WV HB4515

Establishes a framework allowing local churches to disaffiliate from parent religious denominations while retaining property, requiring a two-thirds membership vote for approval.

Local congregations retain ownership of real estate parcels where they funded more than 50% of acquisition and improvement costs, with reimbursement to the parent denomination only for its documented financial contributions.

Places the burden of proof on parent denominations to document their financial contributions within 60 days; failure to provide accounting results in the local church retaining disputed property without reimbursement.

Divides intangible assets (investments, bank accounts, bonds) proportionally based on funding sources over the two years preceding disaffiliation.

Effective October 1, 2026, applying to disaffiliations entered into or reaffirmed on or after that date.