Bill > SB533

This bill outlines procedures for local religious organizations seeking to disaffiliate from their parent denominations or conferences, requiring a two-thirds vote of the membership for such a decision. It establishes three classes of property: Class A for real estate, Class B for tangible personal property, and Class C for intangible financial assets. For Class A property, a local organization can retain ownership of a parcel if over 50% of the acquisition and improvement costs were raised locally, though they must reimburse the parent denomination for any of its investments in that parcel, with the parent denomination bearing the burden of proof for its contributions. Class B property ownership generally goes to the party that originally purchased or acquired it, again with the parent denomination needing to prove ownership of disputed items. Class C property is divided proportionally based on the sources of funds over the two years prior to disaffiliation, with the parent denomination again responsible for proving its contributions. The bill also includes a provision for courts or arbitrators to classify any property not clearly fitting into the defined categories, places the burden of proof on the parent denomination to demonstrate its financial contributions or ownership, and mandates that parent denominations provide a detailed accounting within 60 days of a disaffiliation request, with specific consequences for failing to do so. This legislation applies to affiliations established or reaffirmed on or after October 1, 2026.

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http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=533&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill