StateWest Virginia

HB 4452: To remove Mortmain restrictions on religious organizations

Rick HillenbrandIntroduced

HB 4452 status: Introduced — Chapter 74, Acts, Regular Session, 2026 (updated Aug 13, 2026).

1

What this bill does

Overall score

Score75/100 civic fit
RiskLow risk
ImpactModerate impact 40/100

Bill summary

Official

Lawmakers are currently working on a bill to get rid of old, outdated rules that make it difficult for religious groups to own land. It is currently being debated in the House of Representatives.

Key analysis

Constitutionality85%
Bipartisan80%
Public opinion60%
2

Impact analysis

Environment

Mixed / Neutral
50%

Benefits

  • no identified impact

Risks

  • no identified impact

Economy

Positive Outlook
65%

Benefits

  • removes outdated regulatory barriers for land ownership
  • simplifies property title management for religious entities

Risks

  • minor adjustments required in existing property law registries

Society

Positive Outlook
70%

Benefits

  • removes historical legal discrimination against religious institutions
  • aligns state law with modern property rights standards

Risks

  • none identified
3

How trustworthy & consequential it is

Source

OpenStates

Confidence

low

low

Analysis status

OpenStates summary

Warning

ensure local zoning and land use ordinances remain compliant with non-discriminatory standards despite state-level repeal

Limitation

analysis based solely on summary abstract

4

Where it stands

1

Introduced

Current

Chapter 74, Acts, Regular Session, 2026

2

Committee

Upcoming
3

Floor

Upcoming
4

Governor

Upcoming
5

Enacted

Upcoming
5

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6

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