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West VirginiaHB 44522026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

To remove Mortmain restrictions on religious organizations

Sponsored By: Rick Hillenbrand (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§35-1-8

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Religious trust land limit repealed

Beginning June 11, 2026, the state removes the cap on how much real estate a trustee may hold for a religious organization. Trustees get more flexibility to place and keep property in a trust. The prior limit no longer protects against very large land holdings, which may change expectations for beneficiaries.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Rick Hillenbrand

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Geno Chiarelli

    Republican • House

  • Elias Coop-Gonzalez

    Republican • House

  • Carl Martin

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 126 • No: 2

Senate vote • 3/13/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 537)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

House vote • 3/2/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 237)

Yes: 93 • No: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026House

  2. To Governor 3/30/2026

    3/30/2026House

  3. To Governor 3/30/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  4. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  5. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  6. On 3rd reading with right to amend

    3/13/2026Senate

  7. Read 3rd time

    3/13/2026Senate

  8. Passed Senate (Roll No. 537)

    3/13/2026Senate

  9. Communicated to House

    3/13/2026Senate

  10. Completed legislative action

    3/13/2026Senate

  11. Read 2nd time

    3/12/2026Senate

  12. On 2nd reading

    3/11/2026Senate

  13. Laid over on 2nd reading 3/11/2026

    3/11/2026Senate

  14. Reported do pass

    3/10/2026Senate

  15. Immediate consideration

    3/10/2026Senate

  16. Read 1st time

    3/10/2026Senate

  17. Introduced in Senate

    3/4/2026Senate

  18. To Government Organization

    3/4/2026Senate

  19. To Government Organization

    3/4/2026Senate

  20. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    3/2/2026House

  21. Read 3rd time

    3/2/2026House

  22. Passed House (Roll No. 237)

    3/2/2026House

  23. Title amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/2/2026House

  24. Communicated to Senate

    3/2/2026House

  25. On 2nd reading, Special Calendar

    2/27/2026House

Bill Text

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