HB2961 is a bill in the West Virginia Legislature (2025 Regular Session): To amend the law concerning ownership and possession of real property.

What is the status of HB2961?

Passed both chambers as of April 28, 2025.

Who sponsored HB2961?

Ridenour, Bill (R, 100), with 10 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB2961?

On the West Virginia Legislature website: http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=2961&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill

West Virginia legislation · 2025 Regular Session

West Virginia HB2961: To amend the law concerning ownership and possession of real property

Q: What does HB2961 do?

In its own words: An act to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended by adding a new article, designated §37-3A-1, §37-3A-2, §37-3A-3, §37-3A-4, and §37-3A-5, relating to prohibiting ownership and possession of real property by foreign adversaries; providing definitions; prohibiting the People's Republic of China and its citizens who are not resident aliens or citizens of the United States from acquiring, owning, or transferring any real estate or mineral interests in West Virginia; prohibiting foreign governments, entities, and individuals that have been identified by a majority of Governor, Treasurer.

Status: Passed both chambers, April 28, 2025

The purpose of this bill is to amend the law to prevent foreign adversaries from owning property in West Virginia.

What the bill says

An act to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended by adding a new article, designated §37-3A-1, §37-3A-2, §37-3A-3, §37-3A-4, and §37-3A-5, relating to prohibiting ownership and possession of real property by foreign adversaries; providing definitions; prohibiting the People's Republic of China and its citizens who are not resident aliens or citizens of the United States from acquiring, owning, or transferring any real estate or mineral interests in West Virginia; prohibiting foreign governments, entities, and individuals that have been identified by a majority of Governor, Treasurer.

From the enrolled text, April 12, 2025:

AN ACT to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended by adding a new article, designated §37-3A-1, §37-3A-2, §37-3A-3, §37-3A-4, and §37-3A-5, relating to prohibiting ownership and possession of real property by foreign adversaries; providing definitions; prohibiting the People's Republic of China and its citizens who are not resident aliens or citizens of the United States from acquiring, owning, or transferring any real estate or mineral interests in West Virginia; prohibiting foreign governments, entities, and individuals that have been identified by a majority of Governor, Treasurer, Agriculture Commissioner, Auditor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, as hostile to the interests of the United States or the State of West Virginia from owning real estate or mineral interests in the state; providing Governor with tie-breaking vote; requiring forbidden entities that own real estate on effective date of article to divest within six months; requiring prohibited businesses that acquire property in violation of article to divest that property within six months; designating judicial sale process to force sale of illegally owned real estate; requiring notice of judicial sale; and establishing good faith protections. ARTICLE 3A. Preventing foreign adversaries From Owning REAL ESTATE in West Virginia. §37-3A-1. Ownership of real estate in West Virginia. Except as otherwise provided in this article, any resident …

West Virginia HB2961: To amend the law concerning ownership and possession of real property

What the bill says

Sponsors

Votes

Common questions