WV HB2961

Prohibits the People's Republic of China, its government, and Chinese citizens who are not U.S. residents or citizens from acquiring, owning, or transferring real estate or mineral interests in West Virginia

Bans "prohibited foreign-party-controlled businesses" (entities with 50% or more controlling interest by prohibited foreign parties) from holding any real estate interest in the state, including through agents, trustees, or fiduciaries

Authorizes the Governor, Treasurer, Agriculture Commissioner, Auditor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State to designate additional foreign governments, entities, or individuals as "hostile" and therefore prohibited from owning property, with the Governor holding tie-breaking authority

Requires existing prohibited property owners to divest within six months of the law's effective date (July 10, 2025), with the Attorney General empowered to file civil actions forcing judicial sale of non-compliant properties

Protects good-faith purchasers by ensuring title is not invalidated solely due to a prior owner's violation, and buyers are not required to investigate whether sellers are prohibited parties