Loading chat...
WV HB5494
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/13/2026
Primary Sponsor
Andy Shamblin
Click for details
AI Summary
- County commissions in West Virginia would be authorized to impose an emergency services fee of up to $5 per night on hotel room occupancy
- Fee applies to all lodging accommodations rented for less than 30 consecutive days, including hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts, short-term rentals, and vacation rentals booked through online platforms
- Hotel operators and marketplace facilitators (like Airbnb or VRBO) would be required to collect the fee and remit it monthly to the county commission
- Collected funds must be deposited into a dedicated "County Emergency Services Fund" and used exclusively for EMS, fire departments, law enforcement, 911 centers, and related equipment, training, and staffing
- The article takes effect 90 days after passage, with willful failure to collect or remit fees punishable as a misdemeanor with fines up to $500 per offense
Legislative Description
Authorizing county commissions to impose a county-wide emergency services fee on hotel stays.
Boards and Commissions
Last Action
To House Finance
2/13/2026
Committee Referrals
Finance2/13/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available