that allows for credits of up to 75% of project costs if completed within specific timeframes. The bill is designed to respond to public health concerns surrounding lead poisoning, particularly as it relates to properties where children live, effectively incentivizing safe living conditions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2669 was largely positive from those supporting the bill, who viewed it as a necessary step toward protecting children's health and encouraging property owners to maintain safe living environments. However, there may be some contention surrounding the financial implications for the state and the feasibility of tracking and verifying the remediation projects undertaken by property owners. Proponents highlighted the proactive nature of the bill in addressing lead hazards, while some concerns were raised about the administrative aspects of implementing these tax credits effectively.

Contention

Despite its positive reception, there are concerns regarding the bill's execution, particularly in terms of ensuring that the lead abatement projects meet established safety standards and that the tax credit process is manageable for both the government and property owners. Additionally, discussions may surface around the possibility of the benefits of the tax credits being outweighed by the associated costs to the state, especially in relation to fiscal impacts if the uptake of the tax credits is greater than anticipated.