Bill > SB655

This bill, titled the "Establishing Right to Race Act," creates new protections for racing facilities and racetracks in West Virginia by defining key terms such as "area of the racing facility" (within a 10-mile radius of the track) and "racing facility" or "racetrack" (a designated area for competitive vehicle and motorsport races). The core provision establishes immunity for these facilities from civil lawsuits, specifically those brought by surrounding property owners under theories of nuisance or taking, if the racetrack was established before the property owner purchased their land or built in the area. This immunity applies even if the racetrack undergoes lawful changes to its size, scope, technology, or type of racing. The bill also clarifies that it only applies to claims where the racetrack existed in the state before the claimant acquired or improved their property, and it preempts any local ordinances from political subdivisions that would restrict racetrack operations in a way that conflicts with this article, taking effect immediately upon passage.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=655&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill