HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 57

(By Delegates Howell, Clark, Cannon, Fehrenbacher, Nestor, Lucas, and Skaff)

February 27, 2023

Referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism then the Committee on Rules

Requesting the Department of Economic Development to create a plan of incentives to encourage small businesses in highly regulated states to relocate to West Virginia.

Whereas, Encouragement of smaller businesses, that operate in states that are highly regulated, to relocate in West Virginia is in the public interest and would promote economic growth and development for the people of this state and is in the best interest of the growing economy in West Virginia; and

Whereas, The Department of Economic Development is already authorized, under the provisions of §5B-2-18 of the Code of West Virginia, to develop a program to certify small businesses in the state that creates a competitive small business environment in the state, and also is required, under the provisions of §5B-2-10 of the Code of West Virginia, to report annually to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance on plans that aid the accomplishment of economic development in this state; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Department of Economic Development submit a report, on or before December 1, 2023, to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance detailing its plan and program to create incentives to encourage small businesses in highly regulated states to relocate to West Virginia.