West Virginia Bill Prohibits Local Governments from Assessing Stormwater and Rain Runoff Fees

Original title: Relating to “Rain Tax”

Last action · January 21, 2026: To House Energy and Public WorksSponsors: Chris Anders and 7 others

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What This Bill Proposed

West Virginia House Bill 4675 prohibits municipalities, counties, localities, and other governmental entities from assessing fees to property owners based on stormwater, runoff, or rain.

Who It Would Have Affected

Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Property owners

Property owners are exempt from any local or municipal fees based upon stormwater, runoff, or rain from their real estate.

Directly affected

Municipalities and counties

Local governing bodies are prohibited from assessing stormwater, rain, or runoff fees against real property owners.

Directly affected

West Virginia Division of Highways

The state highway agency is explicitly exempted from having stormwater rates, fees, or charges assessed against its highways, road and drainage easements, or stormwater facilities.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this bill ban all municipal utility fees?

No. The bill specifically prohibits fees based upon stormwater, runoff, or rain from a property, but it does not eliminate traditional water and sewage service rates.

Can property owners still be charged for water and sewer services?

Yes. Municipalities and governing bodies retain the authority to establish and collect rates, fees, or charges for water and sewer services.

Does the bill affect state-owned highways and road drainage?

Yes. The legislation specifies that no stormwater rates, fees, or charges may be assessed against highways, road and drainage easements, or stormwater facilities operated by the West Virginia Division of Highways.

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Where This Stands

This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · in House committee.

Procedural history

4 actions

Jan 21, 2026HouseCommittee
To House Energy and Public Works
Jan 21, 2026HouseIntroduced
Introduced in House
Jan 21, 2026HouseCommittee
To Energy and Public Works
Jan 21, 2026HouseIntroduced
Filed for introduction

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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