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West VirginiaSB 10262026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Increasing criminal penalties and fines for disturbing religious worship

Sponsored By: Tom Willis (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§61-6-13

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Penalties for disrupting worship, protests protected

Beginning June 12, 2026, it is a crime to willfully interrupt, obstruct, or substantially disturb a religious service or meeting. Each violation is a misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail and a $250 to $1,000 fine. This applies only to willful acts that actually interrupt, obstruct, or substantially disturb worship. Peaceful picketing, protest, or other First Amendment speech remains allowed if it does not willfully interrupt or substantially disturb worship.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Tom Willis

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • T. Kevan Bartlett

    Republican • Senate

  • Vince Deeds

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 165 • No: 0

House vote • 3/14/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 620)

Yes: 97 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 661)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/3/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 303)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter 101, Acts, Regular Session, 2026

    6/25/2026Senate

  2. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026Senate

  3. To Governor 3/19/2026

    3/19/2026Senate

  4. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    3/14/2026House

  5. Read 3rd time

    3/14/2026House

  6. Passed House (Roll No. 620)

    3/14/2026House

  7. Title amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/14/2026House

  8. Communicated to Senate

    3/14/2026House

  9. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  10. Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 661)

    3/14/2026Senate

  11. Communicated to House

    3/14/2026Senate

  12. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026Senate

  13. To Governor 3/19/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026House

  16. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    3/13/2026House

  17. On 2nd reading, Special Calendar

    3/12/2026House

  18. Read 2nd time

    3/12/2026House

  19. Amendment reported by the Clerk

    3/12/2026House

  20. Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/12/2026House

  21. On 1st reading, Special Calendar

    3/11/2026House

  22. Read 1st time

    3/11/2026House

  23. With amendment, do pass

    3/10/2026House

  24. Markup Discussion

    3/6/2026House

  25. House received Senate message

    3/5/2026House

Bill Text

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