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West Virginia2026Enacted

HB4452

Removing Property Limits for Religious Groups

Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 11:08 AM

In one sentence

This law removes an old rule that limited how much land trustees of certain religious organizations could own in West Virginia.

What it does

  • Repeals Section 35-1-8 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931.
  • Eliminates restrictions on the amount of real estate trustees may take and hold for certain religious organizations.

Who it affects

  • Trustees of certain religious organizations in West Virginia

Limits and unknowns

  • The law does not list which specific types of religious organizations are covered.
  • The text does not explain how this change affects property owned before the law took effect.

Official record

Sources

Validated

Official summary

To remove Mortmain restrictions on religious organizations

Official activity

Bill history

  1. Chapter 74, Acts, Regular Session, 2026H
  2. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026H
  3. To Governor 3/30/2026H
  4. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - House JournalH
  5. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - Senate JournalS
  6. To Governor 3/30/2026 - Senate JournalS
  7. Completed legislative actionS
  8. Communicated to HouseS
  9. Passed Senate (Roll No. 537)S
  10. Read 3rd timeS
  11. On 3rd reading with right to amendS
  12. Read 2nd timeS
  13. Laid over on 2nd reading 3/11/2026S
  14. On 2nd readingS
  15. Read 1st timeS
  16. Immediate considerationS
  17. Reported do passS
  18. To Government OrganizationS
  19. To Government OrganizationS
  20. Introduced in SenateS