Bill > SB561

This bill establishes new rules for local religious organizations seeking to disaffiliate from their parent denominations or conferences, requiring a two-thirds vote of the membership for such a move and outlining how different types of property will be handled. "Class A property" refers to real estate, where a local organization can keep a parcel if over 50% of its acquisition and improvement costs were raised locally, though they must reimburse the parent organization for its investments in that specific parcel, with the parent organization bearing the burden of proof for its contributions. "Class B property" includes tangible personal items like furniture and vehicles, which will be retained by the party that originally purchased or acquired them, again with the burden of proof on the parent organization for any disputed items. "Class C property" encompasses intangible assets like cash and investments, which will be divided proportionally based on the sources of funds over the two years prior to disaffiliation, with the parent organization needing to prove its financial contributions. The bill also includes a provision for courts or arbitrators to classify any property that doesn't fit neatly into these categories, places the burden of proof on the parent organization to provide financial accounting within 60 days, and specifies that these rules apply 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=561&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill