WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE

2024 REGULAR SESSION

Introduced

Senate Bill 824

By Senators Maynard and Caputo

[Introduced February 16, 2024; referred
to the Committee on Outdoor Recreation; and then to the Committee on Finance]

A BILL to amend and reenact §5B-2-17 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to the West Virginia Motorsport Committee; expanding the membership from five to 18 members, including the chairperson; and designating the motorsport that shall be represented by the increased membership.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

ARTICLE 2. DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

§5B-2-17. West Virginia Motorsport Committee.

(a) The West Virginia Motorsport Committee is hereby created.

(b) The committee consists of five 18 members, including its chairperson, appointed by the Governor to serve at his or her will and pleasure. The committee members shall represent:

(1) Asphalt oval racing;

(2) Dirt drag racing;

(3) Dirt oval racing;

(4) Drag racing;

(5) Drift racing;

(6) Hill climb racing;

(7) Karting racing;

(8) Motor cross racing;

(9) Motorcycle road course racing;

(10) Mud racing;

(11) Off-road racing;

(12 Rallying racing;

(13) Rallycross racing;

(14) Road course racing;

(15) Time Trials racing;

(16) Truck Racing; and

(17 Truck/Tractor pulls.

((c) The Secretary of the Department of Tourism and the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development shall also serve on the committee, ex officio.

(d) The committee shall:

(1) Work with the existing facilities within the state to enhance existing racing;

(2) Develop a strategy that creates further opportunities, such as encouraging racing training schools, conducting special events, and encouraging special events and the construction of larger in-state racing facilities; and

(3) Seek opportunities to promote economic growth and manufacturing jobs related to motorsports.

(e) The committee shall hold regular meetings, at least quarterly, and conduct public hearings as it considers necessary.

(f) Members of the committee will receive no compensation but are entitled to reimbursement for mileage expenses while attending meetings of the committee to the extent that funds are available through the Department of Economic Development.

(g) The committee shall report on the status of its duties, goals, accomplishments, and recommendations to the Legislature on at least an annual basis.  

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to expanding the membership of the West Virginia Motorsport Committee from five to 18 members, including the chairperson; and to designate the motorsport to be represented by the increased membership.

Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.