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WV HB4680

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

1/21/2026

Primary Sponsor

Chris Anders

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Prohibits emergency orders issued by the Governor from infringing on the right to assemble for worship, restricting travel to or from places of worship, or authorizing adverse actions against religious institutions or their members
  • Defines "adverse action" to include civil or criminal penalties and administrative sanctions against religious organizations exercising their faith during emergencies
  • Creates a private cause of action for religious institutions that suffer direct or indirect harm from violations, allowing them to seek injunctive relief and damages
  • Establishes a two-year statute of limitations for filing civil actions, with prevailing parties entitled to monetary damages for psychological, emotional, and physical harm, plus attorney's fees
  • Takes effect immediately upon passage and amends the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management code (§15-5-31)

Legislative Description

Prohibit the shutdown of churches or places of worship

Crime

Last Action

To House Judiciary

1/21/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary1/21/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available