summary
Introduced
01/21/2026
01/21/2026
In Committee
01/21/2026
01/21/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
The purpose of this bill is to ensure that protections are in place to protect religious services during a declared state of emergency by the Governor or other declarations by the executive branch that would impose restrictions upon such houses of worship.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the Religious Freedom Protection Act, aims to safeguard religious services during declared states of emergency in West Virginia by preventing government orders or measures taken under emergency powers from infringing upon the right to worship, travel to places of worship, or taking adverse actions against religious institutions or their members for practicing their faith. An "adverse action" is defined to include civil or criminal penalties or administrative sanctions, and any religious institution harmed by a violation of this act is granted the right to sue for injunctive relief, damages, attorney's fees, and other remedies, with a two-year statute of limitations for such claims.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (7)
Chris Anders (R)*,
Eric Brooks (R),
Henry Dillon (R),
Joe Funkhouser (R),
Laura Kimble (R),
Larry Kump (R),
Lisa White (R),
Last Action
To House Judiciary (on 01/21/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4680&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill |
| BillText | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb4680%20intr.htm&yr=2026&sesstype=RS&i=4680 |
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