On Apr. 28, 2025, WV LEG governor approved HB 2961, effective on Jul. 11, 2025.
On Apr. 21, WV LEG bill on property ownership by foreign adversaries.
WV LEG passed bill HB 2961, to amend law on ownership, possession of real property.
Amends Code of West Virginia, by adding new article, WV LEG 37-3A-1 through 5, on prohibiting ownership and possession of real property by foreign adversaries.
Bill Provisions
Prohibited People's Republic of China, its citizens who are not resident aliens or citizens of US from acquiring, owning, or transferring any real estate/mineral interests in WV.
Also, prohibited ownership by foreign governments, entities, individuals who have been identified by certain government parties as hostile to interests of US or State of WV,
Forbidden entities that own real estate on effective date must divest within 6 months.
Required prohibited businesses that acquire property in violation to divest in 6 months.
Additionally, designated judicial sale process to force sale of illegally owned real estate.
Measure required notice of such judicial sales; and established good faith protection.
Legislative History
On Feb. 25, 2025, bill was introduced in House; on Apr. 2, 2025, bill passed House.
On Apr. 3, 2025, bill was introduced in Senate; on Apr. 11, 2025, bill passed Senate.
On Apr. 12, 2025, House concurred amendments; on Apr. 21, bill sent to governor.
Effectiveness
Would become effective 90 days from date bill passed legislature (Jul. 11, 2025).
Apr. 28, 2025 WV LEG Governor Approval
On Apr. 28, 2025, WV LEG governor approved HB 2961, effective on Jul. 11, 2025.
Regulators
WV LEG
Entity Types
Corp; MG Orig
Reference
Act, 4/28/2025; Bill HB2961, 4/21/2025; Citation: WV LEG 37;
