Plain English Breakdown
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SB771 • 2026
Establishing non-denominational chapel within WV State Capitol building
Establishing non-denominational chapel within WV State Capitol building
Passed Legislature
This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.
Bill History
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2026-02-05
S
To Government Organization
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2026-02-05
S
Introduced in Senate
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2026-02-05
S
To Government Organization then Finance
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2026-02-05
S
Filed for introduction
Official Summary Text
Establishing non-denominational chapel within WV State Capitol building
Current Bill Text
Read the full stored bill text
SB 771 Text skip navigation SENATE PRESIDENT SENATORS COMMITTEES VIDEO/AUDIO DISTRICT MAPS SENATE CLERK SENATE RULES HOUSE SPEAKER DELEGATES COMMITTEES VIDEO/AUDIO DISTRICT MAPS HOUSE CLERK HOUSE RULES HOUSE STAFF JOINT INTERIM COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATOR LEGISLATIVE SERVICES DIVISION PUBLIC INFORMATION LEGISLATIVE AUTOMATED SYSTEMS DIVISION LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR'S OFFICE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION & RESEARCH DIVISION POST AUDIT DIVISION BUDGET DIVISION REGULATORY AND FISCAL AFFAIRS DIVISION CLAIMS COMMISSION CRIME VICTIMS RULE-MAKING REVIEW SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS JUDICIAL COMP. COMMISSION JOINT RULES STAFF INFO BILL STATUS BILL STATUS BILL TRACKING STATE LAW WEST VIRGINIA CODE ACTS OF THE LEGISLATURE CODE OF 1931 WV CONSTITUTION US CONSTITUTION REPORTS AGENCY REPORTS AGENCY GRANT AWARDS PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS POST AUDITS EDUCATIONAL CITIZEN’S GUIDE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM PAGE PROGRAM PUBLICATIONS PHOTO GALLERY CAPITOL HISTORY HOW A BILL BECOMES LAW CONTACT SENATE ROSTER HOUSE ROSTER PUBLIC INFO. NEWS RELEASES HELPFUL LINKS Introduced Version Senate Bill 771 History | Email Key: Green = existing Code. Red = new code to be enacted WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE FISCAL NOTE 2026 REGULAR SESSION FISCAL NOTE Introduced Senate Bill 771 By Senator M. Maynard [Introduced February 5, 2026; referred to the Committee on Government Organization; and then to the Committee on Finance] A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §5A-1-13, relating to establishing a non-denominational chapel within the West Virginia Capitol building; and designating the Secretary of the Department of Administration with the oversight, maintenance, and operation of the chapel. Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia: ARTICLE 1. DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION. §5A-1-13. West Virginia Capitol Chapel Act. (a) Short Title -- This act shall be known and cited as the "West Virginia Capitol Chapel Act". (b) Purpose -- The purpose of this act is to establish a non-denominational chapel within the West Virginia Capitol building to provide a space for prayer, meditation, and religious observance, accommodating all faiths and beliefs. (c) Establishment of a Capitol Chapel -- (1) The state of West Virginia shall designate and maintain a chapel within the West Virginia Capitol building for the purpose of religious reflection, prayer, and meditation. (2) The chapel shall be open to all individuals regardless of religious affiliation and shall be used in a manner that upholds the principles of religious freedom as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. (d) Management and Oversight -- (1) The Department of Administration shall oversee the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the chapel. (2) A Capitol Chapel Advisory Committee shall be formed to provide guidance on its use, ensuring inclusivity and adherence to non-discriminatory practices. This committee shall consist of: (A) One representative from each of the following: One member from the West Virginia House of Delegates; (B) One member from the West Virginia Senate; (C) Member of the public; (D) The Secretary of Administration or their designee, serving as the chair. (e) Funding and Maintenance -- (1) The chapel shall be funded through appropriations from the state budget, private donations, and grants as deemed appropriate. (2) No state funds may be used for the promotion of any specific religion, and the space shall remain neutral in its religious representation. (f) Usage Guidelines -- (1) The chapel shall be open during regular Capitol business hours and accessible to all visitors, legislators, and employees. (2) Scheduling for organized services or events shall be managed through the Department of Administration on a non-discriminatory basis. (3) No religious group may have exclusive rights to the chapel, and all uses shall align with the principles of inclusivity and respect for diverse beliefs. (g) Effective Date -- This act shall take effect immediately upon passage. NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to establish a non-denominational chapel within the West Virginia Capitol building. Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added. Bill Status | Bill Tracking | Legacy WV Code | Bulletin Board | District Maps | Senate Roster | House Roster | Live | Blog | Jobs | Links | Home This Web site is maintained by the West Virginia Legislature's Office of Reference & Information. | Terms of Use | Webmaster | © 2026 West Virginia Legislature ** Print On Demand Name: Email: Phone: