FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: January 24, 2020
Time Requested: 01:23 PM
Agency: Tax & Revenue Department, WV State
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
2700 Introduced SB608
CBD Subject: Taxation


FUND(S):

General Revenue Fund

Sources of Revenue:

General Fund

Legislation creates:

Decreases Existing Revenue, Increases Existing Expenses



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


The stated purpose of this bill is to facilitate prompt and effective response to any state of emergency in West Virginia by exempting out-of-state employees and businesses, including affiliates of in-state businesses, that temporarily provide resources and personnel in the state during a state of emergency from state tax and licensing requirements that would otherwise be applicable under the state’s residency requirements. As written, this bill may result in a non-quantifiable revenue loss to the General Revenue Fund. It relates to out-of-state emergency responders aiding in disaster relief in West Virginia during a declared “State of Emergency”. Currently, West Virginia has reciprocal agreements with our surrounding states regarding out-of-state residents working in West Virginia. If an individual works in West Virginia and is a resident of Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Virginia that individual does not have to pay West Virginia income taxes on their wages. This bill would affect emergency workers and businesses in the State temporarily to aid in disaster relief. It is standard practice for power companies to loan workers to each other in emergencies. These companies have mutual-aid contracts that require the host utility to lodge, feed and pay the guest workers. While few companies will participate, the returns of such businesses will be exceedingly complicated due to the exclusion of certain activities. The Tax Department would incur additional costs if a State of Emergency was declared.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2020
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2021
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 0 0
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 0 0


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


As written, this bill may result in a non-quantifiable revenue loss to the General Revenue Fund. It relates to out-of-state emergency responders aiding in disaster relief in West Virginia during a declared “State of Emergency”. Currently, West Virginia has reciprocal agreements with our surrounding states regarding out-of-state residents working in West Virginia. If an individual works in West Virginia and is a resident of Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Virginia that individual does not have to pay West Virginia income taxes on their wages. This bill would affect emergency workers and businesses in the State temporarily to aid in disaster relief. It is standard practice for power companies to loan workers to each other in emergencies. These companies have mutual-aid contracts that require the host utility to lodge, feed and pay the guest workers. While few companies will participate, the returns of such businesses will be exceedingly complicated due to the exclusion of certain activities. The Tax Department would incur additional costs if a State of Emergency was declared.



Memorandum


The stated purpose of this bill is to facilitate prompt and effective response to any state of emergency in West Virginia by exempting out-of-state employees and businesses, including affiliates of in-state businesses, that temporarily provide resources and personnel in the state during a state of emergency from state tax and licensing requirements that would otherwise be applicable under the state’s residency requirements. The proposed bill conflicts with the U.S. Constitution and has unintended adverse effects on other taxes. The bill excludes certain businesses and persons from being present in the State and therefore not subject to licensing or registration requirements on the state and local level.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Mark Muchow
    Email Address: kerri.r.petry@wv.gov