West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia SB506: Permitting certain use of county-owned wireless tower
Status: Signed into law, April 1, 2026
What the bill says
An act to amend and reenact §7-1-3k of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to permitting county commissions to lease, rent, or permit the use of county-owned wireless towers or any portions thereof to any entity or entities meeting certain criteria, with equipment and systems meeting minimum requirements, and for purposes not prohibited; prohibiting county commissions from levying charges for use of county-owned wireless towers or any portions thereof by public safety operations, the West Virginia Division of Highways, or any other state agencies provided the same requirement.
From the enrolled text, March 14, 2026:
AN ACT to amend and reenact §7-1-3k of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to permitting county commissions to lease, rent, or permit the use of county-owned wireless towers or any portions thereof to any entity or entities meeting certain criteria, with equipment and systems meeting minimum requirements, and for purposes not prohibited; prohibiting county commissions from levying charges for use of county-owned wireless towers or any portions thereof by public safety operations, the West Virginia Division of Highways, or any other state agencies provided the same requirements are met as for other applicants; allowing county commissions to recover actual and reasonable costs from state, county, or local entities in certain circumstances; mandating county commissions conduct due diligence before permitting use of county-owned wireless towers; and providing that county commissions that conduct due diligence may not be held liable for injuries or damages for entities failing to meet minimum requirements. Article 1. County Commissions Generally. §7-1-3k. Authority to lease, rent, or permit the use of county property. (a) The county commission of each county is authorized to lease, rent, or permit the use of county-owned buildings, lands, and other properties or any portion thereof by nonprofit organizations. Authorized uses pursuant to this section shall include the granting of meeting places, service outlets, and operational headquarters for organizations …